The Power of Story: Diverse Books for Grades PreK-3

This tender exploration of loss illuminates how kindness, empathy, and friendship can lift our spirits and see us through many tomorrows. It will resonate with anyone who has experienced hardship or grief, from the death of a loved one or a pet, to a friend moving away, or the transition to a new home or family situation.

In another inspiring and lyrical picture book that deftly dives into the psyche and heart of a child's viewpoint and experience, the creator of Lala's Words, Gracey Zhang, offers confidence to everyone who longs to master something that can be difficult and shows that there is only one way to do something right: that is to do it your own special way.

Spare, poetic text and breathtaking pictures invite readers on a stirring journey that gently illuminates the causes of climate change as well as how our individual and collective actions can make the world better. From three-time Newbery Honoree, Christina Soontornvat, and acclaimed artist, Rahele Jomepour Bell.

Bill Withers’s celebrated hit song “Lovely Day” comes to life in this beautifully illustrated picture book!

A reverent celebration of learning to swim among a diverse cast of children and families who each experience the mysterious joys of water in nature.

An inspiring picture book authored by creator of the More Than Peach Project which aims to offer a wide array of skin-toned crayon colors with every kid in mind.

An evocative picture book biography about the prolific life of Jackie Ormes, whose groundbreaking cartoons became some of the first empowering depictions of Black women in American comics.

Wishes tells the powerful, honest story about one Vietnamese family's search for a new home on the other side of the world, and the long-lasting and powerful impact that makes on the littlest member of the family. 

With sensitivity and nuance, this tender friendship story illuminates the beauty in our differences and celebrates our connections to one another.

Lull your little one to sleep with this adorable bedtime board book, about a wide-awake baby who does not want to go to sleep!

This tender family story — inspired by the author’s own — illuminates a dynamic chapter in American history known as the Great Migration, and the many trains people rode toward freedom.

With tender, rhyming text, sweet illustrations, and featuring a diversity of families, this book is perfect for daddies everywhere who love and guide their little ones morning, noon, and night!

With tender, rhyming text, sweet illustrations, and featuring a diversity of families, this book is perfect for mommies everywhere - who love and guide their little ones morning, noon, and night!

Discover a poignant, heartfelt ode to the special love between father and child. From sharing a quiet moment over the comics section at breakfast, to playing at bathtime before tucking into bed, My Daddy and Me celebrates the day-to-day joys of fatherhood.

In this tender debut picture book, author Gita Varadarajan crafts a powerful story about belonging, embracing your heritage, and believing in yourself. Archana Sreenivasan's vibrant and magical illustrations bring to life this journey of self-discovery. 

A rollicking, rhyming, fun rendition of a favorite folksong about a many-times recycled coat--by the award-winning, bestselling team of Jim Aylesworth and Barbara McClintock.

Zoya loves to make art with her puppy, Coco. It is a perfect day to paint outside -- until it begins to rain! Zoya and Coco rush back inside with their art supplies. But together -- and with a splash of glitter -- they find creative ways to brighten the gray day.

It's Coco's birthday and Zoya wants to give her pup the perfect present. She tries out a few ideas -- including a yarn necklace and colorful frosted treats. But she finally decides to paint Coco's bowl gold. With some paint and LOTS of glitter, Zoya creates a gift Coco is sure to love!

Karma and her daddy love to make music together! Karma sets up the rhyme and daddy finishes it. Together, they're the perfect team! But when it's time for Karma to write her daddy a rap for his birthday all on her own, she can't quite make it perfect. What rhymes with banana anyway? Told with heart and humor, Karma soon realizes that she never has to do anything alone as long as she has daddy by her side.

A poetic reflection brimming with hope where Ruby Bridges tells her own story of that pivotal day in Civil Rights history.

This is the true story of an extraordinary little girl who helped shape our country when she became the first African-American to attend an all-white school in New Orleans. 

