Library
Welcome to
Bookversal.
Created as an answer to the question “Where should we start with our kids?”, Bookversal is a list of children’s books, collated with hope for a more diverse world.
Wherever we can, we link to independent bookshops that champion under-represented voices. This is just the beginning — tell us what we left out.
Suggest a bookFor babies and toddlers (0-3)
Let’s PlayAlex StrickA tactile, accessible board book — find the objects on each page using your senses.
Ada, Go, Go, Go!Daishu MaAda and her animal friends line up for a fun-filled race. Ready, steady, go!
Zeki Goes to the MarketAnna McQuinnZeki and Mum spend a happy Saturday at the market, among food and friends.
Wednesday Is for WigglingEva Wong Nava & Holly SterlingA week of family fun and nursery adventures, full of wiggling and giggling.
The Same But Different TooKarl Newson & Kate HindleyChildren and animals side by side, showing how we're each different — and alike.
Scout’s BedtimeSheju Adiyatiparambil-JohnCheeky Scout dodges bedtime with Dad, one imaginative game at a time.
If I Had a UnicornGabby Dawnay & Alex BarrowA girl imagines all the magical things she'd do if she had a unicorn.
If I Had a DinosaurGabby Dawnay & Alex BarowA girl is sure a dinosaur would make the perfect pet — and imagines why.
The Story of RapLindsey SagarA first introduction to rap, its roots and the artists who shaped it.
Numbers with BellaLorraine O'GarroCount from one to ten with Bella in this bright first counting book.
Hey, Wall: A Story of Art and CommunitySusan VerdeErnesto brings his neighbourhood together to turn a bare wall into a mural.
Angus all AglowHeather SmithAngus loves sparkly things so much he can hear them — until school dims his shine.
Little People, Big Dreams SeriesMaria Isabel Sanchez Vegara & BrosmindRemarkable lives — artists, scientists, activists — told for the smallest readers.
Please, Baby, PleaseSpike Lee, Tonya Lewis Lee & Kadir NelsonA toddler's busy day keeps Mum on her toes, from breakfast to bedtime.
No Mirrors in My Nana’s HouseYsaye Barnwell & Synthia Saint JamesA girl discovers her own beauty by looking into her Nana's eyes.Try your local library
Alice’s Adventures in WonderlandLewis Carroll & Tony RossThe classic tumble down the rabbit hole, retold as a board book.
I Got the RhythmConnie Schofield-MorrisonOn a trip to the park, a girl feels the beat of the city and starts to dance.Try your local library
Last Stop on Market StreetMatt de la Peña & Christian RobinsonCJ's Sunday bus ride with his grandma teaches him to see beauty everywhere.
Look Up!Nathan Bryon & Dapo AdeolaSpace-mad Rocket tries to get everyone to look up from their phones for a meteor shower.
Errol’s GardenGillian HibbsErrol has no garden, so he turns his tower block's roof into one for everyone.
Habu and the Lost Zebra: A children’s book about friendshipBeth Solomon & Ira BaykovskaA zebra appears in Habu's backyard and a playful friendship begins.
AntiRacist BabyIbram X. KendiNine simple steps for little ones (and grown-ups) to build a fairer world.
For younger kids (4+)
A Billion Ways to BeChitra Soundar & Ana SanfelippoA joyful celebration of difference, belonging and everything that makes us human.
The Library in the WoodsCalvin Alexander Ramsey & R. Gregory ChristieIn 1959 North Carolina, Junior finds a library for Black readers hidden in the forest.
Children of the ThroneJoseph Coelho & Richard JohnsonAs adults ignore a warming world, children and trees see the truth — and lead the change.
The History of WeNikkolas SmithA picture-book journey from our shared beginnings in Africa to the people we are today.
Marv and the Duck of DoomAlex Falase-Koya & Paula BowlesSuperhero Marv and his sidekick Pixel must stop the Duck of Doom causing chaos in the park.
Priya Dreams of Marigolds & MasalaMeenal PatelPriya learns about India through her Nani's stories, spices and marigolds.Try your local library
Rosa Parks: My First Rosa ParksLisbeth Kaiser & Marta AnteloHow Rosa Parks stood up for her rights by staying seated — for the youngest readers.
