10+ Best Diverse Books for 3-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for diverse books for 3-year-olds that celebrate a wide range of cultures, characters, and stories? You're in the right place! Introducing little ones to diverse perspectives through books is a wonderful way to help them understand and appreciate the world around them. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of diverse books for 3-year-olds that are perfect for sparking curiosity and fostering a love of reading.

Fun Diverse Books for 3-Year-Olds

• Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Urban Fiction
  • Synopsis: A young boy named CJ and his grandmother take a bus ride across town, encountering various passengers and neighborhoods. Through their journey, CJ learns about the beauty and diversity of the world around him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches appreciation for the small things and the importance of helping others, all wrapped up in a colorful, engaging story.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy vibrant stories about urban life and learning valuable life lessons.

• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This timeless book follows a young boy named Peter as he explores his neighborhood after the first snowfall of the season.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the magic and boundless possibilities of a snowy day, encouraging imagination and exploration.
  • Perfect for: Children who love playing in the snow and experiencing the wonders of nature.

• Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Family
  • Synopsis: Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela thinks her name is too long until her father tells her the story behind it, connecting her to her ancestors and their unique stories.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautiful celebration of family heritage and the stories behind our names, encouraging children to learn about their own family histories.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in their family roots and the meanings behind names.

• Whose Knees Are These? by Jabari Asim, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
  • Genre(s): Board Book, Interactive
  • Synopsis: Told from an infant’s point of view, this playful book celebrates the parts of the body, focusing on the knees, with a loving and joyful tone.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's interactive and fun, perfect for engaging toddlers in reading and play.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers learning about their bodies and enjoying rhythmic, playful texts.

• Please, Baby, Please by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Family Life
  • Synopsis: This book showcases the everyday adventures and challenges of a little toddler, capturing the sweet moments of parenting.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its repetitive and simple narrative makes it an excellent read for young children, fostering a love for books and reading.
  • Perfect for: Parents and children looking for a relatable and heartwarming storytime experience.

Educational Diverse Books for 3-Year-Olds

• All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold, illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Social Themes
  • Synopsis: Follow a day in the life of a group of children at a school where everyone is welcomed with open arms. The book celebrates diversity and inclusion, showing kids from all backgrounds playing and learning together.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, social skills, community building
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes messages of acceptance and belonging, which are crucial values for young minds to learn and embrace.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and kindergarteners learning about diversity and inclusion.

• Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family and all her schoolmates, which makes her feel uncomfortable and out of place. After a magical journey through the night sky, Sulwe discovers the beauty of her dark skin.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, understanding diversity, emotional resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses colorism and self-acceptance in a gentle, magical way, making it easier for young children to understand and appreciate their uniqueness.
  • Perfect for: Kids struggling with self-image and those learning to celebrate their individuality.

• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Social Themes
  • Synopsis: Unhei, a young girl from Korea, is worried that American classmates won’t be able to pronounce her name. As she contemplates choosing a new name, her classmates become eager to learn about her real name and its special significance.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural sensitivity, empathy, social integration
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the importance of respecting and valuing everyone’s unique cultural identity.
  • Perfect for: Children new to school or any setting where they feel different and need encouragement to embrace their identity.

• Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison
  • Genre(s): Board Book, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book highlights the achievements of women of color, from pilots to politicians. It's an inspiring collection of stories that showcase the incredible things they accomplished by dreaming big.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, inspiration, role models
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides young readers with real-life heroines to look up to and learn from.
  • Perfect for: Young girls and boys who need empowering role models to inspire their dreams and ambitions.

• Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi, illustrated by Ashley Lukashevsky
  • Genre(s): Board Book, Educational
  • Synopsis: Introduced by the author as a tool for the next generation, this book offers nine steps to building a more equitable world. It encourages parents and children to disrupt racism from an early age.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, social justice, equality awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides clear, accessible guidelines to help combat racism and promote inclusivity among young children.
  • Perfect for: Families who are committed to raising awareness about social justice and promoting antiracist practices from early childhood.

