5 Great Culturally Diverse Children’s Books to Add To Your Library

The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales, by Virginia Hamilton, Leo Dillon, and Diane Dillon 
Award-winning children’s author Virginia Hamilton’s gorgeously illustrated storybook offers young readers a glimpse into African-American folklore with twenty-four fantastic tales that range from funny to the supernatural. Intertwined are absorbing and evocative stories of slave tales of freedom, that, while poignant, are geared toward young readers. And the accompanying illustrations are superb, each drawing wonderfully brought to life by renowned illustrators Leo and Diane Dillon.

Tikki Tikki Tembo, by Arlene Mosel and Blair Lent 
When the eldest son bestowed with the honorific name of “Tikki tikki Tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruche-pip peri pembo” falls down a well, all manner of trouble ensues! Despite the simple premise, Mosel’s classic re-telling of a Chinese folktale of the little boy with the long name is a true delight, and Mosel’s warm and humorous re-imagining of this cautionary tale is perfectly matched by the sharp, brightly colored imagery. Tikki Tikki Tembo can be rightfully described as a classic, having passed over a million copies sold in the thirty years since its publication.

Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale, by John Steptoe
As a child, I spent many many hours poring over the tale of Mufaro’s daughters, Nyasha and Manyara. Almost twenty years later, Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters is still one of my favorite books. Author and illustrator John Steptoe’s re-imagining of a Zimbabwean folktale follows the adventures of the two sisters, one of whom is destined to be deemed “The Most Worthy and Beautiful Daughter in the Land” and the other to learn that sometimes true beauty comes from the inside. The award-winning illustrations, rendered with a realistic touch and eye-popping color, jump off the glossy pages and bring to life to a story that is guaranteed to quickly become a favorite of the young reader in your life.

The Legend of the Bluebonnet: An Old Tale of Texas, by Tomie dePaola
Illustrated in a charming folk-traditional style, The Legend of the Bluebonnet is a unique re-imagining of Comanche legend, blending First Nation folklore and the origin story of the Texas state flower. In the midst of a drought and famine that threatens the existence of her people, a little girl named “She-Who-Is-Alone” decides to make an incredible sacrifice in the hope of ending the drought. But the results of her sacrifice do more than just help her people; She-Who-Is-Alone wakes to find herself encircled with beautiful blue flowers. Beloved children’s author and illustrator dePaola’s tale of the little girl who would eventually become “One-Who-Dearly-Loved-Her-People” is a great addition to any child’s library.

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears, by Verna Aardema, Leo Dillon, and Diane Dillon 
What do you get when you combine the children’s game of Telephone with the eternal question of why that annoying mosquito just won’t stop droning in your ear? Verna Aardema’s hilarious Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears. This African folktale invites readers to follow along as Mosquito’s absurd tall tale, whispered in the ear of iguana, leaps from one creature to another, causing an outrageous uproar in the jungle. Illustrated in the striking style of illustrators Leo and Diane Dillon, the bold lines and bright colors are a perfect accompaniment to a book that I guarantee will leave young readers eager to learn just why that pesky mosquito still whines in your ear.
What are some of your favorite culturally diverse children’s books?