Children’s books are becoming more progressive in their topics to educate young minds. Granted this is a difficult task to handle, but with these ten amazing authors, we have ten progressive children’s books that are versafied in several sensitive topics of discussion. If you want books about same sex families, gender roles, culture, diversity, representation, religion, teaching disabilities, mental health and race; let’s start here.
1. Introducing Teddy by Jessica Walton, Illustrated by Dougal Macpherson
This children’s book helps deconstruct gender roles and stereotypes. This book explains the transition without complex terminology, it covers the basics of not feeling like the gender assigned fits. It teaches people to love you no matter what gender.
2. Mommy’s Khimar by Jamilah Thompkins
Its a vibrant illustration of a young girl who dresses up in her mom’s headscarfs which are called hijabs. this showcases the Islamic experience and representation. This heartwarming children’s book of mother and daughter relationship gives representation to diverse cultures.
3. Harriet Gets Carried Away by Jessie Sima
Harriet loves to dress up on any occassion. When her birthday arrives she has the special outfit planned: a penguin. When her dads are setting the decorations for the party, Harriet realizes they don’t have party hats. So she sets on a quest to get them and stumbles on a flock of penguins. She enjoys there company but feels she may not be able to handle the arctic and being part of a flock. Will she be able to get the party hats and make it for her own birthday party?
4. Jacob’s New Dress by Sarah and Ian Hoffman, Illustrated by Chris Case
Jacob enjoys dress up and wants to wear dresses to school. Some of the kids in his class claim that he can’t wear “girl” clothes. Can he persuade his parents into letting him wear one to school? This heartwarming children’s book is a reassuring story that kids can have any gender expression they want.
5. Moody Cow Meditates by Kerry Lee Maclean
Help kids deal with negative emotions. This children’s books show how to be mindful and to make progress during tough situations. For young kids they may not know how to handle negative emotions or thoughts. Learning how to help themselves and each other is a tool we must give them. Mental health is something to take care of.
6. Dad by My Side by Soosh
There are so many fatherly stigmas about you have to always give tough love and be the provider. Well mothers can do that and fathers can also be nurturing and loving. This book gives a perspective of a gentle father hero who spends time with his daughter.
7. Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas by Pamela Ehrenberg, Illustrated by Anjan Sarkar
A sweet story about multiracial family that is Indian and Jewish. A fesity girl named Sadie loves to climb. She climbs the shelves of the Indian grocery store, and at home. When the family are preparing dosas instead of the traditional Jewish latkes, they suddenly get locked out of the house. Luckily for them, Sadie may be the climbing savior for their holiday to continue.
8. Can I Touch Your Hair by Irene Lathan and Charles Waters, Illustrated by Sean Qualls and Selina Alko
Two classmates need to work together for school. They have no common interests and come from different races. They stumble on discussing these differences. This book provides an opportunity to see two young children in a safe space, exploring race and how they are different and yet relate. Learn that listening and respect matters when having a racial sensitive conversation.
9. And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, Illustrated by Henry Cole
Based on a true story of inseperable penguins at the Central Park Zoo; Roy and Silo begin to take care of a motherless penguine egg. Watch as the story unfolds of same sex family acceptance and family love. Two male penguins loving their new baby Tango.
10. Thank You Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco
This children’s book is based off of Polacco’s experience with dyslexica. The teacher who helped identify her struggles is in this book. Thank You, Mr. Falker teaches children how to overcome frustration and being aware of learning disabilities.
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