Challenging Diverse Books for 3-Year-Olds

• The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad with S.K. Ali, illustrated by Hatem Aly
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Social Themes
  • Synopsis: Faizah is excited about her first day of school but even more so because her sister Asiya is wearing her first hijab, made of a beautiful blue fabric. Throughout the day, Faizah deals with various reactions from her peers, drawing strength from the pride and love she feels towards her sister.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story introduces complex themes of identity, faith, and resilience against bullying.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful tale that not only celebrates cultural identity but also teaches children about pride, strength, and familial bonds.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are beginning to explore their own identities and those of others around them.

• Saturday by Oge Mora
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Family Life
  • Synopsis: Ava and her mother look forward to Saturdays because it’s the only day of the week they get to spend together without work or school. However, one Saturday, nothing goes as planned, leading to a wonderful lesson about enjoying time together despite setbacks.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure and the emotional depth of dealing with disappointment are advanced for this age group.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches resilience and the value of quality time, even when things don't go as planned.
  • Perfect for: Children and parents who cherish their special moments together and those learning to adapt to changes.

• Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Cultural Heritage
  • Synopsis: Told in a vibrant, poetic verse, this book explores the traditional food "fry bread" and its importance in Native American culture, connecting it to various aspects like family, history, and community.
  • Why this book is challenging: The lyrical storytelling and integration of complex cultural history are sophisticated for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an enriching read that celebrates cultural traditions and teaches about the diversity of Native American communities.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in learning about different cultures and the significance of family traditions.

• Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Family
  • Synopsis: This book follows a young African American girl named Zuri and her father as they attempt to style her hair for a special occasion. It celebrates the loving bond between fathers and daughters and the joy of embracing one's natural hair.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with themes of self-acceptance and the representation of African American families in a nuanced way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes positive self-image and the importance of family support, wrapped in a heartwarming story.
  • Perfect for: Young children learning to love themselves as they are and families looking to foster strong, supportive relationships.

• Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, LGBTQ+
  • Synopsis: Julian, a young boy, dreams of becoming a mermaid. After seeing women dressed spectacularly on his way home, he decides to create his own mermaid costume. This story explores themes of individuality and acceptance.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses gender identity and self-expression in a subtle yet profound way.
  • Why we recommend this book: This beautifully illustrated book encourages creativity and self-acceptance, showing children that it’s okay to be different.
  • Perfect for: Children exploring their own identities and those who enjoy imaginative and expressive stories.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Introducing diverse books to your 3-year-old is a fantastic way to broaden their horizons and foster inclusivity from a young age. Here are some engaging exercises that can help you make the most of your reading time and develop good reading habits early on.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Flip through the book and talk about the pictures before reading the text.
  • How it helps: Enhances prediction skills and sets a purpose for reading.
  • Tips: Ask questions like "What do you think is happening here?" to engage your child.

• Story Prediction
  • What it is: Ask your child to guess what might happen next in the story.
  • How it helps: Develops critical thinking and narrative skills.
  • Tips: Encourage guesses, no matter how imaginative, to foster creativity.

• Character Play
  • What it is: Pretend to be characters from the book and act out scenes.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and empathy for different characters.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the play more fun and memorable.

• Read and Repeat
  • What it is: Read the same book several times over a period.
  • How it helps: Builds vocabulary and aids in language development.
  • Tips: Change your tone and voice for different characters to keep it interesting.

• Interactive Reading
  • What it is: Involve your child in the reading process by letting them turn the pages or say some of the words.
  • How it helps: Promotes engagement and makes reading a cooperative activity.
  • Tips: Praise their efforts to turn pages or recognize words to encourage participation.

• Book-Based Crafts
  • What it is: Create simple crafts based on themes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Reinforces the story and themes, enhancing retention and understanding.
  • Tips: Use everyday household items to keep the crafts easy and accessible.

• Question Time
  • What it is: After reading, ask your child questions about the story and characters.
  • How it helps: Improves memory and comprehension skills.
  • Tips: Keep questions simple and directly related to the story to help them recall details.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only make the experience more enjoyable but also more educational. By engaging actively with diverse books, your child will develop a love for reading and a greater appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. Happy reading!