Diverse BookFinder Picture Books: Any Child

Chloë is jealous and sad when her favorite uncle announces that he will be getting married, but as she gets to know Jamie better and becomes involved in planning the wedding, she discovers that she will always be special to Uncle Bobby--and to Uncle Jamie, too.

Bird, an artistic young African American boy, expresses himself through drawing as he struggles to understand his older brother's drug addiction and death, while a family friend, Uncle Son, provides guidance and understanding.

"It's monsoon season in Bangladesh, and that means Iqbal's mother must cook indoors over an open flame, even though the smoke is making her and the family sick. When Iqbal learns about the district science fair, with the theme of sustainability, he is determined to win first prize. With the cash reward, he can buy a pipe stove that draws smoke out of the house. Then Iqbal is struck with an ingenious idea! For his science fair project, he will build a cook stove that doesn't produce smoke. He researches solar cookers and finds the winning design - one that harnesses the sun's energy and do away with those harmful fumes. But the competition at the science fair is fierce - will Iqbal bring home the prize? Award-winning author Elizabeth Suneby offers a child-centered look at a global health problem that affects more than three billion people."-- Provided by publisher.

"How can Aaron learn to value his feelings and nurture his sensitivity in a world telling him to 'Man up?'" -- Publisher's website.

The New Girl at school plays the violin so beautifully that Almond gets lost in the music, but she also feels sad because she does not know if she herself has any talent at all--until the school play, when with the encouragement of her mother, her teacher, and the New Girl, she finds she has a talent for acting.

Arlo likes octopuses but when he tries to draw one his picture does not turn out well at all--or does it?

"There's nothing in the world like a wonderful friend. Friends are there to laugh with you and ready with a hug when you need one. Adventure friends and study friends. There are forever friends and brand new friends. In this book, celebrate ALL the marvelous ways to be a friend!"-- Provided by publisher.

When Miss Greer asks each child in the class to write a story, second-grader Aaron, who loves to draw but struggles with reading, creates a story using pictures.

"Babies come from airports" tells about the adventures of a boy when his mommy brings home his new sister. Calling that special day the "Gotcha Day". He knows just exactly what to say: "We met you at the airport." He waved at planes above. But right now, all she needs to know is ... Babies come from love.

"When Finn's family plants a tree in the backyard, he feels responsible for it and worries the little sapling is cold, hungry or lonely. He tries to share his breakfast with the tree, offers it his scarf, and spends the afternoon keeping it company. Just after going to bed, his nightlight goes out and Finn is plunged into darkness. As his nerves start to take hold, it occurs to him that his tree is outside in the dark, every night! But when he sees that his little tree is standing tall and brave in the moonlight and doesn't seem afraid, it inspires Finn to be brave as well. And so Finn's kindness and curiosity end up helping him to overcome his fear of the dark. Growing Pains is a touching story about curiosity, kindness, empathy, care of the environment, and overcoming your fears."--Publisher

Shaun is strong enough to know that even things that don't come easily can be mastered through determination and hard work. Learning to ride his two-wheeler with the help of his friend Nadia, he overcomes his fear and the teasing of the other children in the park and manages to impress friends and bullies alike.

"Big or small, apartment or house, they're all home. Come inside one boy's high-rise apartment complex, where his backyard is the space between his neighboring apartment buildings, and his basketball net is tucked into a bedroom. His parents sometimes complain their home is too small, but the boy's balcony view of the city and the extended play space of the hallways are a few ways that make the boy's house feel just the right size. Our Big Little Place is a charming child's-eye-view tribute to the power of imaginative play and the diversity of the living spaces we call home."-- Provided by publisher.

"A wordless picture book about overcoming fears and finding friendship. Sami has just arrived in a new country. The snow piled up outside his window is a mysterious and, frankly, chilly surprise! Joy, his new neighbor, does not speak his language, but that does not stop them from communicating as Joy helps Sami overcome his fears. The two new friends get bundled up against the cold, and Sami discovers the magic of playing outside on a snowy day. Keywords: Friendship, Immigration"-- Provided by publisher

Angry at his friends for chosing kickball over digging, Anh is revisited by Anger who demonstrates how mindful breathing can soothe and transform strong emotions. Based on teachings about mindfulness and Buddhism by Thich Nhat Hanh.

Danny spends a week with his Grandpa, who tells Danny about one animal from his homeland each day that he is there.

Two boys from North End Halifax explore their neighbourhood and the city beyond, finding music everywhere. Accompanying CD includes a reading, a performance by the author, and a bonus reading of "Up Home."

"Five siblings worry that their shabby old house isn't 'proper' enough, but come to see that it's perfect just the way it is"-- Provided by publisher

Da'Monte's friend Jasmine is always teased because she wears strange clothes. Da'Monte saw Jasmine being teased by Marco, but he did nothing to protect her. When his grandmother hears about what happened, she gives Da'Monte an old hoodie that seems to give him the power to intervene and protect bullied kids from Marco.

Olivia shares a secret with her best friend who then lets it slip to someone else, and soon everyone knows about Olivia's secret.

A young girl explains why she loves math and how she finds it in her everyday life.

"Roxy Ramirez has saved up for weeks to buy a chemistry set, and now she's headed to the toy store to buy it! There's only one problem: along the way, she keeps running into friends who are in trouble, and need her to dip into her savings to help. Will she have enough money left over to buy something for herself?"--Page 4 of cover.

"Discover the joy of dancing whatever your culture or style with Luna! From the team that brought us Luna Loves Library Day, Luna Loves Art, and Luna Loves World Book Day! Discover the joy of dancing and the importance of family, whatever your culture, ability or style with Luna! When Luna dances, she feels like the world's volume turns up, like all colours brighten, like sunlight sparkles behind every cloud. But when she takes her dance exam she ducks, dives, spins and... falls. Luna thinks she can't be a real dancer now. Can Luna's family convince her otherwise? Celebrate every culture and every style of dance with Luna, featuring a glorious fold out carnival page."--Publisher's description.

Norman is one amazing goldfish! His owner knows Norman is sure to dazzle the crowd at Pet-O-Rama with his circles, bubbles, and flips--even though some kids don't think a goldfish is a good pet. But when Norman is finally on stage, he freezes up and hides behind his plant. Poor Norman! Luckily, his owner plays a familiar song on the tuba, helping Norman to relax and show the crowd how amazing he really is. The popular stars of Not Norman return in a warm and wryly funny new story about being there for your fishy friend when he needs you most.

Illustrations and easy-to-read text capture a child's perspective while towering over a baby, a butterfly, and a seashell, feeling dwarfed by a giraffe, a waterfall, and the universe, and feeling just the right size.

Instilled with confidence by his parents, a young boy has a great first day of kindergarten.

"Pakak is in a new foster home, with new people, new food, and new smells. Feeling alone and uncertain, Pakak finds comfort in a secret shared with him by his anaanattiaq, his grandmother, and in the knowledge that he is loved no matter how far away his family may be. Written as a gift for Inuit children in care by foster parents Kevin and Mary Qamaniq-Mason, this book is lovingly imbued with cultural familiarities that will resonate with children who, like Pakak, are navigating the unknown."-- Provided by publisher.