Diversity through literacy

This list of children's books covers the diversity that is Canada.

The library booklist provides readers with names of books and other material recommended by the staff of Western Counties Regional Library. All recommendations are posted at www.westerncounties.ca under Recommended Reading with links to the catalogue.

COMMON THREADS

by Huda Essa

Adam and his family spend an exciting day at the colourful and bustling Eastern Market. But when Adam gets briefly separated from Mom and Dad, he mistakes a friendly, diverse cast of characters for his parents in their traditional Muslim clothing and shows that we all have more in common than you might think. This nearly wordless picture book celebrates diversity and community in vibrant, dynamic art.

PROUDEST BLUE

by Ibtihaj Muhammad With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It's the start of a brand-new year and, best of all, it's her older sister Asiya's first day of hijab – a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.

LAXMI’S MOOCH

by Shelly Anand

Laxmi never paid much attention to the tiny hairs above her lip. But one day while playing farm animals at recess, her friends point out that her whiskers would make her the perfect cat. She starts to notice body hair all over – on her arms, legs, and even between her eyebrows. With her parents' help, Laxmi learns that hair isn't just for heads, but that it grows everywhere, regardless of gender. Featuring affirming text by Shelly Anand and exuberant, endearing illustrations by Nabi H. Ali, Laxmi's Mooch is a celebration of our bodies and our body hair, in whichever way they grow.

OUR FAVOURITE DAY

by Joowon Oh

Papa enjoys his daily tasks, but there's one day each week that is extra special. That's the day he might visit the craft store, get two orders of dumplings to go, and possibly pick some flowers he sees along the path. With its spare text and wonderfully warm watercolour and cut-paper illustrations just begging to be pored over, Joowon Oh's tale of the singular love between a grandfather and granddaughter will nestle within the heart of every reader.

AMY WU AND THE PERFECT BAO

by Kat Zhang

Amy is determined to make a perfect dumpling like her parents and grandmother do, but hers are always too empty, too full, or not pinched together properly.

WHAT RILEY WORE

by Elana K. Arnold

Riley wears whatever clothes feel right each day. On Monday, Riley feels shy and wears a bunny costume to school. On Tuesday, a scary trip to the dentist calls for a super hero cape. For a trip out with Otto and Oma, a ball gown is the perfect outfit. This charming picture book is a gentle exploration of self-expression and source of encouragement for being true to oneself despite the expectations of others.

HAIR LOVE

by Matthew A. Cherry Zuri's hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it's beautiful. When mommy does Zuri's hair, she feels like a superhero. But when mommy is away, it's up to daddy to step in. And even though daddy has a lot to learn, he loves his Zuri. And he'll do anything to make her, and her hair, happy.

JUJIJK = MI’KMAW INSECTS

by Gerald Gloade

The English language is nounbased, referring to people, places, and things. Jujijk, an illustrated bilingual guide to bugs and insects in Atlantic Canada, showcases the beautiful verb based Mi'kmaw language. Featuring vibrant artwork and concise, fascinating descriptions, Jujijk will have you searching out "the one that looks like a little owl" (moth) and "the one that sings before she bites you" (mosquito). Created to promote and preserve the Mi'kmaw language, this book includes a pronunciation guide, a Mi'kmaw-English matching game, and an abridged version of the Smith-Francis orthography.

COUNTING IN MI’KMAW = MAWKILJEMK MI’KMAWIKTUK

by Loretta Gould

One is Ne'wt, for one bear. Two is Ta'pu, for two women at the sacred fire. Counting from one to 10 in English and Mi'kmaw, baby is introduced to both the ancestral language of Mi'kmaki and to Mi'kmaw culture and legend, through beautifully rendered illustrations of important animals, like turtle, bear, and beaver, to concepts integral to the Mi'kmaw world view, like the Four (Ne'w) Directions, and the Seven (L'luiknek) Mi'kmaw teachings.