Reading books with preschool-age children not only helps them be better prepared for school, but it also opens their minds to new cultures and experiences. Exposing children early to both “mirror” and “window” books – that is, books in which they can see themselves, and books in which they can learn about others- is the best way to create engaged readers and support social and emotional growth.
Lee & Low Books offers hundreds of great books for preschoolers. Our books include English, Spanish, and bilingual titles; books about many different cultures; books that span a wide range of subjects and themes; and both fiction and nonfiction. Browse our preschool collections to see what we offer.
While we have hundreds of titles to choose from, here are 10 of our absolute favorite diverse books for preschoolers!
Black All Around, by Patricia Hubbell, illus. by Don Tate
Join a young girl as she discovers all the wonderful things around her that are black. View the Teacher’s Guide here.
Purchase a copy here.
Butterflies for Kiri, by Cathryn Falwell
Kiri loves to make things. When she receives an origami set for her birthday, she can’t wait to try making a butterfly, but the paper tears after just four folds. Disappointed but not discouraged, Kiri continues to practice making origami butterflies. Then one beautiful spring day in the park Kiri is inspired to make a picture of what she sees, and her creative and colorful solution turns out to be more rewarding than she could have imagined. View the Building Classroom Community guide here.
Purchase a copy here.
Summer Sun Risin’, by W. Nikola-Lisa, illus. by Don Tate
Set on a Texas farm in the 1950s and told in Nikola-Lisa’s distinctive and catchy style, this loving tribute to childhood, farm life, and family togetherness will resonate with readers of all backgrounds. View the Teacher’s Guide here.
Purchase a copy here.
How Far Do You Love Me?, by Lulu Delacre
Based on a bedtime game author/illustrator Lulu Delacre played with her young daughters, How Far Do You Love Me? is an “I love you” book with a twist. Also available in Spanish! View the Teacher’s Guide here.
Purchase a copy here.
DeShawn Days, by Tony Medina, illus. by R. Gregory Christie
In his first children’s book, author Tony Medina draws from his experiences growing up in the projects to create this dynamic character. View the Teacher’s Guide here.
Purchase a copy here.
Call Me Tree/Llámame Árbol, by Maya Christina Gonzalez
With this gentle and imaginative bilingual story about becoming your fullest self, Maya Christina Gonzalez empowers young readers to dream and reach . . . and to be as free and unique as trees. View the Teacher’s Guide here.
Purchase a copy here.
Dreaming Up, by Christy Hale
Here is a unique celebration of children’s playtime explorations and the surprising ways childhood experiences find expression in the dreams and works of innovative architects. Great for introducing STEM/STEAM concepts! View the Teacher’s Guide here.
Purchase a copy here.
Juna’s Jar, by Jane Bahk, illus. by Felicia Hoshino
When Juna’s best friend, Hector, moves away, she uses a kimchi jar and her imagination to explore the world and deal with her feelings of loneliness. A great book to support social and emotional learning. View the Teacher’s Guide here.
Purchase a copy here.
The Story I’ll Tell, by Nancy Tupper Ling, illus. by Jessica Lanan
A young child asks his mother to tell the story of where he came from. Each lyrical and fantastic tale contains a small kernel of truth that pieces together the baby’s journey across a wide ocean into his new mother’s arms in this gentle book about adoption.
Purchase a copy here.
Confetti Kids series, by various authors, illus. by Shirley Ng-Benitez
Dive into reading with the Confetti Kids series! This early chapter book series, perfect for budding readers, follows Lily and her friends Padma, Pablo, Henry, and Mei on their imaginative adventures throughout the city. View the Activity Guide here.
Purchase a copy here.
Further Reading
Bebop Books: Guided Reading Book Sets for the Classroom
Building Classroom Community in Kindergarten
Also check out our amazing PreK-Kinder collections:
Diverse Background English Collection for PreK-2
Asian American English Collection for PreK-2
English Fiction Collection for PreK-2
Diversity Starter Pack Collection for PreK-2
