I Don’t Want to Be a Frog
by Dev Petty
Frog wants to be anything but a slimy, wet frog. A cat, perhaps. Or a rabbit. An owl? But when a hungry wolf arrives—a wolf who HATES eating frogs—our hero decides that being himself isn’t so bad after all.
Why Am I Me?
by Paige Britt
Presented as a thoughtful exchange between two characters – who don’t realize they are thinking and asking the very same questions – this beautiful celebration of our humanity and diversity invites readers of all ages to imagine a world where there is no you or me, only we.
I Am Human
by Susan Verde
A hopeful meditation on all the great (and challenging) parts of being human, I Am Human shows that it’s okay to make mistakes while also emphasizing the power of good choices by offering a kind word or smile or by saying “I’m sorry.” At its heart, this picture book is a celebration of empathy and compassion that lifts up the flawed fullness of humanity and encourages children to see themselves as part of one big imperfect family—millions strong.
A Frog Thing
by Eric Drachman
Frank wasn’t satisfied doing ordinary frog things. He wanted to fly, but he was a frog and frogs can’t fly. Follow along as Frank jumps and runs and leaps and dives until he finally finds his place in the pond.
Gray Wolf’s Search
by Bruce Swanson
Young Gray Wolf sets out on a journey of self discovery when his uncle, the clan shaman, tells him that his future success depends on completing an important task—finding a very important person and getting to know him well.
Sweetest Kulu
by Celina Kalluk
This beautiful bedtime poem, written by acclaimed Inuit throat singer Celina Kalluk, describes the gifts given to a newborn baby by all the animals of the Arctic.
Lyrically and tenderly told by a mother speaking to her own little Kulu; an Inuktitut term of endearment often bestowed upon babies and young children, this visually stunning book is infused with the traditional Inuit values of love and respect for the land and its animal inhabitants.
The Six Cedar Trees
by Margot Landahl and Celestine Alec
Eagle perches himself in a grove of cedar trees high above a school playground. He explores the characteristics of 6 different Pacific Northwest animals and connects them with strengths we grow in ourselves.
Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox
by Danielle Daniel
Danielle Daniel explains the importance of totem animals in Anishinaabe culture and how they can also act as animal guides for young children seeking to understand themselves and others.
Martin’s Big Words
by Doreen Rappaport
This picture-book biography is an excellent and accessible introduction for young readers to learn about one of the world’s most influential leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Doreen Rappaport weaves the immortal words of Dr. King into a captivating narrative to tell the story of his life.
Scribbleville
by Peter Holwitz
Living in a world filled with scribbles and squiggly lines, the residence fall into a state of chaos when a stick-straight newcomer arrives and builds a perfectly square house in their community, yet the intriguing nature of one young boy helps to ease their fears after he meets the new neighbor and reveals to them all a very special secret!
Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress
by Christine Baldacchino
Morris is a little boy who loves using his imagination. But most of all, Morris loves wearing the tangerine dress in his classroom’s dress-up center. The children in Morris’s class don’t understand. Dresses, they say, are for girls.
Red: A Crayon’s Story
by Michael Hall
A blue crayon mistakenly labeled as “red” suffers an identity crisis. This story is about being true to your inner self and following your own path despite obstacles that may come your way.
Love is Love
by Michael Genhart
When a boy confides in his friend about bullies saying he doesn’t have a real family, he discovers that his friend’s parents―a mom and a dad―and his two dads are actually very much alike.
Dr. Michael Genhart’s debut story is the perfect resource to gently discuss discrimination with kids.
Worm Loves Worm
by J.J. Austrian
When a worm meets a special worm and they fall in love, you know what happens next: They get married! But their friends want to know—who will wear the dress? And who will wear the tux?
The answer is: It doesn’t matter. Because worm loves worm.
You are cordially invited to celebrate the wedding of a worm…and a worm.
I Am Jazz
by Jazz Jennings
The story of a transgender child based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, who has become a spokesperson for transkids everywhere
This is an essential tool for parents and teachers to share with children whether those kids identify as trans or not. I wish I had had a book like this when I was a kid struggling with gender identity questions.
The Prince and the Knight
by Daniel Haack
Once upon a time, in a kingdom far from here, there was a prince in line to take the throne, so his parents set out to find him a kind and worthy bride. The three of them traveled the land far and wide, but the prince didn’t quite find what he was looking for in the princesses they met. It wasn’t until he met a knight when fighting a dragon that he found what he was looking for all along.
Pink is for Boys
by Robb Pearlman
Pink is for boys . . . and girls . . . and everyone! This timely and beautiful picture book rethinks and reframes the stereotypical blue/pink gender binary and empowers kids-and their grown-ups-to express themselves in every color of the rainbow.
Sneetches
by Dr. Seuss
The story of the Sneetches is a great story for young and old demonstrating that regardless of our differences, we have more in common than not.