A Computer Called Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Helped Put America on the MoonSuzanne Slade & Veronica Miller JamisonThe maths genius whose calculations helped put Americans on the Moon.
Marvelous Me: Inside and OutLisa BullardA gentle look at all the things — inside and out — that make each child unique.
Ada Twist, ScientistAndrea Beaty & David RobertsCurious Ada asks 'why?' about everything — and uses science to find out.
Dancing in the WingsDebbie AllenSassy is told she's too tall to be a ballerina. She auditions anyway.Try your local library
Emi’s Curly Coily, Cotton Candy HairTina OlajideEmi celebrates every twist, puff and style of her natural hair.Try your local library
Hair Love: Based on the Oscar-Winning Short FilmMatthew Cherry & Vashti HarrisonZuri's dad learns to style her curly hair for a very special day.
SulweLupita Nyong'o & Vashti HarrisonSulwe wishes her dark skin were lighter, until a journey through the night sky changes everything.
SaturdayOge MoraAva and her mum's special Saturday doesn't go to plan — but they still have each other.
Jabari JumpsGaia CornwallJabari is sure he's ready to jump off the high diving board. Almost.
Don’t Touch My HairSharee MillerA girl has had enough of curious hands — a fun lesson in asking first.
The Day You BeginJacqueline WoodsonOn days you feel like an outsider, sharing your story can bring people closer.
Grandma’s PurseVanessa Brantley-NewtonWhen Grandma Mimi visits, her purse is full of treasures — and stories.
For older kids (10+)
Will’s Race for HomeJewell Parker RhodesWill and his family join the 1889 Oklahoma Land Rush, chasing a home of their own.
The Incredibly Human Henson BlayzeDerrick BarnesA 13-year-old football star in Mississippi must choose between the game and justice.
Wolf SirenBeth O'BrienA visually impaired girl called Red protects the forbidden forest in this dark Red Riding Hood retelling.
Split the SkyMarie ArnoldLala can see the future — and must decide whether to change it in her Texas town.
Life Of PiYann MartelShipwrecked Pi spends 227 days on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger.
Mega Robo BrosNeill CameronBrothers Alex and Freddy squabble like any siblings — they're also the world's most powerful robots.
Stories for Boys Who Dare to be DifferentBen Brooks & Quinton WinterTrue stories of men who broke the mould, for boys who want more than one way to be a boy.
Feed Your Mind: A Story of August WilsonJen Bryant & Cannaday ChapmanHow a library card helped August Wilson become one of America's great playwrights.
Good Night Stories for Rebel GirlsElena Favilli & Francesca Cavallo100 bedtime stories of extraordinary women, from queens to scientists.
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh CutDerrick Barnes & Gordon C. JamesA joyful poem about the confidence a fresh haircut gives a Black boy.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black HistoryVashti HarrisonForty Black women who changed history, in short, beautifully illustrated biographies.
Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man Ultimate Collection Book 1Brian Michael Bendis & Sara PichelliTeenager Miles Morales takes on the mask as the new Spider-Man.
Ghost BoysJewell Parker RhodesAfter 12-year-old Jerome is killed by police, his ghost watches the aftermath unfold.
Roll of Thunder, Hear My CryMildred Taylor & David KearneyThe Logan family holds on to their land and their pride in 1930s Mississippi.
Brown Girl DreamingJacqueline WoodsonJacqueline Woodson's memoir in verse of growing up between South Carolina and Brooklyn.
We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our VoicesWade Hudson & Cheryl Willis HudsonFifty diverse creators share words and art on hope, activism and standing tall.
Young Gifted and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past and PresentJamia Wilson & Andrea PippinsFifty-two Black icons, past and present, whose achievements inspire.
Amazing GraceMary Hoffman & Caroline BinchGrace is told she can't play Peter Pan. She shows everyone she can.
101 Black Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics: Leaders in Black HistoryL.A. AmberProfiles of 101 Black women who led the way in science, technology, engineering and maths.Try your local library
Diverse families
Won’t Go!Sumana SeeboruthA toddler who doesn't want to stop playing learns to handle big feelings about change.
Dancing Dumplings for My One and OnlyEva Wong Nava & Natelle QuekA girl and her grandma share their love through the ritual of making dumplings.
