Multicultural Books for Babies
Reading multicultural books to babies is an important part of their development. In my last post, we talked about when babies can begin to tell the difference in skin color. They can notice skin color by 3 months of age.
Faces, in particular, attract your baby’s attention. One of the first things that your baby learns to focus on is your face. You spend a lot of time looking at each other while feeding, diapering, and, of course, cuddling!
When your baby is very young is the right time to begin the conversation about race. A good way to introduce the subject is by reading multicultural books to your baby and yourself.
Begin the Race Conversation Early
The race conversation must begin early if we ever have any hope of making the world a better place for everyone. So, multicultural books for babies are a good way to start. Then, parents must address their own attitudes about race with multicultural books on their own level .
Simply put, we all have implicit biases that we are not even aware of. We all need to examine our thoughts and actions towards other groups of people.
For me, examining those thoughts and actions have become a part of my “Beautiful Heart Musical Journey”. Will you come on that same journey with me?
The Multicultural Journey
I have begun my multicultural journey with a quote from Maya Angelou: “Do the best your can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better”.
One of the first thing I had to learn was what the B and I in BIPOC meant. I did know that POC meant people of color. Black and Indigenous groups of people are included in order to recognize all skin shades.
The second thing I want to learn about is the children’s books and the music of BIPOC authors and composers. Then I will use them in my violin studio and SECE Baby Class teaching. Finally, I will share these resources with you to encourage you and your baby on your multicultural and musical journey
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
Maya Angelou
Build Your Library
I just began building my multicultural library this week. One of the great pleasures in life is going to the bookstore or library. However, because of the pandemic, I have put that activity on hold.
Therefore, I shopped online very carefully for these five books. The description of the book helped me decide which ones to choose.
The authors and illustrators were carefully considered. Also, consideration was given to the sense of what their purpose was in writing the book and how they chose to depict the characters.
Various groups children of color will see themselves in these stories. They will learn that they have value and that their story is important, too. These books will give Caucasian children opportunities to see diverse characters in a story.
to learn to embrace the different people of the world.
Choose a Book for Your Baby
- Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi and illustrated by Ashley Lukashevsky. It actually is a baby book for adults. First, the story teaches the parent about racism. Then, the race conversation will become easier as your child grows. The illustrations are attractive and engaging for your baby.
- Baby Play by Skye Silver. This is one of a series of books that has photographs of black, brown, white, Asian, and multiracial babies doing everyday things. Interestingly, there is an added multicultural aspect to this book. There are two versions: one in English and the other in English and Spanish. The cover photograph of a sweet, smiling Downs Syndrome baby is very engaging. It is so important for these children to see themselves in books, too. This particular book encourages babies and toddlers to build social-emotional skills through various physical activities.
- Peek-a–Boo Morning by author and illustrator, Rachel Isadora. Firstly, the text is simple. Secondly, the illustrations are just so much fun! This is a pleasing story about a child’s interactions with immediate family, extended family, and a white friend.
- Who? A Celebration of Babies by Robie Harris and Natascha Rosenberg. If you are looking for an inclusive story about diverse people, then you’ve found your book! The simple, repetitive text weaves a story of how babies form relationships with the people and things in their lives. Also, the illustrations are very engaging for your little one.
- Global Babies by the Global Fund for Children. The cover photograph is absolutely stunning! Thus, I can only assume that the rest of the photographs in the book are equally beautiful. These pictures explore the traditions and clothing of babies from all over the world. They also show how special and loved those babies are. The simple text is presented in English and Spanish. But, here is the best part. You will be getting a beautiful book for you and your baby to enjoy. You will also be helping those children in the photographs. Part of the proceeds from the sale of the book go to support local organizations that serve those babies. It’s a win-win for all of us!
Your Plan to Address Racism
I have given you some ideas about how to begin the conversation about race with your baby. Expose your baby early to people who look different from themselves. Then, they are more likely to grow up to be people who embrace those differences.
Begin with books that tell the stories of multicultural, diverse characters. Look for a SECE Baby Class in your area.
“Thoughtful parents, for the sake of their children, seek to make their own hearts true and to illuminate the best paths for living, which is the real way to love.”
Shinichi Suzuki
The Baby Class teachers use literacy, listening, music, and life skills to help parents and their babies live their lives with purpose.
Reading multicultural books will start your baby on the path to have the life skill and purpose of valuing all people.
On the “Beautiful Heart Musical Journey” with you,
Susan
Share and Comment
I challenge you to choose one of these books and read it to your baby many times. The repetition will begin to build and grow the idea of embracing differences in people in your baby’s life and yours.
Share in the Comments below your book choice and why it appealed to you
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