CELEBRATING CULTURAL DIVERSITY THROUGH CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
These web sites contain links to annotated bibliographies of children's multicultural books appropriate for the elementary grades (kindergarten through grade six). Cultural groups currently listed include: African Americans, Chinese Americans, Latino/Hispanic Americans, Japanese Americans, Jewish Americans, and Native Americans. Books are categorized by genre: realistic fiction, information (non-fiction), traditional literature, biography, historical fiction, poetry, and fantasy. Each annotation includes an approximate grade level designation, e.g., K-3, 4-6.
PRO LINGUA PRESS
Here is a collection of original stories that were meticulously translated by native speakers in order to retain the flow and characteristics of each language. In addition, each text is simultaneously presented in English, German, French, and Spanish. This format allows the reader to easily recognize the many similarities existing between the different languages, by comparing the languages, side by side.
CHILDREN'S BOOK PRESS
This publisher is an outstanding source of bilingual, superbly illustrated multicultural literature.
JOSÉ-LUIS OROZCO
Here is an outstanding source of traditional and new songs in Spanish appealing to children. All of the songs are muy pegajosas (very catchy) and so are easy to learn because Señor Orozco has a clear singing voice. There are songbooks with lyrics and music available to accompany each CD or tape.
CREATIVE DIVERSITY
Explore the many corners of the world through music, musical instruments, art, artifacts, and books from the Australian outback to the Zimbabwe plains.
CHINASPROUT
This company offers an extensive selection of Chinese cultural items for children: books, music, arts & crafts, dolls, apparel, cards, and media.
KANE-MILLER BOOK PUBLISHER
This publishing house of children's books specializes in translated versions of outstanding books from other languages. There is a search engine to find books by age, theme, and country.
PUTUMAYO KIDS
Explore and celebrate the cultures of the world through music. An excellent company which provides culturally authentic collections of child-appealing music.
MULTICULTURAL KIDS
This site offers quality multicultural materials that are fun and informative to preschool and elementary school-age children in home and classroom. Increase a child's knowledge of her/himself and others, thereby enhancing self-esteem while fostering tolerance and an appreciation of differences. Products offered include books, video, arts and crafts, puzzles, music, dolls, and other ethnic gifts.
BILINGUAL BOOKS FOR KIDS
Written with Spanish and English appearing side-by-side which is the best way to present bilingual texts, these books introduce bilingual skills, increase language and learning abilities and positively heighten awareness of many cultures.
SKIPPING STONES
Skipping Stones is a nonprofit children's magazine that encourages cooperation, creativity and celebration of cultural and environmental richness. It provides a playful forum for sharing ideas and experiences among children from different lands and backgrounds. Each year Skipping Stones honors multicultural books, including some bilingual Spanish/English books. Look for the list of "Skipping Stones" honored books on this website.
INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S DIGITAL LIBRARY
The mission of the International Children's Digital Library Foundation (ICDL Foundation) is to support the world's children in becoming effective members of the global community - who exhibit tolerance and respect for diverse cultures, languages and ideas -- by making the best in children's literature available online free of charge. The Foundation pursues its vision by building a digital library of outstanding children's books from around the world and supporting communities of children and adults in exploring and using this literature through innovative technology designed in close partnership with children for children.
LANGUAGE LIZARD
Language Lizard, LLC offers award-winning bilingual children's products in over 40 languages. Products include books, audio CDs, picture dictionaries, colorful and unique multilingual posters, world maps, and teacher resources. Parents and teachers can also sign up for free e-newsletter with information on raising bilingual and multicultural children. Why the lizard logo? "Lizards are found all over the world; they comprise more than 3,000 species; they have the ability to learn, and they demonstrate their awareness with excitement ... Sound like any children you know?" proclaims founder Anneke Vanmarcke Forzani.
SUEÑOS DE COLORES
"Play and Learn" books and "Easy Storybooks"
available in Spanish and French
stories and activities designed for second language learners, age 3-8
