Are you on the hunt for great stories for 2 year-olds? Little ones love to listen to someone read them books. But, it can be challenging to find stories that represent the diversity of people in our world for such a young age.
Here are some of the best multicultural books for toddlers. They are titles that will enrich their growing vocabulary and understanding of the world.
Best Multicultural Books for Toddlers
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We all know that a 24-month-old generally has less of an attention for a story than a 35-month-old, but yet they are both 2 year-olds. This list contains books that will appeal to both ends of the spectrum.
Board Books (great for little ones who are still tearing pages in picture books)
I love the Global Babies series. I included it on the Best Multicultural Board Books for Babies and Toddlers with Photographs book list. I had to include them on this list too. Global Baby Bedtimesby Maya Ajmera gives us a realistic look at babies around the world preparing for sleep.
It’s never to early to start working on dual language learning. Counting With/Contando Con Frida by Patty Rodriguez is a bilingual book (English/Spanish) that introduces colors and gives us a taste of the Hispanic culture. This is a series with numerous titles that teach about shapes, emotions, and more.
Disney’s It’s a Small World Hello, World! is a colorful little book introducing us to different people around the world. On each page we learn how to say hello in a different language. The text is simple, but there is lots to look at on each page.
Fiesta Babies by Carmen Tafolla is a sweet rhythmic read through a Latino party. Pictures are bright, engaging, and entertaining.
Grace Lin has a wonderful series of board books that feature different seasons and math concepts. They are part of the Story Telling Math series. Check out Up to My Knees!, The Last Marshmallow, What Will Fit? and Circle! Sphere!
Picture Books
I was an immediate fan of Atinuke when I read hear early chapter books about Anna Hibiscus (put on your list for when the kids get a bit older.) Atinuke returns with a new picture book called Baby Goes to Market. It’s a vibrant and gorgeously illustrated about a mother who takes her little one to a Nigerian market to shop. As the mother is busy buying items, the baby is also filling mama’s basket with items from the market too.
Little ones will even learn some basic counting skills while enjoying the story. In fact, grab a basket and have the kids place items in as you count together the items being put in the basket.
Bee Bim Bop by Linda Sue Park is one of my favorites on the list. It’s a wonderful read-aloud sure to capture the toddler audience’s attention. Plus, it has a yummy recipe in the back of the book.
I haven’t met a 2 year-old that doesn’t love the “Wheels on the Bus.” Add a little cultural learning to the song by reading The Wheels on the Tuk Tuk by Kabir Sehgal which takes us to India. Lots of new vocabulary to be learned with this one.
Full, Full, Full of Love by Trish Cooke allows us to step into one family’s home and feel the love of extended family all while preparing for a home-cooked meal.
Learn about shapes in the Asian culture in Round is a Mooncake: A Book of Shapes by Roseanne Thong. Also check out Thong’s Round is a Tortilla: A Book of Shapesand Green is a Dragon: A Book of Colors.
Printable Book List for 2 Year-Olds
Grab a printable book list of the books above.
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Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2021 (1/29/21) is in its 8th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books and authors on the market while also working to get those book into the hands of young readers and educators. Eight years in, MCBD’s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves continues. Read about our Mission & History HERE. 
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This post first appeared on GBBB on 1/22/18.
Patricia Tilton says
gREAT SHARES TO mcbd FOR YOUNGER AUDIENCES. i ESPECIALLY LOVE “tHE wHEELS ON THE tUK tUK” AND HAVE GIFTED IT TO MANY GRANDCHILDRENS AND A NIECE. tHEY ALL LOVED IT. fORGOT ABOUT lINDA sUE pARK’S BOOK, AND WILL NEED TO CHECK THAT ONE OUT!