Diversity, Tolerance
Teach children to be tolerant with these children’s books about diversity and acceptance
We especially like sharing picture books that recognize, celebrate and inform us about human diversity including children with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, allergies, ageing and death.
When presenting our Celebrating Diversity with Picture Books workshop at conferences throughout British Columbia, we always include a selection of picture books that honor cultural, linguistic, family, gender and individual diversity. These are some of our favourites:
Be sure to visit International Children’s Digital Library A Library for the World’s Children. The objective of the library is for every child to have an opportunity learn about children’s literature from the world community.
Elsewhere on this website –
All Kinds of Friends, Even Green written and photographed by Ellen B. Senisi
Picture book about friendship and a child who uses a wheelchair published by Woodbine House
Here we accompany Moses on a school day. When he is given an assignment to write about friends, he carefully considers all of his friends and all the fun things he does with them. Ultimately, he decides to write about an iguana named Zaki whose toes were poisoned by mites. Moses likes Zaki because ‘she figures out how to get where she wants to be in different ways.’ All Kinds of Friends, Even Green! helps young readers to understand that friends may appear different on the outside and they may need to use a wheelchair to move about but, in all likelihood, they are very much alike on the inside.
All Kinds of Friends, Even Green! at Amazon.com
All Kinds of Friends, Even Green! at Amazon.ca
Argyle written by Barbara Brooks Wallace and illustrated by John Sandford
Picture book about self-acceptance published by Boyds Mills Press
Argyle’s life was exactly the way he wanted it. He was the same as all the other sheep and that was just fine with him. While roaming the highlands, Argyle discovered some especially tasty grass and some very colorful flowers. Day after day he ate the flowers until… “One day MacDougal’s wife, Katharine, said, “Why dinna ye tell me about the many-colored sheep, MacDougal?” The ensuing fuss is not at all to Argyle’s liking. Placed in a pen by himself, he can’t roam and he can’t eat the delicious, colorful flowers. Thankfully, it does not take long in the “special” pen for him to lose his many colors. He returns to looking and feeling like a sheep and that is just fine with him.
Argyle is a lovely, gentle folk tale that reminds us being different may not be all that it seems. Sometimes being the same as everyone else is just fine.
Catherine’s Story written by Genevieve Moore and illustrated by Karin Littlewood
Picture book about epilepsy published by Frances Lincoln
Catherine’s story is based upon the experiences of a young girl who, as an infant, suffered from West’s Syndrome, also known as infantile spasms (a form of epilepsy). Catherine wears braces when she walks and she claps her hands very, very quietly. She is not able to talk but she does listen very intently. Catherine’s dad explains to her cousin that many people talk far too much; Catherine is special because she listens so well. Catherine, who needs help throughout the day, is supported by her dad together with her grandmother. Catherine’s Story is beautifully illustrated with vivid hues. It is a valuable resource for classrooms and families seeking to understand children with disabilities.
Epilepsy Ontario’s Resource “Perfection” – a play and program for classroom use
Catherine’s Story at Amazon.com
Catherine’s Story at Amazon.ca
David and the Worry Beast written by Anne Marie Guanci and illustrated by Caroline Attia
Picture book about anxiety and worrying published by New Horizon Press
David and the Worry Beast was written especially to help children cope with anxiety. David’s worry beast causes him to worry when he plays basketball, when he’s at home and when he is at school. His anxiety grows and grows until he learns specific steps to cope with his worries. In addition to providing tips for children, David and the Worry Beast also provides suggestions for parents.
David and the Worry Beast: Helping Children Cope with Anxiety at Amazon.com
David and the Worry Beast: Helping Children Cope With Anxiety at Amazon.ca
Old Bird written by Irene Morck and illustrated by Muriel Wood
Picture book about ageing published by Fitzhenry and Whiteside Limited
When Papa buys Bird, a gentle mare who will transport Archie and Arnfeld to and from school, he has no idea the impact the horse will have on his farm. Bird follows the children as they do their chores and insists on being allowed into the barn. Bird opens latches and asserts herself until Papa decides she must be sold. Just before the auction, Bird again has her way. This time she shows the family just how she can contribute to the farm. Old Bird is a truly lovely story, beautifully illustrated, that reminds us old does not mean incompetent or worthless.
