Diverse Lending Library
Our curated selection of preschool books supports social justice and equity for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) while engaging our children in discussions of race, equity, and justice. We’re still accepting book donations. Check out this list for the books needed to complete our collection.
Recommended Books from the AUCP Outreach Committee:
Recommended Books for Talking to Children about Race
Recommended Books for Young Children:
- Chicka, Chicka, Boom Boom, by Bill Martin, Jr – The most fun way to learn the A-B-Cs
- Sheep in a Shop, by Nancy Shaw – Laugh out loud as these sheep attempt to be careful and polite
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle – A perfect introduction to life cycles, days of the week, and nutrition
- The Runaway Bunny, by Margaret Wise Brown – A classic story of love and devotion
- Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, by Mo Willems – Dealing with temper tantrums in your home? You and your kids will love this one.
- It Looked Like Spilt Milk, by Charles Shaw – A chance to talk to your children about the wonders of imagination
- The Little Engine That Could, by Watty Piper – Still the best story to read when your child is nervous about a new adventure
- The Kissing Hand, by Audrey Penn – A comforting story about starting school
- How Do Dinosaurs Play With Their Friends, by Jane Yolen – Another in the popular dinosaur behavior series
- Time for Bed, by Mem Fox – Simple rhymes and cuddly animals will make this one a nighttime favorite
Recommended Books for Parents:
- 1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12, by Thomas W. Phelan – You don’t need to yell to control your kids. The system in this book is easy to implement, effective, and saves your vocal chords – not to mention your sanity. There’s a reason that “magic” is in the title.
- Birth Order Blues, by Mari Wallace – If you are expecting your second child, start reading this book well before the baby comes. It is sure to get you thinking about how you were raised and what you want to do the same, or differently! Plus you learn how to respond to accusations such as “It’s not fair” and “You love her more than me.”
- Siblings Without Rivalry, by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish – Here’s another book that you may want to start reading even before your second child is born. It offers lots of practical tips through case studies, and lots of laughs through cartoons. While no book can make the rivalry disappear, this one helps you understand it and deal with it.
- How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk, by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish – With this book, you can teach your children how to communicate effectively – with you as well as with friends, teachers, grandparents, and neighbors. From there, you learn how to encourage autonomy and problem-solving, even in the youngest tykes.