Why diversity matters even for the youngest readers
Babies and toddlers are already noticing faces, voices, skin tones, languages and family shapes. The books on their shelves are some of the first places they see the world reflected back to them. Children’s literature specialists often describe books as “mirrors” (they show a child their own life) and “windows” (they offer a view of someone else’s). Young children benefit from both.
Publishers and educators commonly list a handful of reasons for choosing diverse books:
- They can challenge stereotypes by showing people as individuals, not types.
- They can help children feel seen, which may support confidence.
- They can encourage curiosity and kindness toward people who look or live differently.
- They can widen a child’s sense of the world early on.
None of this requires heavy conversation with a baby. Simply reading these books regularly is a good start.
What to look for in a diverse board book
Board books have a few extra requirements because of who reads them:
- Sturdy construction. Thick pages and rounded corners hold up to chewing and dropping. Our guide to board books versus hardcovers explains how the format is made.
- Simple text and clear pictures. Babies and toddlers respond to bold, uncluttered illustrations. See why illustration matters for what makes pictures effective.
- Everyday stories. Look for books where characters from many backgrounds simply live their lives: eating, playing, bathing, bedtime. Not every book needs to be “about” difference.
- Respectful, accurate portrayal. Check who wrote and illustrated the book. Books created by authors or illustrators from the community they depict often feel more authentic.
- Many kinds of diversity. Think skin tone, culture, language, family structure, ability, body type and gender, not just one dimension.
Board books to consider
Editions and formats change, so confirm that a title is available as a board book before you buy. These are examples, described in our own words.
Faces and babies around the world
- Global Babies (from the Global Fund for Children): photographs of babies from many places, in a simple format babies enjoy.
- Whose Toes Are Those? by Jabari Asim, illustrated by LeUyen Pham: a playful, rhyming game about a baby’s body parts, featuring a Black family.
- Please, Baby, Please by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee, illustrated by Kadir Nelson: a lively book about the daily antics of a toddler in a Black family.
Families and community
- The Family Book by Todd Parr: a cheerful, brightly colored look at the many shapes families come in.
- Counting on Community by Innosanto Nagara: a counting book that celebrates neighborhoods and people working together.
Language and culture
- Besos for Baby by Jen Arena, illustrated by Blanca Gómez: a gentle counting book of kisses that includes Spanish words.
Beyond this list, many publishers now offer lists of inclusive board books. Your local librarian is often a great guide, and many libraries keep curated displays.
Avoiding tokenism and stereotypes
A diverse book can still miss the mark. Some things to watch for:
- One-note characters. If a character from a minority group appears only to teach a lesson, that can feel flat.
- Costume or “tourist” depictions. Books that reduce a culture to food and festivals only may flatten a rich reality.
- Only one source. If every diverse book on the shelf comes from a single publisher, the view is limited.
- Shelf balance. If diverse books are a separate “special” pile, children may get the impression that they are the exception. Mix them in with everything else.
When in doubt, read reviews by educators, librarians, and people from the communities depicted.
Reading these books with babies and toddlers
- Name what you see. “This baby is laughing. This mom is carrying the baby on her back.” Simple labeling builds vocabulary and normalizes differences.
- Follow questions. Toddlers often ask direct questions about skin, hair or clothing. A short, honest and warm answer is usually enough.
- Repeat favorites. Familiarity breeds comfort.
- Link to real life. “That baby has curly hair, like your cousin.” These small connections help.
- Use the same books at home and in the classroom. If you run a preschool book corner, a mix of faces, families and languages helps every child find something familiar.
For help picking developmentally suitable formats, see why age-appropriate books matter.
Building a balanced shelf
You do not need to replace your whole collection. A practical approach:
- Count the families, faces and cultures that appear on your child’s shelf now.
- Add a few books to fill the biggest gaps.
- Borrow from the library to try new titles first.
- Include diverse characters in every kind of book, not only “issue” books: animals, alphabet, counting, bedtime and concept books.
- Revisit every few months as your child grows.
If you are looking for free ways to start, our guide to free online books for newborns points to libraries and story sites. For older siblings, see best family book series.
Frequently asked questions
Are diversity board books only for children from minority groups?
No. All children benefit from seeing a wide range of people, and children from majority groups may especially gain from books that show different lives.
At what age should I start?
From the earliest months. Babies enjoy faces and colors, and regular exposure helps normalize differences.
Do I need to explain the differences in the pictures?
Not in detail. Describing what you see in a natural, matter-of-fact way is a good start.
How do I know if a book is respectful?
Look at who created it, read reviews from trusted sources such as librarians and educators, and notice whether characters feel like real individuals.