32 pages, ages 5 and up
Ruby’s Wish written by Shirin Yim Bridges and illustrated by Sockie Blackall
Picture book about an assertive young girl who lived in China published by Chronicle Books, LLG
Many years ago, Ruby lived with her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins in a huge house in a city in China. At that time, girls did not typically have a chance to go to school but Ruby was fortunate. In her household, because there were many children, a teacher came and taught all the boys. Unlike her girl cousins, Ruby did not want to be married; she wanted to go to university. Each day, Ruby worked hard to study with the boys in addition to learning all of the household skills expected of girls. Ruby’s Wish is beautifully illustrated and lovingly told. Based on a true story, it will be enjoyed by children five years and up.
A Screaming Kind of Day – written by Rachna Gilmore and illustrated by Gordon Sauve
Picture book about hearing impairment and frustration published by Fitzhenry and Whiteside Limited
Winner of the 1999 Governor General’s Award for Children’s Literature, Text
A Screaming Kind Of Day introduces Scully, a young, hearing-impaired girl. She awakens and opens her eyes to her brother’s face, teasing and taunting. A noisy chase begins and is only stopped when mom intervenes. She is studying for a test and has little patience for her children and their screams. The grey weather outside matches Scully’s mood and, when the rain eventually comes, she wants to go outside to experience the rhythm and intensity of the storm. Careful to avoid her mom, Scully sneaks outside to dance, touch, smell and feel the wild weather. Before long, Mom is at her side and is angry. Once inside the house again, Scully resists going to her room and shouts, “I hate you.” Before long, restorative sleep calls and Scully rests. When she awakens, the Screaming Kind of Day has been washed away and harmony has returned to the family.
“After dinner I sit by the open window.
No rain.
The sky is silky pink with licks of lavender.
The green smells full and glad.
I sigh and look at Mom. “Can we go outside, Mom? You know, wait for the stars?”
Much more than a story about a deaf child, A Screaming Kind of Day explores family dynamics and provides reassurance at the end of a challenging day. As well, it encourages the reader to appreciate the sensory impact of a rainstorm and to consider conflict from several perspectives. A lovely story to enjoy with children aged four and up.
Rachna Gilmore’s Teacher’s Guide for A Screaming Kind of Day
A Screaming Kind Of Day at Amazon.com
A Screaming Kind of Day at Amazon.ca
So Close written by Natalia Colombo
Picture book about friendship published by Tundra Books
With a message that will resonate with adults as well as children, So Close reminds us that the possibility of meeting a new friend is often not far away. Beautifully illustrated, So Close offers a gentle message that a smile and a friendly, “Hello” can make a world of difference.
I use this title at the beginning of my Celebrating Diversity workshops. I think we have all had the experience of missing an opportunity for friendship or discovering a friendship under surprising circumstances. So Close is well-suited to classroom use. It could be used to encourage discussion of friendship, loneliness, social situations, hurrying and over-scheduling. Well suited to children 4 years and up.
Up and Down by Oliver Jeffers
Picture book about friendship and individuality published by Philomel | Penguin Group
In Up and Down we meet two friends who do everything together. They enjoy making music and they love a good game of backgammon. All is well until Penguin decides that it is his destiny to fly. Without explanation to his best friend, Penguin embarks on a mission to discover the secret of flight. Boy is bereft – he can’t understand his friend’s sudden disappearance. It is indeed fortunate that Boy sees an advertisement for an upcoming circus performance involving a cannon and a very familiar face. Boy races to be there and to soften his friend’s landing.
With a lovely message about friendship and celebrating one’s unique abilities, Up and Down will be thoroughly enjoyed by children aged three and up.
