If you’ve ever tried to find diverse children’s books with BAME (black, asian or minority ethnic) characters, you’ll know that they are as rare as a Disney princess who can’t sing.
And as for picture books with a BAME boy as a main character? They are even harder to find.
Yet right here is where I’ve got the good news…
While there aren’t nearly as many as there should be, there are already some fabulous diverse children’s picture books out there staring BAME boys as main characters, and I’ve got the creme de la creme all lined up to share with you. So read on to find out all about them…
In a hurry? Head to my picture-free quick list with links straight to Amazon!
23 BAME Boys, 23 BAME Heroes. Zero Sidekicks.
I have built up this little collection of diverse children’s picture books over several years, and I think they are all wonderful stories. And while I didn’t buy these originally because of their representations of diversity, I do treasure that aspect of them.
In fact, normally, we don’t even think of them as a collection; they are just stories on my children’s shelves, all jumbled up with the many other wonderful books they own.
But these 23 books do obviously have something in common. They reflect the diverse faces of our society in their stories.
This is something that is vitally important for all our children to see, whatever their ethic or cultural identity. If you’re interested, I’ve written a whole other post looking at the evidence why. And also what we can do about it.
And now, drum roll, please! In absolutely no order of preference, here are the best, most favourite, bees-knees-of diverse children’s picture books…
Our top 23 diverse children’s picture books staring BAME boys
Click on a book TITLE below to see my review and take a look at some inside pages. Or alternatively you can click on the book COVER if you want to look at the book on Amazon.
Links to Amazon are affiliate links, meaning I receive a small amount when you click through and buy. You can find out more on my ‘about affiliate links’ page.
Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library
by Julie Gassman and Andy Elkerton
Read the review and see inside!
What Do You Do If Your House Is A Zoo?
by John Kelly and Steph Laberis
Read the review and see inside!
Room for more diverse children’s picture books…
So that’s all 23 of our favourite diverse children’s picture books staring BAME boy characters. But why 23, and not a more pleasing number like, say, 25? Well, we do have a few other books I could have added to the list, but either they’re not as beloved by my kids as or are by an author already featured.
Therefore I decided I’m leaving those last few slots slot open. And so if you have a suggestion for a diverse children’s picture book that is excellent in every respect AND features a BAME boy as the starring character, drop me a line or leave a comment below!
Honourable Mentions
There are a more couple of books that I really love, featuring BAME grown-up boys. I didn’t include them here because this list is all about the kids, but do check them out as they are also awesome!
The quick list of picture books with BAME characters
For those in a hurry!
Clicking on a book title here will take you over to Amazon. And a quick reminder that these are affiliate links, meaning any purchase will drop a few pennies in my penny jar to help run this site, without costing you anything extra.
Or click on ‘R&W Review’ next to any title to take a peek inside and find out what we thought about it.
Quick List – Top 23 Diverse Children’s Picture Books Staring BAME Boys
- Jabari Jumps R&W Review
- Julian is a Mermaid R&W Review
- Windows R&W Review
- The Kiss R&W Review
- Pet Show! R&W Review
- Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library R&W Review
- The New Small Person R&W Review
- Have You Seen Elephant? R&W Review
- Tomorrow, Most Likely R&W Review
- My Mum is a Supermum R&W Review
- The Prince of Pants R&W Review
- I’ll Take You to Mrs Cole! R&W Review
- Ish R&W Review
- Over and Under the Pond R&W Review
- So Much! R&W Review
- Last Stop on Market Street R&W Review
- The Extraordinary Gardener R&W Review
- What Do You Do If Your House Is A Zoo? R&W Review
- Lizard From The Park R&W Review
- How to Look After Your Dinosaur R&W Review
- Time to Go With Ted R&W Review
- My Sister is an Alien! R&W Review
- Ravi’s Roar R&W Review
What a great list of books, so many lovey stories there. Such a useful post x
We have Julian is a Mermaid is it’s such a lovely book. Fab list here!
In the past, I have often gone for a book because I love the illustrations. This looks like a great list.
These are all fab and I always like to gift books too. I love the one My Sister is an Alien lol x
Ah this is great! I don’t sometimes think about the main character and ethnicity really but probably should!!
What a great list of books! We love ‘Julian is a Mermaid’ but the others are all new to me, I will have to check them out.
What a fab list. So many interesting stories highlighting the diverse people we have in society. Definitely saving this for when we need to buy a child some books.
Oh I love this list – thanks so much for sharing – we try to have as much diversity in my house as possible, as I am from South Africa and grew up in a very diverse country I want the same for my kids.
Some of these would make great stocking or xmas gifts
Laura x