Build Baby’s First Bookshelf with these Diverse and Inclusive Board Books
One of the most frequent requests I receive is from new parents asking what board books I recommend to curate their baby’s very first bookshelf.
Building your baby’s first bookshelf is one of the most joyful parts of early parenthood: It’s a chance to surround your littlest one with stories that will shape their understanding of the world. And from the very beginning, it's important that those stories reflect the beauty of all kinds of people, families, and experiences.
That’s why I’ve curated a list of diverse and inclusive board books perfect for babies and toddlers. These sturdy little treasures feature characters of different races, cultures, family structures, abilities, and identities ~ because every baby deserves to see themselves in a story and to learn about others from day one.
So, whether you’re a new parent, a gift-giver, or an educator building an inclusive library, these board books are a meaningful place to start. Here’s to building Baby’s first bookshelf that celebrates kindness, representation, and belonging.
Diverse and Inclusive Board Books
Find the full list on Amazon | Bookshop, or click on the individual titles linked below.
J is for Justice by Veronicaa I. Arreola | Bold and inspiring alphabet board book that encourages little ones to speak up and take action! With empowering words and vibrant illustrations, children learn the A to Z of activism and discover simple ways they can make a difference and become changemakers in their world.
The Pronoun Book by Chris Ayala-Kronos | Celebrates people and their pronouns with bright illustrations and inclusive language. Through simple text and a diverse cast of characters, young readers learn that the best way to know someone's pronouns is to ask.
All Of Us: A First Conversation About Disability by Dr. Megan Pamela Ruth Madison | Developed by early childhood and activism experts, this impactful picture book introduces the concept of disability with clear language and powerful imagery. It celebrates all bodies and abilities while highlighting real-world inequities and inspiring young readers to imagine a more inclusive, accessible world.
Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer | This joyful board book celebrates love in all kinds of families, showing everyday moments of care, play, and connection. From morning snuggles to bedtime stories, it highlights that no matter who makes up a family ~ two moms, two dads, one parent, or more ~ what truly matters is the love they share.
Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi | A powerful and playful picture book that introduces young readers and their grown-ups to the concept of antiracism. Offers clear language to start important conversations about equity and justice.
Bodies are Cool by Tyler Feder | A joyful celebration of all the beautifully diverse bodies in the world. This inclusive picture book embraces different skin tones, body shapes, hair types, and more ~ promoting body positivity and self-love for readers of all ages.
My First Book of Tattoos by Robyn Wall | Celebrates tattooed families with fun rhymes and bold illustrations and highlights the love between inked-up grown-ups and their little ones.
Whoever You Are by Josephine Wai Lin | A joyful, affirming picture book that celebrates unconditional love and acceptance. This book imagines a world where every baby is welcomed just as they are.
Bye Bye, Binary by Eric Geron | Follows a joyful baby who breaks free from gender norms, choosing what they love, whether it's colors, clothes, or toys, without limits.
Change Starts With Us by Sophie Beer | Celebrates simple, everyday acts of green living that help protect our planet, and shows young readers how small actions, like planting trees, turning off faucets, and recycling, can make a big difference.
We Are Little Feminists Box Set by Little Feminists | Each board book in this set features vibrant photos of real kids and families from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ families, children with disabilities, and various cultures, paired with simple, poetic text to build empathy and vocabulary. Each book also includes a discussion guide to help parents and educators foster meaningful conversations about diversity and belonging.
Women in Art by Rachel Ignotofsky | Honors fifty remarkable women artists across a variety of mediums. Featuring engaging profiles, historical infographics, and powerful statistics, this book honors the trailblazing women who shaped art history.
Women in Sports by Rachel Ignotofsky | Highlights fifty trailblazing female athletes, from legends like Billie Jean King and Simone Biles to pioneers like Toni Stone and Patti McGee, across over forty sports.
Leaders: My First Leaders by Maria Isabel Sanchez | Introduces babies and toddlers to brave, bold, and kind role models both past and present. The perfect first empowering primer from the beloved Little People, BIG DREAMS series.
My Heart Fills with Happiness by Monique Gray Smith | Invites little ones to celebrate the simple joys in life, from warm sunshine to the smell of fresh bannock and the comfort of a loved one’s hand.
The Lei Book by April Hail | Celebrates the beauty, history, and aloha spirit behind the Hawaiian lei. Readers are introduced to this cherished tradition including its origins, materials, and cultural significance for all kinds of celebrations.
Sumo Opposites by Sanae Ishida | Bilingual board book thst uses adorable sumo wrestlers to teach young readers about opposites while introducing corresponding Japanese words.
One by Ruth Forman | Introduces counting from one to ten while celebrating friendship and community. This book shows how numbers grow alongside meaningful connections.
Alma and Her Family by Juana Martinez-Neal | A heartwarming bilingual board book that celebrates little Alma’s love for her family. Through conversational narration in both English and Spanish, and gentle, whimsical illustrations, it warmly showcases family moments filled with joy and affection.
My Arabic Breakfast by Zingo Ringo Books | Vibrant bilingual board book that makes counting fun and culturally rich by introducing little ones to numbers through delicious Middle Eastern breakfast foods. Includes English translations and phonetic Arabic spellings.
P is for Pastrami by Alan Silberberg | With wacky humor and tasty treats from apples and honey to zhug, this alphabet board book is a fun, flavorful celebration of Jewish food
Is That Paras’ Kara? by Sukhbinder Kaur | Join Paras and Pete on a playful adventure to find Paras’ missing Kara: a special Sikh bangle with deep spiritual meaning. Along the way, they explore different types of wrist wear before discovering the unique significance of the Kara as a gift from the Sikh Guru.
I Love Me from A to Z by Emily Lauren Dick | An uplifting alphabet book that celebrates diverse talents, bodies, and abilities. Each letter offers a positive affirmation encouraging children to embrace themselves fully and explore the world with confidence and self-love.
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Here’s to raising our young readers and future leaders~
Happy Reading,
Maya