That’s Not StellaDonna FredinIs Stella the cat really Stella? A funny, bright mystery.Try your local library
Lulu Moves HomeAnna McQuinn & Rosalind BeardshawLulu helps her family through a big move, one small kindness at a time.
Spendin’ TimeGary R. Gray Jr. & Rahele Jomepour BellA love letter to Black fatherhood and the joy of slowing down together.
My Daddies!Gareth Peter & Garry ParsonsA rhyming celebration of a boy's everyday adventures with his two dads.
Forever StarGareth Peter & Judi AbbotA starry quest to find a forever family.
Grandad’s CamperHarry WoodgateA girl helps Grandad take the camper he shared with Gramps back on the road.
The Pirate MumsJodie Lancet-GrantBilly is embarrassed by his pirate mums — until they save the day.
Eve’s New BrotherSheju Adiyatiparambil-JohnEve has two mums and a brand-new baby brother — and lots of big feelings.
My Two GranniesFloella Benjamin & Margaret ChamberlainAlvina's two grannies, from Trinidad and the north of England, learn to share.
Papa, Daddy, and RileySeamus Kirst & Devon HolzwarthWhen a classmate asks which dad is her 'real' dad, Riley finds her answer.
Love Makes a FamilySophie BeerMany different families, all showing that love is what makes a home.
A Mother for ChocoKeiko KaszaLittle bird Choco searches for a mother who looks like him — and finds one who loves him.Try your local library
The Great Big Book of FamiliesMary Hoffman & Ros AsquithBig, small, blended, adopted — a look at the many shapes a family can take.
Tell Me Again about the Night I Was BornJamie Lee CurtisA girl asks her parents to retell the story of the night she was adopted.
And Tango Makes ThreeJustin RichardsonThe true story of two male penguins who raised a chick at Central Park Zoo.
Two HomesClaire Masurel & Kady MacDonald DentonAlex has two homes, with Mum and with Dad — and he's loved in both.
We Belong Together: A Book About Adoption and FamiliesTodd ParrTodd Parr's bright, reassuring look at adoption and the families it makes.
Standing on My Own Two Feet: A Child’s Affirmation of Love in the Midst of DivorceTamara SchmitzAddison's parents live apart, but he knows they will always love him.Try your local library
The Family BookTodd ParrSome families are big, some small, some have two mums or two dads — all are special.
Murphy’s Three Homes: A Story for Children in Foster CareJan Levinson & Kathy O'MalleyA puppy moves between foster homes, a gentle story for children in care.Try your local library
Diverse cultures
The Beautiful Layers of MeSophia Payne & Ruchi MhasaneAmeena explores her heritage, clothing and pride at her first nikah.
A Taste of HomeMaryam Hassan & Anna WilsonA scrumptious story for each favourite family meal and dessert.
Noah’s New HomeZeshan Akhter & Nabila AdaniNoah, a refugee, finds welcome as a community comes together to help.
Mama’s Special Wonton SoupWai Mei Wong & Xin Yue ZhuA dreamy tale of family, food and community, wrapped in a bowl of soup.Try your local library
The Night Before DiwaliSwapna Haddow & Darshika VarmaA funny, colourful glimpse into one family's home as they get ready for Diwali.
Spree: The Boy Who Made the Steelpan SingCeleste Mohammed & Cory ThomasHow a Trinidadian boy turned discarded oil drums into the steelpan.
Flowers for Tía Luz MaríaCynthia De La TorreA girl honours her late tía through flowers and Día de los Muertos traditions.
The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and FamilyIbtihaj MuhammadFaizah's sister wears her first hijab to school — a beautiful blue, and a proud one.
Lunar New Year (Celebrate the World)Hannah Eliot & Alina ChauA first look at how families celebrate Lunar New Year.
Amina’s VoiceHena KhanA Pakistani-American girl finds her voice when her community is hit by tragedy.
This is How We Do itMatt LamotheOne day in the lives of seven real kids from seven countries.
Where Are You From?Yamile Saied MéndezAsked where she's really from, a girl turns to her abuelo for the answer.
Sofia Valdez, Future PrezAndrea Beaty & David RobertsSofia takes on city hall to turn a rubbish dump into a park.
Fry Bread: A Native American Family StoryKevin Noble MaillardA modern Native American family comes together over fry bread.
