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Daddy, Papa and Me by Leslea Newman, illustrated by Carol Thompson
“Rhythmic text and illustrations with universal appeal show a toddler spending the day with its daddies. From hide-and-seek to dress-up, then bath time and a kiss goodnight, there’s no limit to what a loving family can do together. Share the loving bond between same-sex parents and their children in this heartwarming story of family.”
Description from: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/197676/daddy-papa-and-me-by-by-leslea-newman-illustrations-by-carol-thompson/9781582462622
Families Belong by Dan Saks, illustrated by Brooke Smart
“A rhyming, light-hearted celebration of families being – and belonging – together.
This deliciously warm board book is an appreciation of the unconditional love and comfort shared within a family. Through a handful of specific yet universal scenarios, from singing songs together to sharing food together, from dancing together to lying still together, this book invites the youngest readers to celebrate what it means for a family to be truly together.”
Description from: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/636229/families-belong-by-dan-saks-illustrated-by-brooke-smart/ABOUT FAMILIES BELONG
Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer, illustrated by
“This fun, inclusive board book celebrates the one thing that makes every family a family . . . and that’s LOVE.
Love is baking a special cake. Love is lending a helping hand. Love is reading one more book. In this exuberant board book, many different families are shown in happy activity, from an early-morning wake-up to a kiss before bed. Whether a child has two moms, two dads, one parent, or one of each, this simple preschool read-aloud demonstrates that what’s most important in each family’s life is the love the family members share.”
Description from: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/602705/love-makes-a-family-by-sophie-beer/9780525554226
Mommy, Mama and Me by Lela Newman, illustrated by Carol Thompson
“A heartwarming board books about gay parents! A great purchase for new parents and new babies alike, and the perfect gift to show your love for mommy, mama and more!
Rhythmic text and illustrations with universal appeal show a toddler spending the day with its mommies. From hide-and-seek to dress-up, then bath time and a kiss goodnight, there’s no limit to what a loving family can do together. Share the loving bond between same-sex parents and their children in this heartwarming story of family.”
Description from: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/197684/mommy-mama-and-me-by-by-leslea-newman-illustrations-by-carol-thompson/9781582462639
My Two Moms and Me by Michael Joosten, illustrated by Izak Zenou
“Families with same-sex parents are celebrated in this board book that follows busy moms and their kids throughout their day—eating breakfast, going on a playdate, heading to the pool for a swim, and settling back in at night with a bedtime story and a good-night lullaby. LGBTQ+ parents and their friends and families will welcome this inclusive and cheerful book that reflects their own lives and family makeup.”
Description from: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/566971/my-two-moms-and-me-by-michael-joosten-illustrated-by-izak-zenou/
Antlers with Candles by Chris Barash, illustrated by Melissa Iwai
“Everything looks new when seen from a child’s perspective, including menorahs, dreidels, and latkes. But family togetherness is something everyone understands.”
Description from: https://pjlibrary.org/books/antlers-with-candles/if00633
Buen Shabat, Shabbat Shalom by Sarah Aroeste, illustrated by Ayesha L . Rubio
“All over the world, families get ready for Shabbat. Join this Sephardic family as they gather together to light candles, drink wine and grape juice, eat challah, and wish one another a Buen Shabat!”
Description from: https://pjlibrary.org/books/buen-shabat,-shabbat-shalom-cs-banner/if01012
Fridays are Special by Chris Barash, illustrated by Melissa Iwai
“For this child’s family, Fridays aren’t like other days. On Fridays, the hustle and bustle is a little different. Everyone seems to be getting ready for something special — something cozy and wonderful. What could it be?”
Description from: https://pjlibrary.org/books/fridays-are-special/if435
Saturdays are Special by Chris Barash, illustrated by Abigail Marble
“In this child’s household, Shabbat is different from the rest of the week — slower, quieter, more peaceful. Most of all, everyone has more time to spend with one another. That’s what makes Saturdays so special.”
Description from: https://pjlibrary.org/books/saturdays-are-special/if00932
Sign Language Shabat by Alisa Greenbacher & Jennifer Rosner, illustrated by Shelley Rotner & David Hyde Costello
“The children in this book sign words for things people do on Shabbat, such as eat challah, drink wine or grape juice, sing Shabbat songs, and (of course!) read books. Shabbat Shalom!”
Description from: https://pjlibrary.org/books/sign-language-shabbat/if00864
Little You by Richard Van Camp, illustrated by Julie Flett
“Richard Van Camp, internationally renowned storyteller and bestselling author of the hugely successful Welcome Song for Baby: A Lullaby for Newborns, has partnered with award-winning illustrator Julie Flett to create a tender board book for babies and toddlers that celebrates the potential of every child. With its delightful contemporary illustrations, Little You is perfect to be shared, read or sung to all the little people in your life—and the new little ones on the way!”
