This big, wonderful world is full of all sorts of different people. One of the easiest ways to celebrate the diversity of our world with young children is to include books in our homes that represent a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.

Below, you will find a list of books that do just that. Some are informational about different countries and cultures while others show a variety of differences in people and families through their illustrations and/or storyline. I have included links to Amazon for your convenience, but many can also be found at your local library or independent book store.

The Colors of Us , by Karen Katz and illustrated by - During a walk through the neighborhood, Lena begins to notice all the different shades of skin around her.

The Skin You Live In, by Michael Tyler and illustrated by David Lee Csicsko - This is a rhyming book that celebrates all the different skin colors.

It’s Okay To Be Different, by David Parr - Especially great for toddlers, this colorful books features all sorts of different children.

This Is How We Do It, by Matt Lamothe - Follow along to see what a day looks like for children from seven different countries.

Everybody Cooks Rice, by Norah Dooley and illustrated by Peter Thornton - In this story, no matter which country the family is from, they all cook rice. Recipes for the different dishes are included.

Over the Hills and Far Away, A Treasury Of Nursery Rhymes, edited by Elizabeth Hammill - A beautiful treasury of nursery rhymes from across the world.

Say Hello, by Rachel Isadora - Learn how to say “hello” in several different languages, along with Carmelita.

Everywhere Babies, by Susan Meyers and illustrated by Marla Frazee - Babies and mamas of every culture are celebrated just for being who they are.

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon, by Patty Lovell and illustrated by David Catrow - My grandson loves this book about a tiny girl who learns to stand tall and walk proud, no matter what people say about her

Junkyard Wonders, by Patricia Polacco - For children with a longer attention span, this book explores the feelings a little girl encounters as a part of special class at school. (I love Patricia Polacco books and they almost always feature diverse cultures in some way.)

Charlie and Mouse, by Laurel Snyder and illustrated by Emily Hughes - With several books in this series, illustrations include all sorts of children and families, while telling the story of brothers.

The Family Book, by Todd Parr - This colorful book celebrates families of all kinds.

Love Makes A Family, by Sophie Beer - Another book that pictures different types of family, it demonstrates that what's most important in each family's life is the love the family members share

Ordinary People Change the World Set, by Brad Meltzer - There is a whole series of books that can be bought individually or as a set. Each book tells the story of ordinary people that have become a hero in one way or another.

All The Ways To Be Smart, by - I just received this book in the mail and I LOVE it! (It takes a little bit longer to ship because it comes from overseas.) There are so many different ways to be smart other than just academics and this book celebrates them all.