Multicultural picture books for children ages 4-7 years old GUEST POST

I’m so happy to share this post with you today! I met the author of this guest post, a fellow blogger many years ago at my first Britmums event and had been chatting to her via our respective blogs even before then. Maria is a mother to two gorgeous children and is now an aspiring children’s author as well as a growing authority on natural and mixed race hair. Her blog, The Tiger Tales is a must read. Here, Maria shares some of her favourite multicultural picture books for young children.

It wasn’t until I decided to write my own picture book that I realised how limited the UK market was. Up until then, I’ve allowed my children to select their own books at the library or book shop then together we would decide on the final picks. I came up with the idea for my book because I spotted what I felt was a gap in the market. During my research, at first I began seek out books that featured racial diversity and I found it quite difficult. Even the library was limited. I had to resort to shopping online and purchasing books from the USA.

Eventually at a book event, I discovered the Letterbox Library. I didn’t anticipate how my children would respond to the books. Naturally, they love a good story no matter who’s in it. However, upon being introduced to books with non-white main characters, or characters who didn’t fit a socially acceptable mould, they were even more engaged. They found characters that they could identify with or who reminded them of someone they knew. I think by sharing books that feature diverse characters, gives children a sense of validation and an understanding of other people’s/children’s experiences.

In my pursuit to find diverse books, I’ve found a few books that are dear to our hearts. Here’s four of our favourite diverse, multicultral books to date:

Made by Raffi/ by Craig Pomranz, illustrated by Margaret Chamberlain

A tender story about a kind and thoughtful boy who enjoys being quiet and creative, rather than rough and tumble. This is a step away from what is expected of boys. The synopsis deeply touched me. When I read it to my son, I could feel it in his bones that he could relate. He cuddled into me more as the story on folded. He even asked me to teach him how to knit. I knew that was coming. I can’t knit, but it just goes to show you don’t always know the story you need to hear until it’s told.

Lulu Loves the Library/ by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw

This book was an immediate hit with my children. They both love our local library. They look forward to the trip. In Lulu, they found a kindred spirit who loves to use her imagination to recreate scenes and characters from her stories she’s heard. The story demonstrates how books can ignite a child’s imagination. Little ones can also learn the days of the week and the idea of a cycle.

I Am Mixed/ by Garcelle Beauvais and Sebastian Jones, illustrated by James C. Webster

While we don’t directly discuss race with our children at the moment, our friendship base is quite diverse. ‘Difference’ is normal for them. However, I wanted to delicately introduce the topic of being mixed race. We all enjoyed the lyrical language and beautiful illustrations. This book cleverly demonstrates the benefits of being mixed race and in a way explains why mixed race siblings may not look like each other.

The New Small Person/ by Lauren Child

This book cleverly but realistically reveals how life can change for a first born, when a new baby arrives. It was refreshing to have brown main characters and boys in a picture book. Off the top of my head I can’t think of another book for this age group with characters like these brothers. It’s usually one child or one boy one girl, but that said, it’s a tale that boys and girls will all enjoy. My son admitted to having similar first child feelings towards his sister. I was so proud that he could identify and have the courage to admit it. Neither child commented on the colour of the characters, only that they looked like Charlie and Lola pictures. I explained that the writer-illustrator was the same, so the style would be the same.

If you have read any of these books or would like to share your own finds with us, please leave comment below. We would also like to know where you find your books.