Book Recommendations for Early Childhood
WECAN (https://waldorfearlychildhood.org/) has a growing list of recommended diversity, equity, and inclusion-based storybooks for children. As we know, a bookshelf can always use a little refresher, whether it is a library visit or a shopping excursion to the local independent bookshop. Here are a few from each age group that we have highlighted. The full list can be found here.
TODDLERS
Baby Goes to Market by Atinuke
Join Baby and his doting mama at a bustling southwest Nigerian marketplace for a bright, bouncy read-aloud offering a gentle introduction to numbers.
Happy In Our Skin by Fran Manushkin
Fran Manushkin's rollicking text and Lauren Tobia's delicious illustrations paint a breezy and irresistible picture of the human family – and how wonderful it is to be just who you are.
Little You by Richard Van Camp and Julie Flett
"You are life and breath adored. You are us and so much more..."
Round Is a Tortilla: A Book of Shapes by Roseanne Thong and John Parra
In this lively picture book, children discover shapes all around them!
Ten, Nine, Eight by Molly Bang
A Caldecott Honor Book and ALA Notable Book. A bedtime book and a counting book! “A delightful bedtime book.”—New York Times
AGES 3 & UP
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardsson and Peter Parnell
In the zoo there are all kinds of animal families. But Tango's family is not like any of the others.
Vibrant, lively, and astonishingly sweet in a pure, unsentimental way, these pages present us with relatable children, small animals, lots of food, atmosphere, and many mysteries.
Home Is a Window by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard
A family learns what home really means, as they leave one beloved residence and make a new home in another.
Mama Panya’s Pancakes by Mary and Rich Chamberlin and Julia Cairns
This clever and heartwarming story about Kenyan village life teaches the importance of sharing, even when you have little to give.
Zoe and the Fawn by Catherine Jameson and Julie Flett
Zoe and her father are delighted to come across a fawn in the forest. But the fawn is alone―where is its mother? Join Zoe on her quest for the deer, as she encounters animals and learns their Okanagan (syilx) names along the way.
AGES 4 & UP
Anna Hibiscus Song by Atinuke and Lauren Tobia
Anna Hibiscus is so filled with happiness that she feels like she might float away. And the more she talks to her mother and father and grandfather and grandmother and aunties and cousins about it, the more her happiness grows! There's only one thing to do...Sing!
Eyes That Kiss the Corners by Joanna Ho
This lyrical, stunning picture book tells a story about learning to love and celebrate your Asian-shaped eyes, in the spirit of Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, and is a celebration of diversity.
I am Perfectly Designed by Karamo Brown
In this empowering ode to modern families, a boy and his father take a joyful walk through the city, discovering all the ways in which they are perfectly designed for each other.
Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
In an exuberant picture book, a glimpse of costumed mermaids leaves one boy flooded with wonder and ready to dazzle the world.
The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh by Supriya Kelkar
Harpreet Singh has a different color for every mood and occasion, from happy sunny yellow to courageous red. He especially takes care with his patka--his turban--making sure it always matches his outfit. But when Harpreet's mom finds a new job in a snowy city and they have to move, everything just feels gray. Can he find a way to make life bright again?
AGES 5 & UP
A Different Pond is an unforgettable story about a simple event - a long-ago fishing trip. Graphic novelist Thi Bui and acclaimed poet Bao Phi deliver a powerful, honest glimpse into a relationship between father and son - and between cultures, old and new.
Carmela Full of Wishes by Matt de la Peña
When Carmela wakes up on her birthday, her wish has already come true--she's finally old enough to join her big brother as he does the family errands.
Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all.
On A Magical Do-Nothing Day by Beatrice Alemagna
This picture book with startlingly beautiful words and pictures will spur imagination and a break from boredom or screen time.
From Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o comes a powerful, moving picture book about colourism, self-esteem and learning that true beauty comes from within.
Wabi Sabi by Mark Reibstein and Ed Young
The award-winning and New York Times bestselling book about a cat named Wabi Sabi who searches for the meaning of her name.
AGES 6 & UP
Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade's first self-authored picture book is a gorgeous celebration of the land she knows well and the powerful wisdom of elders.
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and award-winning artist Rafael Lopez create a kind and caring book about the differences that make each of us unique.
Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe
A Caldecott Honor and Reading Rainbow book, this memorable retelling of Cinderella is perfect for introducing children to the fairy tale as well as the history, culture, and geography of the African nation of Zimbabwe.
The Girl with a Brave Heart by Rita Jahanforuz and Vali Mintzi
Young Shiraz lives a lonely life with her stepmother and stepsister, completely unaware of the old woman who lives alone next door...until Shiraz's runaway yarn ball brings them face-to-face. This beautiful story from Tehran-born Israeli pop star Rita Jahanforuz explores the power of listening to others and the value of empathy.
The Together Tree by Aisha Saeed and LeUyen Pham
All Are Welcome meets Be Kind in this poignant and accessible picture book about the power every bystander—no matter how small—has to extend kindness and stand up in the face of intolerance.
When the Shadbush Blooms by Carla Messinger
A young Lenape Indian girl observes and reflects on the small, important ways her family today, and her ancestors generations before, celebrate the cycle of seasons.
If you have any books that you believe should be on this list, please send them over to marketing@cedarwoodschool.org.