Hello Friends!! I hope this post finds everyone well, happy and healthy. Hopefully there is some kind of normalcy now in everyone’s routines and the kiddos are adjusting to summer some what smoothly (lol).
I am back this week with a second installation of lovely stories about diversity and kindness for your kiddos. This is going to be very similar to the first list.
Just like that, this is a list of stories that would be wonderful additions to your home libraries, or preschool libraries if you have one. I’m hoping this can serve as a resource for parents who are looking to help diversify their children’s libraries and help introduce some difficult but much needed talk revolving around our diverse and beautiful world!
Also, I have added a bonus resource at the bottom so make sure to read all the way through! Enjoy!
*Texts!
Angus All Aglow by Heather Smith: This is such a lovely text to start out the second part of the kindness stories series. Angus All Aglow promotes such beautiful individuality and teaches kids that being different is what makes us special. The illustrations are magnificent and really bring the story alive. It also teaches kids the importance of staying strong in being who you are, exploring the things you like, and that acceptance is just right there.
I also think it’s quite the important read for parents as well who may need a little practice in deviating from some possible archaic traditional norms as well. Definitely give it a read!
Braids by Robert Munsch: This story is a wonderful text that helps promote inclusivity of characters, a variety of features, as well as relatable feelings and emotions. Sometimes it’s not just the specific message of the story that must be positive leaning (as this story is as well), but also that we see a diverse cast. It is extremely important for all little ones to be able to see themselves represented within a book and with characters who share similar circumstances.
The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali: This is a similar text to that of above with regards to representing more diverse characters and qualities and characteristics. The storyline is a little more intense as it does have some pretty strong bullying examples, but none the less, this so important to teach. This should not be skipped over. I think it is too rare that we see these kinds of characters and we must make it a priority to add as much diversity in storylines, characters, and messages as possible to our libraries. It has such a beautiful message, the characters are wonderfully portrayed, and it teaches understanding for everyone.
Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry: This is a really short and pretty to the point book. Because it does have minimal vocabulary its great for even the youngest of kids. The anti-bullying message is very clear, remains calm, and promotes kindness and inclusivity in the simplest of ways. It would be a wonderful read for 2yrs. +.
Bad Case of the Stripes by David Shannon: This is more of a silly tale but has a good message none the less. Your kids will also love the illustrations, which will help them attend throughout the read aloud. It is anti-bullying focused and promotes kindness and inclusivity again, which is the aim. It teaches children that it is important we take care of each other, use kind words, and make friends feel welcomed. The light heartedness and silliness of the pictures helps bring the story alive. This will be an instant classic and has been in our preschool for years.
The Day You Begin by Rafael Lopez: I absolutely love this book about the first day of school! It has to be added to your library if it’s not there yet. It promotes positive cultural identity for so many. It helps teach children to find the similarities they have amongst each other and to love the differences that make them who they are. But what’s really special is that it uses non-fictional places and ethnicities so kids can really see themselves in the story. Just a beautiful book to share with your kids.
Don’t Touch My Hair by Sharee Miller: This is a very well known story. This is also a must have! It delves into the importance of personal space when encountering something or someone new. It helps teach respect, appropriate and frankly normal boundaries, and simply promotes positive ways of communicating appropriate behaviors. It’s such a cute book and teaches such an important message without any negative connotation.
Not Quite Snow White by Ashley Franklin: This is a lovely tale about a little girl who wants to be Snow White in her school play but obviously does not have the traditional features of what we were taught Snow White to look like. How silly, I know. But it is important to teach our children this. Truthfully it dives into the old rhetoric of physical standards of beauty. But none the less, the little girl in this story is undeterred regardless of not sharing some of the same characteristics as the princess she wants to be and still comes out glorious in the end. This is a wonderful book that helps teach children that it doesn’t matter what the color of your skin, or your weight, or height, etc. is, you can be anything you want to be.
Flock of Shoes by Maribeth Boeltz: This story deals with another type of diversity that is just as important to teach your little, economic diversity. It tells a tale of two little boys who have different circumstances then their peers and how they are wanting to belong as all kids do through having the coolest new sneakers. It’s definitely an important message to help teach all kids, that there are always going to be families that have different circumstances. However, it is important to help when you can, share when you can, be inclusive of all, and just be a friend. It’s a lovely story that teaches kindness and belonging for all.
Kindness Gets A Thumbs Up! By Brenda Li: We are ending this second list with another simple but effective text for our little ones. I want to make sure that we include stories that are not only suitable for pre-k + ages but also for our 2s and 3s. This is a simple text that very clearly illustrates kindness actions and the reactions it receives. Once you read the story, you’ll very clearly see what I mean. But the message is simple; be kind and spread kindness. A wonderful book for ages 2+.
*Bonus Materials
In doing research for this post, I came across a beautiful youtuber who focuses specifically on read alouds for children. Not only is that already amazing, but the stories that she shares are focused on themes showcasing African American characters, storylines delving into African American issues, and authors of this and other diverse backgrounds.
Her youtube handle is Sankofa Read Aloud. If you know her name please leave it in a comment below since I was unable to find it. But she is just such a magical resource to have, especially within these times. I cannot wait to hear more of her read alouds and replenish the kids libraries with some more stories embracing diversity and cultural awareness and exploration.
*Summary
Alright parents! You are set with another list of awesome stories to add to your children’s library. Remember, this is an ongoing learning experience for them so the more stories and opportunities for learning you provide the better.
Also just a note I forgot to add in the previous post, many of these stories can be found online now. You can do this either through a subscription process or even as aforementioned, through youtube. Keep the learning going, definitely check out Sankofa Read Aloud on youtube, and teach your kids the kindness we need to see and know in the world.
And as always, If you have any questions, comments, or ideas please share them in the comments section below. And definitely subscribe to the newsletter for updates and ongoing happenings at TylekTeaches.com. The subscription link is just at the bottom of this post.
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