Importance of Representation in Children's Books

[Ginnyz]

As a parent and in today's world, representation, diversity, and inclusion is so important to teach our children. As an Asian American, I found that there is a huge gap in Children's books for my kids. The lack of diversity and lack of representation is very real. I want to ensure that I expose my young kids early to all sorts of cultures, backgrounds, and diverse ideas and not like how I grew up from the stories I've read as a kid. Please share some of your favorite Children's books as I have a hard time finding really good ones for my kids to read.

hey OP. What ages are the children?

Clever sticks is a nice one.

The US book market is somewhat different to the UK market. Are you in US or UK at present?

Depending on age:
It's not so awful falafel
The hate u give
Other words for home
Blended
Be prepared

Specifically asian american I have been recommended but not read yet
Stargazing by Jen wang
Almost american girl

Sorry if these are older kids age wise than you are looking for!

Children's age is between 3-6

The publisher Barefoot Books is fab. Search by them on selling sites.
www.bookdepository.com/My-Granny-went-Market-Stella-Blackstone/9781905236626?ref=grid-view&qid=1604251329802&sr=1-10

The mixed up chameleon by Eric Carle is lovely & has a positive message about just be yourself.

Another good one
www.bookdepository.com/Whoever-You-Are-Mem-Fox/9780152060305?ref=pd_detail_1_sims_b_p2p_1

This small US publisher specialises in books for young children featuring Asian characters, I have read a couple and they are fab mangoandmarigoldpress.com/pages/about-us

I haven't got any suggestions but posting to bump and say good luck

Represention is so important and I pick up as much as I can for my daughter. Do you have any family still in Asia? There might be some gems there that aren't printed internationally.

3-6 age group, reading to the younger end, and older end could probably read themselves, depending on level. These are more general diversity, about African and Middle Eastern cultures mainly.

Atinuke's No 1 Car Spotter series is absolutely wonderful. It's set in a country like Nigeria (never named) and written by a Nigerian writer in the UK. It's funny and inspired DS to research Nigerian customs and cuisine. Some 6 year olds would be able to read it.

Mia Mayhem series about a family of black superheroes is good fun and a 6 year old could probably read them alone.

Planet Omar is about a Muslim family and with lots of drawings is very similar to the Wimpy Kids style of books, very funny. Good for 6+

Getting older -
No Ballet Shoes in Syria
The Boy at the Back of the Class
Nowhere Boy
These three are all amazing and loved by DD(10)