Young children learn about the world around them from their parents and their friends, but also through the books that they read. Included here are books which explain that the world around us is filled with different people who might have different kinds of skin color, different body types, or different family structures. But at heart, we are all the same, and most of us want the same thing: to be loved for who we are. These books will reinforce those concepts, and each one has its own unique appeal.

“Family is Family” by Melissa Marr and Marcos Almada Rivero is a clever picture book that, while tackling the topic of having two moms, is also a cautionary tale to teachers. It was Chick’s first day of school, and his new teacher had sent home a note saying that because the first day of school can be scary, they might want to “ask your mom, your dad, or an older brother or sister to walk you to school!” Well, Chick has two moms, and he doesn’t want to ask just one to walk him to school. The note doesn’t say that two moms are okay, so he decides to walk alone. Along the way he sees many different configurations of family walking the other animals to school. This is not a book in which Chick ends up feeling bad about his family, but it does cause him to ask his moms about their family makeup. And they explain that just like there are all kinds of animals, there are all kinds of families. I love the last sentence, because that really sums it all up: “As the sun went to sleep, Chick decided having two mothers was just a love thing, and love things were definitely his favorite things.” The illustrations are bright and engaging. This is a book that would probably be banned in certain states whose officials want everyone to look the same and all families to be the same. It’s definitely a great choice for a school or classroom library! (Nancy Paulsen Books)

“You Are Loved: A Book About Families” by Margaret O’Hair and Sofia Cardoso is about families, and it explores the different ways that families come into being. The book was inspired by Sofia Sanchez, a young model and actress who was born with Down syndrome. She was adopted from Ukraine by the Sanchez family. The book asks the question: “But what makes a family?” And as readers of fiction books know, a family is made from love, not necessarily blood ties. People from different backgrounds, with different color skin and different abilities, speaking different languages, can all become family if there is an emotional bond. And while families aren’t perfect, and there may be disagreements and arguments, love usually conquers all. (Scholastic Books)

“We’ll Make Things Better Together” by Ben Gundersheimer (Mister G) and Dow Phumiruk demonstrates that everything is better when you do it together. Ben Gundersheimer is also known as Mister G, and he is a Latin Grammy Award-winning artist. He’s also an activist and educator, and he is bilingual. His love of music shines throughout all the picture books he writes, and it’s clearly an important presence in this one as well. The rhyming text (like a song) alternates with a chorus (like a song) in which the main theme is: “Everything goes better, Better when we work together.” And we see multicolor families rising up in the morning, eating breakfast together and cleaning. They grow food together in their garden and together they make soup for a sick neighbor. It culminates in a “free concert” for the whole neighborhood. I can imagine this book sparking discussions among young children about how their family works together. (Nancy Paulsen Books)

“Some Bodies” by Sophie Kennen and Airin O’Callaghan is a picture book for young readers about how all bodies are different. In simple, rhyming text we see that every body is unique. Some are short, tall, big or small. Some might have two feet, or one foot, different colored eyes or skin. Some bodies might prefer to be covered while other bodies like to get lots of sun. There are many many ways in which each of us is unique. Included at the back of the book is a letter to caregivers about how to deal with questions. Not discussing questions about skin color or disabilities might make children think it’s something inappropriate, and they might think that such questions are bad. The authors share fabulous responses to potentially awkward questions that children might ask. (Sleeping Bear Press)

And a book about bodies which is definitely for older readers is “All Bodies Are Wonderful: Use Science to Celebrate Everyone’s Body!” by Beth Cox and Samantha Meredith. In true nonfiction format there is a table of contents which shows that the book is divided into three sections: Science, Society, and Taking Action. Scientific terms like chromosome and dominant and recessive genes are explained in simple terms that are easy to understand. Readers will also learn about discrimination and stereotyping. There is information about different kinds of gender expressions and about the importance of accepting yourself as you are. Like the previously mentioned books, this one emphasizes that we are all unique, and that we should all find things to love about our bodies. Because of its frank discussion about sex and gender, in a very age appropriate manner, this book would be yet another valuable resource that would be banned in some narrow-minded areas of the country. One thing I really love about this book is the science and simple explanations that are presented. (Sky Pony Press)

This review is based on the final hardcover books provided by the publishers for review purposes.