This relatable picture book beautifully captures the colors and excitement of Diwali while offering an important lesson about celebrating the people you love... even super-silly siblings!

Ace polishes up her mountain bike and prepares for the big bike race! She oils the chain and tests the brakes. Then the race begins! But Ace's bike chain comes off the sprocket and then she needs to patch a tire! Will she be able to fix her bike in time and find her way to the finish line?

Discover this poignant, timely, and emotionally stirring picture book, an ode to black and brown children everywhere that is full of hope, assurance, and love.

Full of assurance, tenderness, and triumph, this much-anticipated follow-up to the New York Times bestselling picture book All Because You Matter offers an equally inspirational and arresting ode to all of the Black women and men throughout history who have made momentous contributions from the beginning of time.

Caroline Jayne Church, mega-bestselling creator of Ten Tiny Toes and Good Night, I Love You, brings us an adorable celebration of all things baby! 

Standing on Her Shoulders is a celebration of the strong women who influence us -- from our mothers, sisters, aunts, and grandmothers to the women who fought for equality and acceptance in the United States.

A heart-tugging story about an abandoned dog who is looking for a forever home— and a boy who finds him!

This beautiful picture book, illustrated by Coretta Scott King Award-illustrator George Ford, and written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Robert Coles, tells the true story of six-year-old Ruby Bridges. In 1960, Ruby, a young African-American girl, entered a whites-only school in New Orleans.

A celebration of the gospel anthem and Civil Rights protest song "We Shall Overcome", masterfully brought to life by Caldecott Honor recipient and a nine-time Coretta Scott King Award winner Bryan Collier.

A powerful picture book debut introducing young readers to ten revolutionary Black women—both historical and contemporary—who changed the world for the better.

From National Book Award nominee Edwidge Danticat comes a timely, brilliantly crafted story of hope and imagination--a powerful tribute to Haiti and children around the world!

Hold on to your hairdos as Doña Esmeralda eats everything in sight in a cumulative read-aloud inspired by stories from author Melissa de la Cruz’s childhood in the Philippines!

This hilarious retelling of a classic folktale set in Cuba proves it’s the smallest of creatures who sometimes possess more strength than the biggest bully

Carmen Agra Deedy's brilliant storytelling combined with Pete Oswald's spirited illustrations make for a comforting tale of healing and true friendship.

This remarkable true story about a little-known maverick Mexican heroine is brought vividly to life by her great-niece and Américas Award winner Aida Salazar, and Eisner Award honoree Molly Mendoza.

A luminous and heartwarming story about the importance of capturing the light of precious memories before all is forgotten, from Caldecott Medalist Allen Say

A tribute to peace and a celebration of diverse cultures, this last collaboration by the Dillons captures the wondrous joy of all people, and the unique beauty within each one of us shines forth. If kids ran the world, it would be a better place - for grown-ups, too.

With bold paintings and a simple, rhyming text, Caldecott Medalists Leo & Diane Dillon bring young readers a rap a tap tap celebration of dance that will have readers clapping and tapping along.

Malika is delighted when Nana surprises her with a new pair of red shoes! But when she outgrows them, Malika and Nana resell the shoes so somebody else can enjoy them! Readers follow the shoes all the way to Ghana where Amina is about to get an amazing gift!

Layla and the Bots are so excited to meet the animals at the Surfside Rescue Center! But a dolphin named Splash needs their help. Splash won't eat unless there is music playing... but he likes to pick his own music! Can Layla and the Bots build a music machine that will do the job?

Available only as an English/ Spanish bilingual title, this engaging adaptation of a traditional Costa Rican song will teach kids how to tell time. Featuring illustrations and back matter that reference the Day of the Dead.

Using traditional Spanish-language sayings, a grandmother teaches manners to his grandchildren and their friends. A boy narrates the events of a regular day, relating along the way his grandmother's advice on manners, which come in the form of traditional Spanish-language sayings.

