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Reading with Toddlers
I’m wondering if Ms. Nurss has any ...

I’m wondering if Ms. Nurss has any suggestions for books that focus on diversity, either through text or illustrations or both.  One of our favorite books to read with our children is Everywhere Babies (written by Susan Meyers and illustrated by Marla Frazee). Frazee’s illustrations show families which are diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.  Can she suggest other books for toddlers and young children that reflect other such diverse living environments?

submitted by Ann H., Parent, Chicago, IL
(July 10, 2008 - 2:41 pm)
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Books that young children find inviting and that also reflect the many faces of the real world are well worth searching for.  Fortunately, there are more such titles published every year. Choose among them by watching for books that will appeal to your own child’s special interests while respecting the diversity that surrounds us all.  Here are a few suggestions to begin with:


  • A young baby who is fascinated by faces will enjoy examining the pages of Global Babies, a board book published by the Global Fund for Children. A clear colorful photo of a baby’s face fills each page. The babies’ cultures and ethnicities may vary, but their range of  expressions will be endearingly familiar to all parents. 
  • In Eyes, Nose, Fingers, and Toes,  Judy Hindley’s lively verses blend with Brita Granstrom’s multicultural illustrations to make a satisfying book for any baby who is just learning to play peek-a-boo or patty-cake.
  • If your toddler likes to imitate new actions, read Ten Little Fingers by Child’s Play (International),  illustrated by Annie Kubler. Your child can join in with the pictures that show children clapping their hands, hiding them, closing their fingers up tight, and opening them wide.
  • The board book, Rain Feet by Angela Johnson is especially fun to read on a rainy day. A little African-American boy pulls on his bright yellow boots and goes splashing in the puddles.
  • Helen Oxenbury’s books are always sure to delight. Most of her recent ones show ethnically diverse babies and toddlers. Consider reading All Fall Down, Clap Hands, or Say Goodnight.
  • Older toddlers and preschoolers always enjoy the classic picture book Mama, Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse.  Barbara Lavalee’s gentle illustrations of the Inuit culture accompany the message that love continues despite misbehavior--a comforting realization for children and parents alike.
submitted by Sally Nurss
(July 10, 2008 - 3:00 pm)