We All Went on SafariLaurie Krebs & Julia CairnsCount from one to ten with friends exploring the grasslands of Tanzania.
Mama Do You Love Me?Barbara M. Joosse & Barbara LavalleeAn Inuit child tests the limits of a mother's love — and finds there are none.
The Name JarYangsook ChoiNew to school, Unhei wonders whether to choose an American name.Try your local library
Round is a Mooncake: A Book of ShapesRoseanne Thong & Grace LinA girl spots shapes all around her that remind her of her Chinese American heritage.
Biblioburro: A True Story from ColombiaJeanette WinterThe true story of a teacher who brings books to remote villages by donkey.Try your local library
I Love Saturdays y DomingosAlma Flor AdaSaturdays with one set of grandparents, domingos with the other — two cultures, one girl.Try your local library
What Can You Do with a PaletaCarmen TafollaA girl celebrates the icy fruit paleta and life in her lively barrio.
Festival of ColorsSurishtha SehgalSiblings Chintoo and Mintoo turn flowers into coloured powder for Holi.
It’s Ramadan, Curious GeorgeH. A. ReyGeorge celebrates Ramadan with his friend Kareem.
Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of ColorsHena KhanA young Muslim girl shares the colours and traditions of her faith.
Diverse emotions
Cloud BoyGreg StobbsA tender, affirming picture book about ADHD.
Baxter’s ViewKerri CunninghamA colourful story of empathy, patience and siblings, exploring neurodiversity.
It’s Really, Really, Not Fair!Angie MorganPolly wants to fly, climb mountains and dig to Australia — but Mum says no!
Some Days I’m the WindRebecca Gardyn Levington & Dinara MirtalipovaA rhyming reminder that feelings don't have to be good or bad.
When a Dragon Comes to StayCaryl Hart & Rosalind BeardshawA little dragon visits her toddler friends and learns good manners.
Today I’m a MonsterAgnes Gree & Viktoriia MykhalevychA boy's bad mood grows and grows — but he's loved through all of it.Try your local library
The Color Monster: A Story about EmotionsAnna LlenasA girl helps a muddled monster sort his feelings, colour by colour.
Little YouRichard Van CampA tender celebration of a new baby and the potential they hold.
My Heart Fills with HappinessMonique Gray SmithSmall moments that fill a child's heart with happiness.
Ruby’s Worry: A Big Bright Feelings BookTom PercivalRuby's worry grows bigger and bigger — until she talks about it.
True to self
This Is Who I AmRashmi Sirdeshpande & Ruchi MhasaneA celebration of family history and everything that makes us who we are.
George and the Mini DragonGeorge Webster, Helen Harvey & Tim BudgenGeorge and his friends meet a pet mini dragon called Lava.
Brown Girl in the SnowYolanda T. Marshall & Marianne FerrerMissing the Caribbean, Amina slowly finds beauty and belonging in her snowy new home.- A Hatful of DreamsBob GrahamTall tales and make-believe celebrate the bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
Be More BernardSimon Philip & Kate HindleyBernard the rabbit stops trying to fit in and starts being himself.
Nen and the Lonely FishermanIan Eagleton & James MayhewA merman and a lonely fisherman find each other in a love story under the sea.
Pink Is for BoysEda Kaban & Robb PearlmanPink is for boys — and girls, and everyone. Every colour is for all of us.
El DeafoCece BellCece Bell's graphic-novel memoir of growing up deaf — and finding her superpower.
I Am Helen Keller (Ordinary People Change the World)Brad MeltzerHow Helen Keller learned to read and write and fought for disabled people's rights.
All Are WelcomeAlexandra Penfold & Suzanne KaufmanA school where every child, family and culture is welcome.
All My Stripes: A Story for Children with AutismShaina Rudolph, Danielle Royer & Jennifer ZivoinZane the zebra worries he's different — his mama helps him love all his stripes.
Just BecauseRebecca ElliottA boy loves his sister Clemmie, who has disabilities, just because she's his sister.Try your local library
Whoever You AreMem Fox & Leslie StaubWherever we live, we share the same joys, sorrows and love.
I Love My Hair!Natasha Anastasia Tarpley & E.B. LewisAs Mama combs her hair, Keyana discovers all the ways she can wear it with pride.
