I’ve been making very, very short picture book videos on my YouTube channel. I only have 47 subscribers, so if you would subscribe, I’d be very grateful!
I made over three dozen picture book videos so far of newly published books, but I picked these five diverse books to highlight today.
5 Wonderful Diversity Picture Books Made Into a Very Short Video
Mamá the Alien by Rene Colato Lainez, illustrated by Laura Lacamara
The confusion of being a legal alien versus an alien from outer space makes its bilingual Spanish picture book the perfect conversation starter about the naturalization process. MAMA THE ALIEN by Rene Colato Lainez, illustrated by Laura Lacamara. ♫ Background song, Englishman In New York by Sting. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
Excellent Ed by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by
The Ellis kids are excellent at something: soccer, math, ballet, and baking. Ed the dog tries to figure out his special skill: breaking stuff, losing stuff, forgetting stuff. But the kids are better at that too! Is this why he doesn’t get to eat at the table, ride in the van, or sit on the couch? Or are his skills related to that? ♫ Background song, Dog Days Are Over by Florence + the Machine. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
What Does It Mean To Be Kind? by Rana DiOrio, illustrated by Stephane Jorisch
This lovely diversity picture book encourages kindness by presenting real-life scenarios that speak to kids. From smiling at the new kid, sticking up for a victim, to picking up trash, spread kindness with an important message. ♫ Background song, Kind & Generous by Natalie Merchant. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
Magic Trash: A Story of Tyree Guyton and His Art by J. H. Shapiro, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
He literally turned trash into art to save his decaying Detroit neighborhood. And it worked. The Heidelberg Project is more than 30 years old.
Visit this remarkable public art display in Detroit or online at www.heidelberg.org. ♫ Background song, Imagine by John Lennon. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
I’m New Here by Anne Sibley O’Brien
This multicultural starting school book is about three children from different countries starting over in America where they have to learn a new language and make new friends. ♫ Background song, (Just Like) Starting Over by John Lennon. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
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My books:
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
- Starred review from School Library Journal
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
- 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
- Green Earth Book Award longlist
- Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids
Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me
I love the idea of short videos to promote diversity in literature.
Such a great idea, Mia. Thanks for introducing me to Magic Trash–can’t wait to read it. You now have another subscriber ;)!
Yay! Thank you Maria!
All of these look fantastic. You find the best books!
Thanks so much MaryAnne,
They are all from Charlesbridge Publishing. I did a little shopping when I was there to see Peter H Reynolds.
This is such a great idea! I love how it promotes diversity among children. I really believe that it’s important to raise awareness about these issues even at such a young age. I know that they’ll be growing up in a world, where these sorts of topics get quite sensitive and debatable. I want my kids to understand the circumstances and to act with compassion to other individuals. This is a really great way to get started. Thank you so much for these!
Thanks so much Janice!! Your kind words mean a lot to me because this is the mission of my blog and of Multicultural Children’s Book Day. Your support of diversity in children’s books, I believe, is helping to change the world for the better.