7 Books on Equality for Babies & Toddlers

It’s never too early to start helping our little ones embrace the concept of equality. In a world that can, unfortunately, feel ever-more polarized and insular, it can be all too easy to lose sight of the importance of acceptance. Our world is one of diversity — of disparate cultures and varied family structures. If we hope to build toward a more inclusive future, it is paramount that we guide the next generation to be better. These books are ideal for helping us chart that course by showing young children the importance of equality and beauty in diversity.

Baby Feminists

by Libby Babbott Klein, illustrated by Jessica Walker

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With beautiful illustrations, interactive flaps, and a meaningful message, Baby Feminists hits the children’s book trifecta. All great feminist icons have at least one thing in common: they were once babies just like your little one. And the message of equality and striving to make the world a better place is the perfect way to begin to empower future feminists. For even more inspiring, inclusive goodness, be sure to check out Baby Feminists Too.

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My Two Dads and Me

by Michael Joosten, illustrated by Izak Zenou

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My Two Dads and Me is an important celebration of love, diversity, and what truly makes a family. Follow two busy dads as they lead their tiny tot through an eventful day that is likely very much like your own. This book, and its companion My Two Moms and Me, is not only a welcome affirmation for LGBTQIA+ parents and their families. It’s also a great way for cishet parents to help kids understand the many forms a family can take.

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I Look Up To...Malala Yousafzai

by Anny Yousafzai, illustrated by Fatti Burke

As an activist for girls’ education, Malala Yousafzai’s struggles earned her a Nobel Peace Prize. This book — along with others in the I Look Up To… series — introduces young children to admirable role models like Malala using toddler-appropriate language and bright, eye-catching images. Their powerful stories can help children understand the importance of equality and the value of standing up for our beliefs.

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A is for All the Things You Are

by Anna Forgerson Hindley and the National Museum of African American History and Culture

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This delightful alphabet book, developed by the National Museum of African American History and Culture, is an engaging exploration of both our unique, individual experiences and those which connect us as humans. Each letter introduces a different trait — creativity, daring, gratefulness, kindness — for little readers to cultivate as they grow. A Is for All the Things You Are will help your little one develop a strong sense of identity while also encouraging compassion and inclusivity.

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That is My Dream!

by Langston Hughes, illustrated by Daniel Miyares

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A must-read for all ages, Miyares’s artwork beautifully interprets Langston Hughes’s beloved poem, “Dream Variation,” in this inspiring picture book. Hughes’s dream of a world free of prejudice, of one built on inclusivity, compassion, and love, is a message of hope that still holds today. His eloquent words are a powerful plea for a better future, one that every child needs to hear.

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Global Babies

by The Global Fund for Children

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This bestselling board book is a celebration of culture, diversity, and global heritage. Featuring colorful photographs of babies from around the world, each page offers a glimpse at a life that, at first, seems very different from our own. But upon closer inspection, we see how alike we all are. It’s a lovely way to teach our littlest readers that kindness, compassion, and equality know no boundaries or borders.

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All Kinds of Families

by Suzanne Lang

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From kids raised by their grandparents to same-sex parents, All Kinds of Families celebrates nontraditional families and the love that binds them together. Fun and engaging, use this book to help start discussions about different types of families and the beauty of diversity within relationships.

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