Blue Sky, White Stars / Un cielo azul, blancas estrellas by Sarvinder Naberhaus and Kadir Nelson, with Spanish translation by the Teresa Mlawer.
Why I Love It: This is a magnificent picture book celebration of patriotism, the beauty of our country and its people, and the vision of true freedom for all. It manages to touch on all of this through extremely sparse, but beautifully poetic, text, which makes it an excellent choice for reading with kids of any age. The illustrations are stunning and provide ample opportunity for dialogue.
Homemade Love by bell hooks and Shane W. Evans
Why I Love It: L-O-V-E! This book is for every family working to raise children who know they are safe, respected, and loved in their families. The board book format makes it wonderful for sharing with young children, and the poetry of bell hooks delivers the messages in ways truly felt when read aloud. The illustrations wonderfully capture the perspective of a young child. I’ve been reading it with my daughter since she was a baby because, to me, the whole book just exudes the safety and security of a loving family, which is exactly what I want her to feel, and to see other children who look different from her feeling too.
Looking for Bongo by Eric Velasquez
Why I Love It: The playfulness! An Afro-Latino boy has lost his favorite toy – a universally identifiable childhood experience! Set within his home filled with books, art, and drums and shared by his mom, dad, Wela (abuela/grandma), sister, dog, and cat, this book centers the intersection of black identity/race and Latinx heritage (not seen enough in picture books).
The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad and Hatem Aly
Why I Love It: The young protagonist, Faizah, idolizes her big sister in that special way that all little sisters do. When it’s Asiya’s time to choose her first hijab, it has to be that special blue. The blue of the ocean and the sky. But when they go to school, Faizah sees other children make fun of Asiya’s hijab, and worries if Asiya is OK. Interspersed throughout is their mother’s powerful wisdom about strength, confidence, and self-knowledge. Excellent for learning and sharing intersectionality – of both worry & pride, and black skin & Muslim religion.
Counting on Community by Innosanto Nagara
Why I Love It: This empowering board book introduces two key early learning concepts: counting (early numeracy) and – more importantly – social awareness (social-emotional learning). It joyously celebrates community, showing children coming together to play, share, and make their voices heard.