All of these intentional children’s books have been hand-picked for you and your children. They all promote messages of inclusion, diversity, kindness, compassion, and/or emotional intelligence. This list will help you to raise good, kind, and compassionate humans. Because change begins in our own homes. Thank you for doing your part to make this world a better place!Â
Because I have found so many amazing books, this will be broken up into multiple posts. However, you can view my entire Intentional Children’s Book List on Amazon by clicking here.
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Intentional Children's Book List
All Are Welcome
This book celebrates inclusivity and diversity. In a school where all are welcome, everyone has a place, has a space, and is loved and appreciated.
Hungry Johnny
A story about a hungry Ojibwe boy (like my boys!) who learns about respecting his elders, patience, and gratitude.
Sweetest Kulu
Kulu is an Inuktitut term of endearment often given to young kids. This bedtime story is infused with the traditional Inuit values of love and respect for the land and its animal inhabitants.
We Are Water Protectors
A beautifully illustrated story inspired by an indigenous-led movement in North America to help protect our water.
Different is NOT BAD
A dinosaur’s story about the importance of unity, diversity, and friendship.
Along the Way with Molly
A dog’s story about learning, kindness, and friendship. Sure to be a hit with animal lovers!
Hello Goodbye Dog
Another great choice for animal lovers! And a wonderful way to introduce the concept of service or emotional support animals to your children.
Love Makes A Family
There are many different types of families – two moms, two dads, one parent, one of each, and multi-racial families. One thing makes a family – love.
Pink is for Boys
(And everyone!) Life is not color-coded. Reframe the stereotypical pink vs blue gender binary. And encourage children to like what they like – regardless of stereotypes.
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story
Fry bread is a delicious, traditional food in the Native American culture. But it’s so much more than that. The amount of awards this book has received speaks volumes.
Kindness Makes Us Strong
There are many different ways to show kindness. And many places you can practice kindness! This diverse book shares a simple (yet powerful) message of how strong kindness is.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
Antiracist Baby
The fact that the author is Ibram X. Kendi truly speaks for itself. Take your first steps in helping to raise an antiracist child with this book!
The Proudest Blue: A Story of a Hijab and Family
A powerful and intentional children’s book that shows you how to be proud of who you are – even if others don’t appreciate or understand it. It beautifully displays how to stay strong when hearing confusing and hurtful words.
IntersectionAllies: We Make Room for All
“[A] celebration of solidarity, allyship, and community…A welcoming resource for conversations about equality and social justice that shows readers how identities are made up of myriad influences.”—Publishers Weekly said it best
The Crayons’ Book of Feelings
Each crayon displays a different emotion, helping little ones to begin understanding all of the feelings we experience.Â
More Intentional Children’s Books
As I mentioned before, there were too many amazing books to include in just one post! You can view the full Intentional Children’s Book list on Amazon here or keep an eye out for my next round-up of intentional children’s books!
You’ve Got a Friend in Me
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Disclaimer: I only recommend products that I truly love and use. With that being said, this blog post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, these links allow me to receive a small commission to continue providing free content to my readers. I am grateful for your support!