There’s never been a more crucial time for us to talk honestly about diversity in our communities, and what better way to open conversations with our children than through stories? Our friends at Green Bean Books rounded up 5 sweet, approachable and heartfelt books that explore the universality of different experiences. To pick up these titles or get even more recs, visit them at 1600 NE Alberta; they’d love to have you.

The Colors of Us by Karen Katz

This dreamy and delicious tale celebrates the many different shades of skin that are found all around us. Lena, whose skin is the color of cinnamon, takes a walk through town with her artist mother, whose skin is the color of French toast. Together they find that the skin tones of their friends and neighbors make up a palette of all sorts of sumptuous shades. The author’s bold illustrations and vivid descriptions are a delight to the senses, and the joyous storytelling will leave readers full of warmth.

One Family by George Shannon

This charming picture book is one part celebration of diversity, one part message of unity, and one part unconventional counting book. Children can count the items in familiar scenes as they take in families both big and small, of all different skin colors, intergenerational families, and interracial families. The brief and simple text complements the pleasing design of Blanca Gomez’s cheerful, engaging illustrations. Visually appealing with a simple message: there are many definitions of what it means to be one family.

Happy in Our Skin by Fran Manushkin, ill. By Lauren Tobia

A vibrant, joyful book about honoring diversity throughout a neighborhood, Happy in Our Skin embraces individuality and families of all kinds. Join families as they play in the park, snuggle at home, and spend time with their neighbors.  Filled with gentle rhymes, this is an excellent read aloud for the very youngest both at home and in the classroom.

The Skin You Live In by Michael Tyler

Young readers will delight in the lilting text and bouncy, playful illustrations of this sweet, breezy picture book. Charming rhymes illuminate the vast variety of shades our incredible skin comes in and all the sensations it experiences. From chocolate tones to marshmallow hues and everything in between, you’ll be looking at skin in a whole new way.

Let’s Talk About Race by Julius Lester

This fearless yet gentle book, perfect for school-aged children, starts with a simple premise- everyone in the world has a story of their own. Each story is made up of thousands of elements, and race is but one of those elements. Thus begins an honest and thought provoking discussion about prejudice, individuality and kinship. Simple, bold and forthright, this is a wonderful way for teachers and caregivers to open up conversations about race and bias. Julius Lester invites readers to look beyond the color of one’s skin and discover the stories we each have to tell.