Last year, I posted a list of 10 wonderful multicultural children’s books. I still stand by that list but a few our out of print and there have been so many newly published titles. In light of Multicultural Children’s Book Day, I thought it was time for an update!
So here are 10 MORE children’s books to enjoy celebrating the multicultural world in which we live.
Here are 10 children’s books to enjoy celebrating the multicultural world in which we live.
1. The Farmyard Jamboree
Sing and dance along with a young boy who introduces different members of his family along with a new farmyard animal and animal baby on every page of this rollicking early learner, inspired by a Chilean folk tale.
The cover does not do this fun toe-tapper justice!.
Ages 3 to 7 years
Written By: Margaret Read MacDonald
Illustrated By: Sophie Fatus
Sung By: Bob King
2. Mama Panya’s Pancakes – A Village Tale from Kenya
On market day, Mama Panya’s son Adika invites everyone he sees to a pancake dinner. How will Mama Panya ever feed them all? This clever and heartwarming story about Kenyan village life teaches the importance of sharing, even when you have little to give.
Notable Books for a Global Society
Winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award
Written By: Rich Chamberlin, Mary Chamberlin
Illustrated By: Julia Cairns
3. Jewish Tales
Ages 7 and up
Written By: Shoshana Boyd Gelfand
Illustrated By: Amanda Hall
Narrated By: Debra Messing
4. If You’re Happy and You Know It! – hardcover with music CD ON SALE THIS MONTH!
In this multicultural version of the traditional song, children from cultures all over the world clap their hands, stomp their feet, pat their heads, and much more. Your child will also learn how to say “Hello!” in several languages.
Paperback with Enhanced CD edition includes an animated video with audio singalong sung by Susan Reed.
Ages 3 to 7 years
Written By: Anna McQuinn
Illustrated By: Sophie Fatus
Sung By: Susan Reed
Pair If You’re Happy and You Know It with the Children of the World Memory Game to make a perfect gift set! The game was inspired by the book and encourages memory and matching skills. The object of the game is to match the boy and girl pairs according to the traditional dress, country name and color featured on each card. You’ll also learn 36 ways people say, “Hello!” all over the world.
5. Barefoot Books World Atlas
Embark on a mind-expanding journey across the planet. Your guide is earth enthusiast and TV presenter Nick Crane. Your map-maker is artist David Dean. Divided by geographical region, the Barefoot Books World Atlas looks at the way in which communities and cultures across the world have been shaped by their natural environment, and at the ideas and initiatives which are shaping the future. An atlas for the twenty-first century, it shows how all parts of the planet are interconnected and looks at the challenges which face us all in creating a sustainable future.
Include “lift-the-flap” fun facts and a pull-out wall map.
For all ages
Written By: Nick Crane
Illustrated By: David Dean
(Purchase of the companion iTunes app is not trackable and therefore won’t count for The Sparrow Fund donation this month. The hardcover book is amazing!)
6. Indian Tales – A Barefoot Collection
Venture to a country that is bursting with color, life and contrasts in these lively folk tales. The eight stories in this anthology, each from a different Indian state, feature educational facts and information about the cultures from which they are chosen.
Ages 8 and up
Retold By: Shenaaz Nanji
Illustrated By: Christopher Corr
7. Tales of Wisdom & Wonder
Prepare to be amazed, intrigued and enchanted by these astonishing tales. The seven stories gathered from sources around the world, including Haiti, Russia, America (Cree), and Ireland are full of magic, mystery and transformations. Book with CD editions include stories read by Hugh Lupton.
Ages 5 to 11 years
Retold By: Hugh Lupton
Illustrated By: Niamh Sharkey
8. Off We Go to Mexico! – An Adventure in the Sun
Swim in turquoise seas, admire grey whales and monarch butterflies, trek to native villages and sing and dance to the music of Mariachi bands. Along the way, you can learn Spanish words and phrases and discover Mexican culture. Enjoy your journey!
Ages 4 to 10 years
Written By: Laurie Krebs
Illustrated By: Christopher Corr
9. Stories from the Silk Road
Journey along the ancient trade route between East and West. The seven intriguing tales in this collection each feature an important city along the Silk Road, and are filled with adventure and drama, as the merchants, muleteers, spies and shepherds travel this exotic route.
Ages 8 and up
Retold By: Cherry Gilchrist
Illustrated By: Nilesh Mistry
10. The Barefoot Book of Blessings from Many Faiths and Cultures
Cultivate a reverence for life’s gifts and the varied ways of receiving them. This elegant collection of prayers and blessings is selected from a wide range of countries, cultures and world religions.
Ages 5 and up
Compiled By: Sabrina Dearborn
Illustrated By: Olwyn Whelan