Picture this: Informative illustrated books for children
Editor’s note: Sometimes pictures, or in this case, picture books, are worth a thousand words. Anannya has curated a list of children’s picture books that break down complex concepts like war, grief and adoption, among other—themes that are difficult to explain to an adult, let alone a child. But, this may help you get started.
Written by: Anannya is an educator, librarian, activist, social justice worker and writer. In her free time, she runs a small book review page called @anyahkuttythings on Instagram where she recommends her favourite books, and writes about her reading experiences.
Picture books usually depict a complex theme through a small illustrated story succinctly. The list below is in no way prescriptive but sets a solid foundation for discussion and reflection on some topics that might be difficult to broach directly. Some use illustrations to describe difficult emotions, others use fun poetry to build a complex narrative and then some hit the nail on the head with a realistic setting. While this list is for children, these books are highly recommended for adults as well!
The Most Precious Present in the World by Becky Edwards: Adoptive parents love this book to introduce the idea of adoption to their children—adopted or otherwise. The story follows Mia—an adopted child—who wants to know why she looks different from her parents and why her birth parents didn't want to keep her. This simple story explores themes of loss, separation and belonging. It reassures children that they are very special to their adoptive parents and that it is okay for them to have mixed feelings about their adoption.
Tuesday Is Daddy's Day by Elliot Kreloff: With illustrations reminiscent of crayon drawings, Kreloff’s book follows the story of a little girl with an unconventional family setting—she's with Mommy at her house, or with Daddy and his partner Harry at their apartment. While this cute little book talks about the potential ups and downs post-divorce, it also touches upon some themes of same-sex marriages.
The Memory Tree by Britta Teckentrup: Death somehow remains the most elusive subject when it comes to complex topics for children. However, Teckentrup does a fantastic job of not just explaining death—but also how loved ones tend to react when someone passes away. This comforting book is a perfect companion to ‘When I'm Gone’ by Marguerite McLaren, a sensitively written picture book to help children grieve, celebrate and learn how to continue to live and love life when they have lost a loved one.
In the Blue by Erin Hourigan: Using different colour palettes, this deeply moving book explores how a depressed father and his daughter navigate a tumultuous journey—be it going to the therapist together or getting medication for his mental illness. It discusses the symptoms of depression and its effects on loved ones, delicately.
Rose Blanche by Roberto Innocenti: This book is about Rose Blanche, a young girl living in a small town in Germany—who follows a Nazi truck into the woods and discovers children trapped behind barbed wires, and decides to help them. Many reviewers find this book to be dark and disturbing for young readers. However, it introduces them to the realities of World War II and its heartbreaking impact through a simple story. It deserves a content warning for genocide, death, guns, bombs and war—and the prescriptive age reccommendation is ten years and above.
The Light of Home by Diana Farid: Farid’s book follows a little girl who lives a happy, creative life near the ocean. However, one night the family is torn away when violence forces them to find refuge. This book serves as a perfect introduction to the plight of refugees and the realities of immigration—but can also resonate with any child who has had to leave familiar surroundings.
Eyes that Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho: In collaboration with Vietnamese illustrator Dung Ho—Ho’s work explores the beauty of Asian eyes and the importance of family and cultural heritage. A young boy is hurt by a school friend's depiction of him on paper, with two slanted lines as eyes. His father, Agong and Di-di tell him that his eyes "rise to the skies and speak to the stars." Dung Ho’s artwork is especially noteworthy—with special mention to the two-page spreads of mythological creatures.
Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love: The book serves as the perfect backdrop for conversations on gender diversity, transness and gender expression. One glimpse of costumed mermaids makes little Julian want to dress up as them. As he daydreams and finally creates his costume, he worries about Abuela's reaction to him. This story is a heartfelt take on inclusion, acceptance and being the truest version of yourself.
Freedom River by Doreen Rappaport: In this book, John Parker—an ex-slave and freedom fighter—goes on a mission to help slaves escape their plantations in Kentucky by crossing the Ohio River. The moody illustrations and innovative writing style serve as an introduction to racism and slavery in the US.
Love in the Library by Maggie Tokuda-Hall: This book manages to convince young readers that love can blossom anywhere—even in the most dire circumstances! This love story is set in an internment camp where the United States cruelly detained Japanese Americans during WWII. Tama—who works in the camp’s tiny library—meets George, who makes her heart flutter. As their friendship grows, so does their ability to find hope.
Anya and her Baby Brother by Jerry Pinto: This highly inventive book on inclusivity follows the story of Anya and her brother—a “special child.” In a precarious situation, Anya is given the unique opportunity to understand how she can be an ally to her brother and learn to put someone else’s needs before her own.
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig: This lovely tale of redemption follows the ‘invisible boy’ Brian who nobody ever seems to notice, to include or invite to their birthday party—until Justin, a new kid, enters the picture. This gentle story shows how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish. The soft colors and pictures bring a light, gentle glow to the story.
My Name is Gulab by Sagar Kolwankar: This list would be incomplete without a simple picture book introducing caste and occupations linked to it. Gulab’s classmates call her ‘Stinky Gulab’ because her father is a manual scavenger—he is made to clean drains and gutters with his bare hands. Gulab, in the story, finds the determination to help him.
Don't Hug Doug (He Doesn't Like It) by Carrie Finison: Last but not least, an important topic of discussion for children is consent and bodily autonomy. Doug does not like hugs and prefers high-fives. This fun story explores how you can tell if someone likes hugs and a crucial aspect of education on consent—asking.
