Exploring the world with my family is a way for us to celebrate diversity. We are a Canadian, Chinese, West Indian family with unique traditions and celebrations. Travel is one way our kids learn about the differences and similarities between cultures and people.
When we meet other families during our trips, we ask them about their favourite dishes, what they enjoy doing outside of work/school, how they celebrate certain holidays and how to say common phrases in their native language.
Traveling with young children isn’t always feasible with our busy schedules but we’re thankful that this celebration of different cultures continues in our community and at our kids’ school. Reading and books play a huge role in teaching them about diversity and it often continues the conversation of what we’ve learned during our travels.
If you’re looking to add some new books to your collection, here are 11 books that teach kids about different cultures and diversity.
1. All the Way to America: The Story of a Big Italian Family and a Little Shovel
All the Way to America: The Story of a Big Italian Family and a Little Shovel
This colorful book is an easy way to explain to my kids how and why their grandparents left their birth countries to start a new life in Canada. All the Way to America by Dan Yaccarino
2. Disney It’s A Small World Hello, World!
Disney It’s A Small World Hello, World!
The pictures are bright and captures little reader’s attention while they learn how to say “Hello” in 10 different languages. Disney It’s A Small World Hello, World! by Disney Book Group is a terrific book for ages 2 and up.
3. How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World
This entertaining story uses food and travel to teach kids about geography and diversity. How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman
4. M Is for Maple
M Is For Maple: A Canadian Alphabet (Discover the World)
Each letter of the alphabet is introduced through a rhyme and the illustrations are so vibrant that even the youngest of readers will love looking at them. M Is For Maple: A Canadian Alphabet (Discover the World) by Michael Ulmer
5. My Granny Went to Market
My Granny Went to Market
My Granny Went to Market by Stella Blackstone
6. People
People
It introduces kids to different cultures, religions and lifestyle in different parts of the world. People by Peter Spier
7. Same, Same But Different
Same, Same But Different
Same, Same But Different by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw
8. The Sneetches and Other Stories
The Sneetches and Other Stories
The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss
9. Ten Tiny Babies
Ten Tiny Babies
Ten Tiny Babies by Karen Katz
10. We’re Different, We’re the Same
In We’re Different, We’re the Same
They love guessing which feature belongs to which Sesame Street character. We’re Different, We’re the Same by Bobbi Kates
11. Whoever You Are
Whoever You Are
Whoever You Are by Mem Fox
What are some of your family’s favorite books for teaching kids about diversity and different cultures?
One of the things I love about travel is that my son learns about cultural differences and to accept that other people are not only different in colour and language but also in beliefs. These books sound like great alternatives or good introductions before you travel to teach them a little about what to expect.
What a helpful list! Thank you for sharing these great books for teaching children important values very young.
These book tips are important. May today’s children learn to understand diversity, but that they also never lose their essence. Good post!