5 Diverse Books for Toddlers

Growing up, there was always only one standard of beauty: pale dolls with blue eyes, curly hair considered messy, etc. These things stick to people like you and me, but more importantly, they make children think there's only one way to define not only beauty, but the norm. That's why it's never too early to show little ones a world full of different faces, families, and cultures. These board books are simple, beautiful, and full of love. This list is for the ones who experienced unfair treatment because of who they are and never want their child to feel the same way, using the power of books!

1. Global Babies by The Global Fund for Children

Real baby faces from countries around the world. Simple text and joyful photos.

Seventeen cultures, seventeen gorgeous babies. Appealing color photographs depict diverse traditions and showcase clothing worn by babies from around the world. A simple narrative helps demonstrate that no matter how different babies appear, they are all very much alike -- nurtured and loved by those who care for them.

https://amzn.to/45lemBL

2. Whose Toes are Those? by Jabari Asim, illus. LeUyen Pham

A fun, rhyming body book featuring a Black baby—joyful, silly, and sweet.

Who do you suppose has such fine toes? So brown and sweet. Who could have such darling feet? Snuggle with a child on your lap with this cheerful rhyme inspired by the classic giggle-inspiring game of This Little Piggy.

https://amzn.to/4leI8y7

3. Families, Families, Families! by Suzanne & Max Lang

Silly animals portray all kinds of families—single parents, grandparents, same-sex parents, and more.

Lots of nontraditional family structures are celebrated in this super-fun and super-accessible board book! Kids will love finding their own family represented, no matter if they have two moms, one grandpa, or just a cousin named Doug.

https://amzn.to/3U7tWMj

4. Baby Goes to Market by Atinuke, illus. Angela Brooksbank

Set in a bustling Nigerian marketplace, this counting story is full of warmth and color.

Market is very crowded.

Mama is very busy.

Baby is very curious.

https://amzn.to/47aFBRV

5. Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, illus. Vashti Harrison (board book edition)

Celebrates Black hair and father-daughter love. Empowering and sweet.

It's up to Daddy to give his daughter an extra-special hair style in this story of self-confidence and the love between fathers and daughters.

Tiny hands deserve stories that reflect their world—and expand it too. Thank us later!