This week on my Facebook Page I posted some books that I’ve found useful when talking to younger children about identity. In my view children are never too young to have these (age appropriate) conversations.
As Early Years educators we are in the privileged position of working with children right at the beginning of their journey through education. We can encourage an open mindset, foster a culture of acceptance and show children how to celebrate difference.
We can have a HUGE impact.
It’s vitally important that children see themselves and their familiar culture reflected in books but equally important that they read (and listen to) stories that broaden their knowledge of identity, providing them with an informed, rich view of the world we live in.
I asked if anyone had any other suggestions and below is a list of 50 of the ones you came up with! If you search the titles on any online book retailer, you will be able to get more detail about the story. I haven’t read some of them so I can’t say they are recommended…. but I can say I pledge to do more to use this platform for positive change.
A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who left their recommendations – feel free to add more in the comment section of this blog.
Alistair
5 Comments on “Books to Encourage Conversation in the Early Years”
I recently came across a beautiful book – Raya’s Best Birthday Ever! by Prith B @prithb
A story of friendship, culture and being proud of who you are.
Thank you for posting this extensive list of multi-cultural books for young children.
This sort of on-going representation of literature in early childhood settings strengthen anti-racist and anti-bias curriculums.
🙂
Thanks so much this has given me a great selection for our EY’s classes always can rely on ABC does!
Absolutely loved Saturday. There is a YouTube video of the author reading the book and talking about the current crisis at the end.
My recommendation is ‘The Suitcase’ by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros.
Thanks for the recommendations Sylvia.
Alistair