Kids & Company Blog

Reading with Pride!

Diversity holds a special place in our hearts. It's one of our core values at Kids & Company. Every decision we make is intentional in maintaining a diverse and inclusive child care space. Teaching our children the fundamental morals of respecting differences  encourages them to understand, and appreciate, what makes them unique. 

Reading to children provides the opportunity to introduce new concepts, spark conversions and learn how to be allied with those who may appear to be different from them. 

In celebration of Pride, we are sharing some book recommendations on the theme of being yourself and embracing differences. The list below is curated by Kristine Grant, Kids & Company’s Director of Learning Environments. Kristine, along with her team of educators, is responsible for shaping the education of roughly 10,000 children in our care. She is deeply familiar with reading materials that engage little minds to inspire action. Here is her recommended book list.

1. It Feels Good To Be Yourself: This book is a straightforward exploration of gender identity. It provides children with a full understanding of themselves and others. With child-friendly language and vibrant art, it provides young readers and parents with the vocabulary to discuss this important topic with sensitivity.
2. My Shadow is PINK: This book explores the concepts of gender identity, self-acceptance, equality, and diversity. Inspired by the author’s little boy, the main character likes princesses, fairies, and things that are "not for boys." Through the support of his dad, he can learn how to accept and love himself for all of his interests and things that make him unique. 
3. Worm Loves Worm:  In this story, we celebrate the marriage of two worms. But as you read through the book you will notice that they run into a dilemma of who will wear the dress and who will wear the tuxedo at their wedding. In the end, they conclude that it doesn't matter because Worm Loves Worm. This is a great conversation starter for any young reader.
4.  And Tango Makes Three: This book is based on the true story of two penguins who create a nontraditional family in the Central Park Zoo. Roy and Silo were different from the others, but their desire for a family was the same. With the help of a kind zookeeper, Roy and Silo have the chance to welcome a baby penguin of their very own.
5. Heather Has Two Mommies: Celebrate family diversity through Heather and her classmates. When Heather goes to school for the first time, someone asks her about her daddy. But Heather doesn't have a daddy - she has two mommies. When Heather and her classmates are asked to draw pictures of their families, they see that not one drawing or family is the same - and that is quite special.
6. My Two Dads and Me: Throughout this book, we follow all the tasks of two busy dads and their children throughout the day. This is a great book for children to see their families being represented and it’s a great way to introduce children to families that may not look like their own. 

Posted on: Wednesday June 8th, 2022

Posted by: Kids & Company