Summer is quickly approaching, which means more time to read picture books aloud to the children in your lives! Below we’ve compiled a list of amazing multicultural books to read aloud to children. And maybe they can even read aloud to you!
Every Month is a New Year: Celebrations Around the World
By Marilyn Singer, illus. by Susan L. Roth
Happy New Year . . . in July! This versatile collection of engaging original poems showcases New Year celebrations throughout the year and around the world.
Yum! ¡Mmmm! ¡Qué Rico! Americas’ Sproutings
By Pat Mora, illus. by Rafael Lopez
In an English and Spanish edition. A collection of haiku focusing on fourteen foods native to the Americas, celebrating the fun of the foods as well as their origins.
Call Me Tree/Llámame Árbol
By Maya Christina Gonzalez
With this gentle and imaginative story about becoming your fullest self, Maya Christina Gonzalez empowers young readers to dream and reach . . . and to be as free and unique as trees.
Amazing Faces
By Lee Bennett Hopkins, illus. by Chris Soentpiet
Whatever we feel—whether happy or sad, excited or wishful, proud or lonely—our faces mirror our emotions. In this contemporary yet timeless collection, sixteen evocative poems are brought to life in diverse and detailed faces that reveal the universal feelings we all share.
Amazing Places
By Lee Bennett Hopkins, illus. by Christy Hale and Chris Soentpiet
An anthology of poems focusing on unique places of historical, environmental, and/or cultural interest in the United States as expressed by poets of diverse heritage and reflected in illustrations featuring people of all ages and backgrounds.
David’s Drawings
By Cathryn Falwell
In an English and Spanish edition. A shy young African American boy makes friends in school by letting his classmates help with his drawing of a bare winter tree.
Water Rolls, Water Rises/El agua rueda, el agua sube
By Pat Mora, illus. by Meilo So
In a series of poetic verses in English and Spanish, readers learn about the movement and moods of water around the world and the ways in which water affects varied landscapes and cultures.
Juna’s Jar
By Jane Bahk, illus. by Felicia Hoshino
A heartwarming and whimsical celebration of friendship and the power of imagination.
Marisol McDonald series
By Monica Brown, illus. by Sara Palacios
Meet Marisol McDonald, the free-spirited Peruvian-Scottish-American girl headed straight into the hearts of young readers everywhere. Fans of the award-winning Marisol McDonald series will be encouraged to embrace their own uniqueness like Marisol who takes pride in her individuality.
Summer Sun Risin’
By W. Nikola-Lisa, illus. by Don Tate
In an English and Spanish edition. From sunrise to sunset, a boy spends an activity-filled summer day helping his family on their farm.
Further Reading:
Tips for Reading Poetry Aloud to Children
The Right Read Aloud for the Classroom Community You Want This Year
Culturally Responsive Teaching in Kindergarten: Read Alouds to Build Relationships
