If you’re looking for books that have potential to expand readers’ experiences, knowledge, and perspectives, consider international books!
International books fit any of these categories:
- feature a character from another country
- take place in another country
- are written by an author from another country
- promote international understanding
International picture books celebrate diverse cultures by introducing authors and illustrators from other countries, expanding cultural knowledge and intercultural understandings, and promoting respect for diverse cultures. These books can give children opportunities to see and celebrate aspects of their own identities as well as opportunities to explore the lives and experiences of people and places distinctly different from what they know.
In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite high-quality international picture books, some of which have been named an “Outstanding International Book” by USBBY and all of which are authored by writers with an insider perspective, meaning the authors share some identity aspect with the book’s characters, culture, and/or perspective.
I Really Want to See You, Grandma (2018) by Taro Gomi (Japanese Author and Illustrator)
This is a funny story that will crack up younger readers. In it, Yumi and Grandma really want to see each other and take various modes of transportation only to continue to miss each other. My favorite is grandma zooming on the moped. After lots of near misses, they decide that in the future, they should just meet at the tree in the middle.
Cannonball (2020) by Sacha Cotter, illustrated by Josh Morgan
In New Zealand, a young Maori boy dreams of doing the perfect cannonball, but he’s terrified to jump off the diving board. His truck-driving expert-diver grandma encourages him to be himself, be brave, and find his own way. A fun, read aloud, you might find yourself accidentally singing it. For extra fun, look for the orange octopus throughout the colorful, vibrant illustrations.
Catch that Chicken! (2020) By Atinuke and illustrated by Angela Brooksbank
Sadie is best at spelling, Fatima at braiding hair, Bilal is brave with bulls, but Lami is the best chicken catcher in the compound … until she gets a little overzealous in her attempts. Set in a modern day Nigerian village, the illustrations are colorful and energetic and the story is fun and engaging. This book will surely get a “read it again!”
Drawn Together (2018) by Minh Le (Vietnamese-American Author), illustrated by Dan Santat
In this mostly-wordless picture book, a language barrier between the child and his grandfather results in confusion, frustration, and silence. But, they figure out a way to connect through drawing and storytelling. The illustrations are stunning in this book.
A Gift for Amma: Market Day in India (2020) by Meera Sriram, illustrated by Mariona Cabassa
A young girl searches an outdoor street market in India for a gift for her mother. In her quest, she finds peacock feathers, peppers, chutney, ghee, drums, rickshaws, goats, spices, and more. Facts about words from the book and more facts about markets from around the world can be found in the back matter.
Auntie Luce’s Talking Paintings (2018) by Francie LaTour, illustrated by Ken Daley
A young girl flies from the US to Haiti to visit her Aunt Luce, who is a painter. She has always loved her aunt’s paintings of hillside houses, colorful fishing boats by the water, and heroes who fought for the country’s independence. While in Haiti, she begins to understand the place her family calls home and her own identity.
More on International Books:
The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) promotes international understanding and good will through books for children and adolescents.
The U.S. section of IBBY is called the United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY).
International Children’s Digital Library
USBBY International Book Lists
International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) has been celebrated every year on April 2nd since 1967. Mark your calendar now so you can celebrate!
Dr. Elizabeth Swaggerty is an Associate Professor of Reading and Literacy Education at East Carolina University. swaggertye@ecu.edu