Little witch is so excited by her new present for Halloween night ― a new broom! But learning to fly a broom is harder than you think, especially when you're just a little witch. Will witch and broom learn how to work together to fly up high in the sky? 

Little friend is so excited to make his first valentine―in the shape of a heat! But learning how to cut shapes is a lot harder than you think, and no matter how much he tries, little friend can't make the heart just-right. Will little friend be able to make the perfect valentine?

Boo-hoo! Mimi is not having a good day. She can't get her pigtails to sit right, she's not in the mood for her favorite breakfast, and she's far from feeling like her usual self. Mimi has a case of the Blahs, where nothing feels quite right. With the help of Penelope, her magical toy dog and best friend, she sets out to find a way to get rid of this icky feeling. Will Mimi reclaim her spark, or will the Blahs get the best of her?

In these three rhyming stories, Princess Truly visits a museum and learns about dinosaurs and butterflies, she solves a mystery when her snack goes missing, and she takes a trip to outer space in a rocket ship with her pug, Sir Noodles. These funny and empowering short stories promote believing in yourself, building confidence, and having a positive self-image, and foster imagination and curiosity, and are perfect for fans of Ada Twist, Scientist.

I Color Myself Different is a joyful ode to Black and Brown lives based on real events in young Colin's life that is perfect for every reader's bookshelf. It's a story of self-discovery, staying true to one's self, and advocating for change... even when you're very little!

Cielo loves to skateboard! But when she messes up on a new ramp she's embarrassed and afraid to fall again in front of so many people. With the help of some new friends, Cielo summons the courage to try again (and again, and again), and learns that falling is not failing--true fierceness isn't about landing the perfect trick, it's about picking yourself back up when you don't.

Alma and her friends André and Rafia can't wait to help their neighbor, Mr. Huda, make his storefront beautiful. They are going to paint a mural on the wall outside the store! But when André wants to do the mural his own way, it's up to Alma to talk to him about it. Can she find a way to express herself without hurting Andre's feelings?

Swim along with mermaid Vera and octo-kid Beaker! In these three stories, Vera and Beaker make a new friend with a powerful baby mantis shrimp. Together, they explore the town of Tidal Grove. Then they play fun underwater games! Young readers will love discovering Vera and Beaker's funny adventures and learning nonfiction information about mantis shrimp.

YOU are your ancestors' wildest dreams. How will you express YOUR greatness? Perfect for fans of I Am Every Good Thing, Little Legends, and All Because You Matter.

With graceful art and simple stories that are filled with love and enlightenment, Jon J Muth—and Stillwater the Panda— present three ancient Zen tales. A Caldecott Honor Book.

This inclusive and empowering picture book from Sofia Sanchez-an 11-year-old model and actress with Down syndrome-reminds readers how important it is to embrace your differences, be confident, and be proud of who you are. Imagine all of the wonderful things you can do if you don't let anyone stop you! You are enough just how you are.

Alongside a sweet and simple narrative, the warm illustrations tell their own story. Beginning with Sofia Sanchez's adopted family, readers will meet families with two moms and two dads, families with single parents, and kids raised by grandparents, guardians, or older siblings. Big families, small families, extended families, blended families, and mixed race families -- including parents with their own differences that make them unique, too.

This heartfelt story shows that big feelings are a normal part of life and models how to be an ally when someone you love is hurting.

Priya is excited to plan her aunty's birthday party. She will donate the money she makes to help the cutest endangered animal on the planet, the quokka! But the party is this Saturday! With so many items on her to-do list, can she get it all done in time? Priya sends out handmade invitations, makes DIY decorations, and sets an orange-only snacks menu -- including pumpkin samosas! Will Priya's very first party be a success?

Priya's party-planning business is hired to put together a henna-night party for teenagers! Priya gets more and more nervous as she struggles to find a theme for the party. What do TEENAGERS like?! All she knows for sure is that this party will help save endangered pangolins! So can Priya create a perfect henna-night party or will it be a flop?