Description from: https://www.orcabook.com/Little-You
May We Have Enough To Share by Richard Van Camp
“The strength of their connections, the nature that provides for them, the love that is endless. Complemented by photos from photographers who celebrate their own gratefulness on the collective blog Tea & Bannock, the simple verse in May We Have Enough to Share is the perfect way to start or end your little one’s days in gratitude.”
Description from: https://www.orcabook.com/May-We-Have-Enough-to-Share
My Heart Fills with Happiness by Monique Gray smith, illustrated by Julie Flett
“The sun on your face. The smell of warm bannock baking in the oven. Holding the hand of someone you love. What fills your heart with happiness? This beautiful board book, with illustrations from celebrated artist Julie Flett, serves as a reminder for little ones and adults alike to reflect on and cherish the moments in life that bring us joy.”
Description from: https://www.orcabook.com/My-Heart-Fills-With-Happiness
We All Play/kimêtawânaw by Julie Flett
“Animals and kids love to play! This wonderful book celebrates playtime and the connection between children and the natural world. Beautiful illustrations show:
Description from: https://greystonebooks.com/products/we-all-play
When We Are Kind by Monique Gray Smith, illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt
“When We Are Kind celebrates simple acts of everyday kindness and encourages children to explore how they feel when they initiate and receive acts of kindness in their lives. Celebrated author Monique Gray Smith has written many books on the topics of resilience and reconciliation and communicates an important message through carefully chosen words for readers of all ages. Beautifully illustrated by artist Nicole Neidhardt, this book encourages children to be kind to others and to themselves.”
Description from: https://www.orcabook.com/When-We-Are-Kind
You Hold Me Up by Monique Gray Smith, illustrated By Danielle Daniel, translated by Mary Cardinal Collins
“Encourage children to show love and support for each other and to consider each other’s well-being in their everyday actions.
Consultant, international speaker and award-winning author Monique Gray Smith wrote You Hold Me Up to prompt a dialogue among young people, their care providers and educators about reconciliation and the importance of the connections children make with others. With vibrant illustrations from celebrated artist Danielle Daniel, this is a foundational book about building relationships, fostering empathy and encouraging respect between peers, starting with our littlest citizens.”
Description from: https://www.orcabook.com/You-Hold-Me-Up-%c3%aa-ohpiniyan
Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison
“This beautifully illustrated board book edition of instant bestseller Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History showcases women who changed the world, and is the perfect goodnight book to inspire big dreams. Featuring 18 trailblazing black women in American history, Dream Big, Little One is the irresistible board book adaptation of Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History.
Among these women, you’ll find heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things—bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations to come. Whether they were putting pen to paper, soaring through the air, or speaking up for the rights of others, the women profiled in these pages took a stand against a world that didn’t always accept them. The leaders in this book may be little, but they all did something big and amazing.”
Description from: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/vashti-harrison/dream-big-little-one/9780316475099/
Grandma’s Purse by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
“When Grandma Mimi comes to visit, she always brings warm hugs, sweet treats…and her purse. You never know what she’ll have in there–fancy jewelry, tokens from around the world, or something special just for her granddaughter. It might look like a normal bag from the outside, but Mimi and her granddaughter know that it’s pure magic!
In this adorable, energetic ode to visits from grandma, beloved picture book creator Vanessa Brantley Newton shows how an ordinary day can become extraordinary.”
Description from: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/548013/grandmas-purse-by-vanessa-brantley-newton/9780593399897
Green is a Chile Pepper by Roseanne Greenfield Thong, illustrated by John Parra
“Green is a chile pepper, spicy and hot. Green is cilantro inside our pot. In this lively picture book, children discover a world of colors all around them. Many of the featured objects are Latino in origin, but all are universal in appeal. With rich, boisterous illustrations, a fun-to-read rhyming text, and an informative glossary, this playful concept book will reinforce the colors found in every child’s day!”
Description from: https://johnparraart.com/books/green-is-a-chile-pepper/
Luli and the Language of Tea by Andrea Wang and Hyewon Yum
“Though they may speak different languages, kids from all over the world come together to enjoy the shared pastime of tea in this delicious book for young readers.
When five-year-old Luli joins her new English as a Second Language class, the playroom is quiet. Luli can’t speak English, neither can anyone else. That’s when she has a brilliant idea to host a tea party and bring them all together.
