Books are a great way to enrich your child’s understanding and acceptance of diverse cultures. With this foundation in the preschool years, children have more social confidence and success in interacting with many different types of people as they progress through elementary school and beyond. Below are some age-appropriate options to read with your child at home.

1. Ten Tiny Babies by Karen Katz (ages 0-2)

This colorful board book highlights ten ethnically diverse babies who have a ton of fun until they fall fast asleep in their beds. It’s a great book to introduce friendship, numbers and an appreciation for diversity.

2. A Rainbow of Friends by P.K. Hallinan (ages 2-5)

Children can have friends of all different personalities, ethnic origins and abilities. You and your child will love reading this book that promotes multiculturalism, equality and acceptance.

3. Happy In Our Skin by Fran Manushkin (ages 2-5)

This book captures children and their families of various racial backgrounds. It celebrates skin tones from cocoa brown to peaches and cream and distinguishing features including freckles and dimples.

4. It’s Okay to be Different by Todd Parr (ages 3-5)

This popular story delivers the messages of acceptance, understanding and confidence. Your little one will enjoy looking at the brightly colored, silly illustrations as you flip through this book together.

5. What I Like About Me! by Allia Zobel Nolan (ages 3-5)

From braces to eyeglasses, the characters acknowledge and embrace the attributes that make them special. Your little one will love opening the flaps, pulling the tabs and feeling the textures found in this book.