We are looking for funny, simple children’s books, that introduce exclusion, prejudice, racism in a metaphorical way, so children may understand the importance of acceptance, kindness and friendship.
The current list is also available on Goodreads. Feel free to vote more relevant books to the list.
Heini by Sarah Maria Sun
HEINI grows up in Littleboogertown, where all people are nuts for pickles, are always in a super grumpy mood and afraid of everything. And they know who’s to blame for their grumpiness and their fear: those neighbors from Greaterboogertown!
One day, Heini meets Leopold, a Greaterboogertowner. They become friends, and together they defy all the meanies around them with their courage and their fantasy. They go on a magic journey, and Heiniman and Superpoldie, with a little giant’s help, outwit all the Boogertownees.
A picture book to laugh and to think about prejudices and exclusion. Told through a metaphor of pickles, strawberrycakes and Gina Giant, who magically sees them all clearly through her Superglasses.
Beautiful Skin by Colleen Thomas
No matter what color or tone, everyone’s skin is beautiful. In this book, a biracial girl learns about race and how to respond to racism. Learn the importance of being kind to everyone and accepting each other’s differences. This book is a tool for parents to start the difficult conversation with their children about overcoming racism.
Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev
Today is Pet Club day. There will be cats and dogs and fish, but strictly no elephants are allowed. The Pet Club doesn’t understand that pets come in all shapes and sizes, just like friends. Now it is time for a boy and his tiny pet elephant to show them what it means to be a true friend.
Why Will No One Play with Me? by Caroline Maguire
This book is primary for parents, but it could be also fun to read it together with your child. The book helps to visually introduce the key elements of “how to communicate better with your friends” and “how to establish new connections”.
Every parent wants their child to be okay–to have friends, to be successful, to feel comfortable in his or her own skin. But many children lack important social and executive functioning skills that allow them to navigate through the world with ease.
Every So Often A Zebra Has Spots by Lauren Grabois Fischer
The third book in The Be Books series… “Every So Often A Zebra Has Spots” will empower you to love your differences and will help you realize that you are beautiful just as you are. Our differences make us special and we should be proud of ourselves. This book is a silly way to see that we can be different and wonderful just as we are.