Luli removes her teapot, thermos, and teacups from her bag and calls out “Chá!” in her native Chinese. One by one, her classmates pipe up in recognition: in Russian, Hindi, Turkish, Persian, Arabic, and Spanish, Portuguese, and Swahili. Tea is a tasty language they all know well, and it gives them a chance to share and enjoy each other’s company. When all the tea is gone and it’s time for dessert, Luli gets to use her favorite English word, cookie! After that, the playroom isn’t so quiet.”
Description from: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/688955/luli-and-the-language-of-tea-by-by-andrea-wang-illustrated-by-hyewon-yum/
The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
“The morning sun blares through your window like a million brass trumpets. It sits and shines behind your head–like a crown. Mommy says that today, you are going to be the King of Kindergarten!
Starting kindergarten is a big milestone–and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He’s dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can’t wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he’s up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can’t wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements–and then wake up to start another day.”
Description from: https://storylineonline.net/books/the-king-of-kindergarten/
Celebrate the World: Lunar New Year by Hannah Eliot
“After the winter solstice each year, it’s time for a celebration with many names: Chinese New Year, Spring Festival, and Lunar New Year! With beautiful artwork by Chinese illustrator Alina Chau, this festive board book teaches readers that Lunar New Year invites us to spend time with family and friends, to light lanterns, and set off fireworks, dance with dragons, and to live the new year in harmony and happiness.”
Description from: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Lunar-New-Year/Hannah-Eliot/Celebrate-the-World/9781534433038
Festivals of Colours by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehga
“Holi, Hai! Holi, Hai! It’s time to prepare for the Indian springtime Festival of Colors in this delightful Classic Board Book!
It’s time for the Indian festival of Holi, a celebration of the start of spring, of new beginnings, and of good over evil. Friends, families, and neighbors wear white clothing and toss handfuls of brightly colored powders at one another until they’re all completely covered from head to toe!
Young readers will love following the young siblings gathering flowers to make the colorful powders for the big day until—poof!—it’s time for the fun to begin.”
Description from: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Festival-of-Colors/Surishtha-Sehgal/Classic-Board-Books/9781534478176
Hanukkah is Coming! Written by Tracy Newman Illustrated by Viviana Garafoli
“Latkes are frying, the menorah is shining — what holiday is this family getting ready for? By the story’s end, your child will be reciting it with you.”
Description from: https://pjlibrary.org/books/hanukkah-is-coming!/if00634
My First Ramadan by Karen Katz (Author, Illustrator)
“Look! There is the new moon in the sky.
It’s time for Ramadan to begin. Follow along with one young boy as he observes the Muslim holy month with his family. This year, the narrator is finally old enough to fast, and readers of all ages will be interested as he shares his experiences of this special holiday in Islam.”
Description from: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250062680/myfirstramadan
Anti-Racist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi, illustrated by Ashley Lukashevsky
“From the National Book Award-winning author of Stamped from the Beginning and How to Be an Antiracist comes a new full-sized picture book that empowers parents and children to uproot racism in our society and in ourselves, now with added discussion prompts to help readers recognize and reflect on bias in their daily lives.
Take your first steps with Antiracist Baby! Or rather, follow Antiracist Baby’s nine easy steps for building a more equitable world.
With bold art and thoughtful yet playful text, Antiracist Baby introduces the youngest readers and the grown-ups in their lives to the concept and power of antiracism. Providing the language necessary to begin critical conversations at the earliest age, Antiracist Baby is the perfect gift for readers of all ages dedicated to forming a just society.”
Description from: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/624774/antiracist-baby-by-ibram-x-kendi-illustrated-by-ashley-lukashevsky/9780593110423
Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race by Jessica Ralli and Megan Madison
“Based on the research that race, gender, consent, and body positivity should be discussed with toddlers on up, this read-aloud series offers adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way. Now available as a hardcover picture book!
Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, this topic-driven picture book offers clear, concrete language and beautiful imagery that young children can grasp and adults can leverage for further discussion.
While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it’s hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about issues like race and gender from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice.
This first book in the series begins the conversation on race, with a supportive approach that considers both the child and the adult. Stunning art accompanies the simple and interactive text, and the backmatter offers additional resources and ideas for extending this discussion.”
Description from: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/667991/our-skin-a-first-conversation-about-race-by-megan-madison-and-jessica-ralli-illustrated-by-isabel-roxas/
Introduction to the Anti-Hate Toolkit
The Belonging Pledge
Individual Pathways
Introduction to Pathways for Individuals
Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Pathway
Stakeholder Pathways
Introduction to Stakeholder Pathways
Recommendations for All Stakeholders
Resources for Parents/Caregivers
Inclusive Practices
