It's never too early to talk about race, and reading books with a diverse cast of characters portrayed in positive and non-stereotypical ways can help toddlers and infants to normalise and celebrate difference. For little ones who can express themselves verbally, books are a great way to explore and discuss diversity together.
Recommendations
7 books for toddlers with diverse characters
Ryan MacEachern/Penguin
Little World: In the City by Alison Black (2+ years)
These board books with push-and-pull adventures help little ones play and learn about the world around them, from familiar landscapes to faraway places. They show a diverse mix of people across the bright and engaging illustrations, that encourages interaction and play, from In the City and On the Farm to At the Airport and To the Moon.
Busy Day: Vet by Dan Green (2-4 years)
What do grown-ups do all day? Some grown-ups look after animals, go into space, build houses and more! The Busy Day series shows a diverse mix of characters that make up the world around them. The push and pull flaps are great for little ones to explore, play and learn and help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Ladybird Tales of Super Heroes (4+ years)
Super heroes come from all around the world and have always been with us, from gods with mighty powers to human heroes who don disguises to save the day. In the Ladybird Tales of Super Heroes, your young reader can discover six larger-than-life mythic and legendary heroes from around the world, from different backgrounds and worlds, all beautifully illustrated.
The Big Book of the UK by Imogen Russell Williams & Louise Lockhart (4+ years)
The UK is a country full of lots of different people, cultures and traditions, and this incredible book bursting with facts is a great way for you and your little reader to explore together. Start discussions and learn whilst having fun!
F Is for Feminism: An Alphabet Book of Empowerment by Carolyn Suzuki (5+ years)
This series of books, which includes M Is for Mindfulness and A Is for Avocado, is a great way for little ones to learn through the alphabet. With diversity at the forefront of Carolyn Suzuki’s illustrations, each book gently introduces toddlers to each subject, from things they can see, touch and taste in A is for Avocado to forces for good in F Is for Feminism to feelings and senses in M Is for Mindfulness.
Poems Out Loud! by Laurie Stansfield (5+ years)
With award-winning poets, brand new voices, hip-hop artists and spoken-word performers, these poems can be performed out loud, shared with others or simply read. This relevant and contemporary collection is great for little ones coming to poetry for the first time.
Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Mermaid by Rhiannon Fielding & Chris Chatterton (5+ years)
Splash the mermaid does not want to go to bed! But when her dad starts his bedtime countdown, can she fit in as much fun as possible before it’s time to go to sleep? Beautifully illustrated to show that everyone can be a mermaid, this is the perfect book to send your wide-awake little one to sleep.
