Stories that celebrate racial diversity

 

We believe in the power of storytelling, and that every child should have the opportunity to see themselves reflected back in the stories they read. Stories have the incredible power to spread kindness, love, acceptance and empathy. The power to connect readers to the emotions, lives and stories of people whose experiences are vastly different to their own.

For this week's blog we join our friends around the world in speaking out against racism, and highlight children’s books that share positive, celebratory images of racial diversity to support racially conscious conversations in the home.

To craft this list, we asked our friend Kirli Saunders, proud Gunai Woman and award-winning author of the incredible freedom machines for her favourite children's books that celebrate Australian Indigenous Peoples, multiculturalism and acceptance, and/or were created by First Nations authors/illustrators; the original storytellers. 

📚 Fill your bookshelf.

Cooee Mittigar  by Jasmine Seymour and Leanne Mulgo Watson. Cooee Mittigar, meaning Come Here Friend, is an invitation to yana (walk), on Darug Country. This book tells a story on Darug Songlines, introducing readers to Darug Nura (Country) and language.

Baby Business by Jasmine Seymour. The story of a Darug baby smoking ceremony that welcomes baby to country. The smoke is a blessing – it will protect the baby and remind them that they belong.

Welcome to Country by Aunty Joy Murphy and illustrated by Lisa Kennedy. Welcome to the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri People, this story reminds readers to only take from the land what you can give back, beautifully written both English and Wurundjeri language.

Sorry Day  by Coral Vass and Dub Leffler. Sorry Day acknowledges the past and shows a willlingness to make things right. Told through the eyes of a young girl this story commemorates the moment the Prime Minister of Australia recognises the decades of abuse suffered by the Stolen Generation.

Whoever you are by Mem Fox and Leslie Staub. Every day all children are laughing and crying, playing and learning, eating and sleeping. They may not look the same or speak the same language, but inside, they are just like you.

Room on our rock by Kate and Jo Temple and Terri Rose Baynton. Two seals are perched on a rock. When others need shelter, do they share it? Room on Our Rock celebrates the truth that there are two sides to every story and can cleverly be read in two different ways.

Find more of this goodness at Magabala books 

 
 

To build on this list, we’re sharing additional recommendations from stories that have filled our feed.

Where Are You From? by Yamile Saied Méndez and illustrated by Jaime Kim. A story about a young brown girl who, after being indirectly questioned about her identity feels left out, and seeks the counsel of her abuelo (grandfather). The story celebrates having a positive self-image and pride in your identity. 

Oh, The Things I Can Be When I See Me by Valerie Coleman, illustrated by Natasza Remesz. A story filled with historical pioneers and modern-day trailblazers, that empowers girls of color by providing examples of successful women who look like them.

Say Something  by Peter H. Reynolds. A call to action for kids to speak up and stand up, when they see injustice, have something to say, or are full of emotions. This story points out all the ways to say something- through art, poetry, a private message or a kind act. 

 
 

❤️ Looking for more?

The Conscious Kid is an education, research and policy organisation dedicated to reducing bias and promoting positive identity development in youth. They have a diverse picture book subscription service (which is sold out due to high demand, but worth keeping an eye on), and their Instagram is full of great resources. 

✋ Practical ways to support

Stay safe, stay kind and read on.

This list originally appeared in our weekly Talu Treehouse newsletter. If you’re interested in creative resources that makes family life funner and easier- sign up below!

 
Talu Talesdiverse stories, picture books, first nations, Australian Indigenous Peoples