Despite the fact that nearly one-third of people in the United States have tattoos, they are rarely depicted in children’s picture books — why is that? As pointed out by Rebecca Gueorguiev, a children’s librarian with the New York Public Library, tattoos have long been associated with the “undesirables” of society; this is particularly true in children’s media, where tattoos and other nontraditional forms of body modification are typically only showcased by villains and “rough” types. However, for all the tattooed caregivers and educators out there, many picture books do offer positive representations of tattooed bodies for young readers.
Tell Me A Tattoo Story by Alison McGhee, Illustrated by Eliza Wheeler
In this love letter to tattooed caregivers, a child asks his father to tell the stories of each of his tattoos, even though the kiddo’s heard them many times before. Dad explains each tattoo, as well as who or what it signifies: his parents, the day he met the boy’s mother, his military service, etc. Each tattoo story unfurls like an illustrated book, allowing the child to learn about the significant moments of his father’s life as Dad tenderly cares for his little one. A fantastic representation of how personal tattoos are to their wearer, and how they can chronicle — and create — memories.
My First Book of Tattoos by Robyn Wall, Illustrated by Lydia Nichols
Aimed at prereaders, this adorable board book introduces tattoos through simple rhymes and colorful artwork that toddlers and their adults will have a blast paging through. Depicting kiddos and their grown-ups going about simple routines — playing, drawing, and even playing the drums together — each adult also sports a tattoo that coincides with the activity, such as a feather for tickling and a tree for the yoga pose of the same name. Simple, fun, and full of love, this title is a perfect addition to any baby bookworm’s library.
Kobe Eats Pizza! by Ashley Wian with Cate Berry, Illustrated by Joy Ang
Sometimes, the best type of representation is when it is not central to the story; that is to say, when the people being represented are just living their lives. This sweet tale of a young culinary enthusiast making and eating a pizza with his family is a perfect example: both of young Kobe’s parents are heavily inked, yet no mention is made of this in the story itself. Instead, readers can follow along as the creative little chef and his assistants (i.e., dogs) create a delicious meal; there’s even a recipe in the backmatter for those wishing to try their hand at homemade pizza.
My Dad Used To Be So Cool by Keith Negley
The book’s narrator is pretty sure his dad used to be cool. He has tattoos, he used to ride a motorcycle, he may have even been in a band (the little boy isn’t sure, but the drum kit in the closet is solid evidence). As the duo gets ready to go to the park, the little boy imagines what his dad must have been like when he was cool, and wonders what made him change. But after a day of laughter and play, the boy decides that his dad is still pretty cool… and only occasionally mortifying. A hilarious tongue-in-cheek tale that will likely elicit chuckles from caretakers who were once rebels and rock stars.
My Mama Is a Work of Art by Hana Acabado
The little boy who narrates this story is totally used to seeing tattoos; after all, his Mama is covered in them head to toe! Each one has its own story and meaning, from things she’s experienced to dreams that she has to statements she wishes to make to the world — and even a few that have their own special meaning, just between the two of them. He proudly sits as her newest tattoo is inked on her chest: the words “I Am Art,” proclaiming that her body is a masterpiece. Not only a gorgeous affirmation of tattoos, but also of plus-size representation in caregivers, this heartwarming tale is filled with warmth and love.
Make Your Mark: The Empowering True Story of the First Known Black Female Tattoo Artist by Jacci Gresham with Sherry Fellores, Illustrated by David Wilkerson
When Jacci Gresham was a child, she became fascinated with the idea of using her body as a canvas to create art. At that time, however, it was considered extremely “distasteful” for women to get tattoos, and female tattoo artists were practically unheard of. This didn’t stop Jacci, however: she moved to New Orleans, where she opened a tattoo parlor that was inclusive of gender and race, becoming the first known female African American tattoo artist in the country. Acting as both an autobiography and a book of advice for young creatives, this tale of inspiration and grit is both moving and motivational.
My Teacher Has Tattoos by Darren López, Illustrated by Bhagya Madanasinghe
When Xavier’s teacher, Mr. Mendoza, rolls up his sleeves in class one day, Xavier is shocked to see that he has tattoos on his arms! Xavier thought that only gang members and people who had been to prison got tattoos. When he asks his teacher about them, Mr. Mendoza patiently explains that while yes, some tattoos show affiliation to gangs, most other people get them for a variety of reasons: cultural traditions, self-expression, and to symbolize memories and inspirations. Based on López’s own experiences as an educator, this tale does a great job of breaking stereotypes with honesty and compassion.
Bodies Are Cool by Tyler Feder
Every body is different, and tattoos — like scars, prostheses, birthmarks, and other types of physical differences — are just another thing that makes them cool. This sweet and simple book looks at a vast diversity of bodies with all sorts of unique features as they go about their day, proclaiming that what makes each body different is precisely what makes it, and the person it belongs to, so special. Between bodies of different skin tones, hair textures, abilities, sizes, gender presentation, and, of course, tattoos and other body modifications, the text assures readers that all bodies are remarkable, all bodies are important, and all bodies are beautiful.
We hope that you and your young readers enjoy these books and that they inspire you to seek out more examples of tattoo representation! Happy reading!
Looking for more kids’ books that celebrate physical differences? Check out our article, Picture Books on Diversity to Build a Better, More Inclusive World.
For all of our recommendations for mini bookworms, check out our Bookshop bookshelf.
