The world is full of beautiful places, unique traditions, yummy foods, and diverse languages. While we can travel, watch movies, meet new people, and read articles about different cultures, sometimes that can be a bit complex for children to understand. It is important not to neglect to teach children about other cultures just because they are young.
In recent years, children’s books have expanded to creatively show kids about other ways people live. In beautiful illustrations and simple writing, children can easily learn about what it means to live in different parts of the world, to speak a language unlike their own, and to have experienced a different childhood.
Here are five recommended children’s books that you can buy for your children to expand their knowledge on different cultures.
Hello, Denmark! by Ekaterina Otiko, Illustrated by José Gascón
Ekaterina Otiko and José Gascón have created a beautiful collection of books that help children learn some fun and interesting facts about different places around the world. The latest story in The Traveling Sisters series, Hello, Denmark, is a cute story about two sisters, Sophie and Stephie, in Denmark. In the land of Vikings, something priceless disappeared — the Dannebrog, which is the treasured flag of Denmark. Their Danish friends, Erik and Erika, help the two sisters as they set out on an exciting journey while learning some Denmark secrets along the way.
Sankofa: A Culinary Story of Resilience and Belonging by Eric Adjepong (Author), Lala Watkins (Illustrator)
Sankofa is a touching story about a young boy’s culinary journey 400 years into the past to reconnect with his African roots and find his own place in America. Kofi, a first-generation Ghanaian American boy, is from a country called Ghana. When tasked with bringing a dish that represents his family’s culture to school, Kofi is torn. With the help of his family, Kofi learns the hardships and resilience his family endured, and how food played a large role in bringing their story together.
This children’s book is a slight twist because it focuses on digging into your cultural roots and how it changes the way you live now. Based on his own experiences as a first-generation Ghanaian American growing up in New York City, Eric Adjepong writes a powerful story about finding where you belong in a place that may not feel like one.
A Ticket Around the World by Natalia Diaz (Author), Melissa Owens (Author), Kim Smith (Illustrator)
An adorable way to introduce your children to so many new cultures, A Ticket Around the World follows a young boy’s journey as he hops around the globe, visiting friends in 13 countries spanning all six populated continents. Along the way, he learns so much about the country’s environment and customs and shares interesting facts about the country’s culture, language, food, geography, wildlife, landmarks, and so much more. This informational children’s book helps children learn so much about different places with playful illustrations and provides maps to visualize where the country is located.
Spanish is My Superpower by Jennifer Jones
Another wonderful book to help children learn about what other kids might be walking through as well as empowering themselves, Spanish is My Superpower, shares an empathic approach to being a bilingual child. It can be difficult, and the child may feel so different than the other kids, but the book teaches children the true value of speaking Spanish and being bilingual. There is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, it is quite a superpower!!
Plátanos Are Love by Alyssa Reynoso-Morris (Author), Mariyah Rahman (Illustrator)
In the story, Platanos Are Love, a young girl shares her experiences in the kitchen with her abuela. This yummy picture book reveals the ways plantains shape Lantix culture, community, and family, while also talking about other dishes known to their culture. Although the little girl thought the plantains were just food, the abuela says they feed them in more ways than one.
Children’s books are not just limited to light-hearted stories that teach kids about kindness, supporting others, and empowering their creativity. Now, they’ve expanded their horizons to learning about different cultures, and sharing the beautiful heritage other people celebrate. Who knows, maybe you might learn a thing or two by reading these books. We should always aim to keep learning and growing, even if that comes in the form of a children’s book.
Ghana is full of delicious food. Click here to learn more about these dishes.
Want to expand your global perspective? Click here.
