Multicultural Literature

  Multicultural Literature for Young Children  

    Children need books that are windows into others’ lives as well as mirrors of their own.  If you are looking for books to add to your preschool or kindergarten library, these are my top three multicultural stories for children.  

              

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

              

         FOX, M. (2022). Whoever you are. CLARION BOOKS.         

        The picture book Whoever You Are written by Mem Fox and illustrated by Leslie Staub is a celebration and exploration of diversity. The genre of the story is realistic fiction. The purpose of the story is to both to persuade and inform. Children learn that despite our differences we share many similarities that connect us. Whoever they are, and wherever they live, there are people just like them in the world.

                A magical man who takes four children on an adventure around the world as they explore the lives of other children from different cultures. Mem Fox writes in a way that is both simple and meaningful, making this story appropriate for young children from 2.5 years old to kindergarten. The story simultaneously highlights the differences and similarities of these children and the children they see on their travels. Mem Fox is a celebrated Australian author who has written many stories including Possum Magic, Time for Bed, and Night Noises

               The illustrations are colorful and brightly painted snapshots of the daily lives of children around the world. There are many pages where the pictures are bordered with a gorgeous wood craved frame.  The illustrations not only reflect the mood of the story but enhance and expand on the text. Showing us the houses, schools, and customs of other cultures accurately and respectfully.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

              

            

         Penfold, A., & Kaufman, S. (2018). All are welcome. Alfred A. Knopf.      

        The story All Are Welcome written by Alexandra Penfold and illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman. This story is set in a school in a very diverse neighborhood. It showcases how inclusivity and sharing of differences make our school and community more beautiful and fun.

        The genre of the story is realistic fiction.  The purpose of the story to persuade and inform. This picture book is appropriate for children from 4 years old and up. Honestly, I would even read this story to children all the up to fourth or fifth grade get to help remind the students that school is an inclusive and safe place.

        Penfold uses rhyme and repetition in this lovely story that follows the children throughout their school day and at home. The beautiful illustrations are simple and vital to enhance the meaning of the story. The illustrations show children of all races, cultures and abilities playing and learning together. There are children in wheelchairs, hijabs, glasses,and baseball caps. In addition to school actvities,  religious holidays and traditions are featured as well as many types of foods in which everyone is participating together. 

         This is a great story to read at the beginning of the year. It sets the tone for inclusion and acceptance. Letting the children know this is a safe place, you are accepted, wanted and this is how we treat each other.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

              

         Stanton, B. (2015). Little humans. CENTRAAL BOEKHUIS BV.

       This story comes to us from the famous photographer Brandon Stanton. You may know him from his Book and Blog Humans of New York. In Little Humans Stanton narrates all the wonderful things children can do. The text is simple but impactful. Each page consists of one simple line of text and features  a large, unique photo of real children. The children showcased within the book are from all walks of life, races, genders, and ages.  

        My students LOVE this book and I keep it in my classroom library all year.  The genre of the story is nonfiction and is appropriate for children ages 2.5 years old to first grade. The purpose of this story is to entertain. This book is not only empowering for children but helps to break stereotypes and see value in our uniqueness.  I love the pictures and the simple story. The beauty of Little Humans is how simple it is.

 

Way to expand on the books

• Have children bring in a family photo and create a classroom family book to keep in your library.

• Using a mirror, crayons and paper, have children draw a self-portrait to display in the classroom.

• For students who can write, take a picture of each student, and have them write something they can do or their favorite thing about themselves.

• Help children research countries around the world. Discuss the features (natural and man-made) to learn the similarities and differences of places, people and countries.

Questions to ask your students

• How are these stories alike?

• What are some of the things that make you special and different?

• What do you think life would be like if we were all exactly the same?