The Boy At the Back of the ClassOnjali RaufA group of kids hatch a daring plan to help a refugee classmate find his family.
I Love My PurseDemont & WimmerCharlie carries his bright red purse to school — and won't be talked out of it.
Julian Is a MermaidJessica LoveJulián dreams of being a mermaid, and his abuela helps him shine.
Big Bob, Little BobJames Howe & Laura Ellen AndersonTwo boys called Bob are nothing alike — until they find out how to be friends.
The Sissy DucklingHarvey FiersteinTeased for being different, Elmer the duck proves himself a hero.Try your local library
Looking Like MeWalter Dean MyersJeremy discovers he's many things at once — brother, son, writer, runner and more.Try your local library
RED: A Crayon’s StoryMichael HallA blue crayon wrongly labelled 'red' finds out who he really is.
Breaking stereotypes
Supa NovaChanté TimothyInventor Supa Nova sets out to build a machine that eats plastic.- The Misadventures of Mina Mahmood: School TripFarhana Islam & Simran Diamond SinghMina and her classmates come face to face with a spooky legend on school camp.
Destiny Ink: Birthday SecretAdeola SokunbiDestiny has the perfect gift for her cousin — if jealousy doesn't spoil the party.
Beauty and the BeastH Chuku Lee & Pat CummingsThe fairy tale retold with an African setting and art by Pat Cummings.
Pretty Salma: A Little Red Riding Hood Story from AfricaNiki DalyLittle Red Riding Hood, retold in Ghana.
Sleeping CutieAndrea Davis Pinkney & Brian PinkneyCutie LaRue can't sleep — until a magical toy takes her to the Dreamland Nightclub.Try your local library
Leola and the HoneybearsMelodye RosalesAn African American retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.Try your local library
Flossie and the FoxPatricia C. McKissack & R. IsadoraClever Flossie outwits a sly fox on her way to deliver eggs.Try your local library
Brothers of the KnightDebbie AllenThe Twelve Dancing Princesses, reimagined as twelve brothers in Harlem.Try your local library
Cendrillon: A Caribbean CinderellaRobert D San Souci & Brian PinkneyCinderella, told by her godmother on the island of Martinique.
Little Red Gliding HoodTara LazarLittle Red needs an ice-skating partner — and the only one free is the Wolf.
The Korean CinderellaShirley ClimoPear Blossom's Cinderella story, set in ancient Korea.
Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African TaleJohn SteptoeA Cinderella-style tale from Zimbabwe about two very different sisters.
Jack and the BeanstalkCarly GledhillThe classic fairy tale, retold as a board book with a fresh, diverse look.
The Wizard of OzFrank L. BaumDorothy follows the yellow brick road in this board-book retelling.
Alice’s Adventures in WonderlandLewis Carroll & Tony RossLewis Carroll's classic, reimagined for little ones.
The Little Mermaid (Once Upon a World)Hannah Eliot & Nívea OrtizThe Little Mermaid, retold in the Caribbean.
Cinderella (Once Upon a World)Chloe Perkins & Sandra EquihuaCinderella with a vibrant Mexican twist.
Rapunzel (Once Upon a World)Chloe Perkins & Archana SreenivasanRapunzel lets down her hair in a retelling set in India.
Hansel and GretelRachel IsadoraRachel Isadora's Hansel and Gretel, set in Africa.
Little Roja Riding HoodSusan Middleton Elya & Susan GuevaraA rhyming Little Red Riding Hood, sprinkled with Spanish words.
The Ghanaian GoldilocksTamara Pizzoli & Phil HowellGoldilocks and the Three Bears, retold in Ghana.Try your local library
Little Red and the Very Hungry LionAlex T. SmithLittle Red meets a very hungry lion — and outsmarts him.
Princess and the PeasRachel HimesTo win her son's heart, contestants must cook Ma Sally's perfect black-eyed peas.
La Princesa and the PeaSusan Middleton Elya & Juana Martinez-NealA rhyming Princess and the Pea, with a Peruvian twist and Spanish words.
Bookversal is independent. We’re not affiliated with any of the bookshops or publishers we link to, and we don’t earn anything from these links. Some go via Bookshop.org, which credits the sale to the independent bookshop in the link. Book covers belong to their publishers and are shown so you can recognise each book.