Last year, we introduced you to five engaging books for your child’s library. This year, we have five more book recommendations that help children embrace diversity and self-acceptance.
Lenny and Wilbur (For Readers 1+)
By Ken Wilson-Max
Lenny and Wilbur the dog are the best of friends. They do everything together! Lenny makes sure that Wilbur has enough to eat and drink, and brushes Wilbur’s golden fur. Wilbur just makes Lenny giggle and laugh!
It’s Time to Hush and Say Good Night (For Readers 2+)
By Chitra Soundar and Sandhya Prabhat
Travel a lush dreamscape world as a father soothes his toddler toward sleep, weaving a quilt of dreams across the roaring seas and through the inky night—and dealing with some big toddler emotions along the way. Sumptuously illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat, this dream-ride of a bedtime book, written by renowned author Chitra Soundar and inspired by ancient Indian lullabies, is sure to leave little ones drifting toward a joyful sleep.
Gorgeously Me! (For Readers 3+)
By Jonathan Van Ness and Kamala Nair
Being true to yourself and showing the world who you are isn’t always easy. Gorgeously Me assures young readers that they are loved and cherished, exactly as they are. A joyous, lyrical ode of pride and self love and a celebration of all of the things that make us exceptional.
Perfect (For Readers 4+)
By Waka T. Brown and Yuko Jones
Miki Amelia Masuda liked everything in her life to be perfect. Her room was immaculately clean. She only ate round cookies, not the broken ones. And if a stuffed animal had a tear in it, she couldn’t bear to look at it. So when she accidentally drops and breaks her favorite teacup, she’s devastated. How can a broken teacup ever be perfect again?
Days later, Miki’s grandmother, Obaachan, presents Miki with the fixed teacup. But it’s not perfect! Each crack is highlighted by a gold streak of paint—almost as if to show off the imperfections!
What follows is one girl’s journey to understanding that life isn’t always perfect. Through the art of kintsugi, Waka and Yuko show readers—and Miki—that rips, cracks, and tears have their own stories to tell, ones that are meaningful in their own way.
Lizzie and Lucky: The Mystery of the Lost Chicken (For Readers 5+)
By Megan Rix
Lizzie and Lucky are visiting the Five Freedoms Sanctuary. It’s a lovely place for all sorts of rescued animals.
When a local farmer announces some terrible plans for his land that could endanger the surrounding wildlife, our dynamic duo know they must investigate the case. Can they use their detective skills to stop him?
While looking for clues, Lizzie spots some strange footprints and an unusual blue creature that stands out from the rest! But what is it, and where did it come from? Could it be the key to saving the day?
