10 Diversity Minded Products for Kids, from Barefoot Books

As a mom by transracial adoption, diversity is ALWAYS on my brain.  Whether it be #representationmatters or inclusion of a diverse cast of characters, I'm always searching for the best children's media that shows that all of our children are beautiful, valued, and worthy of celebration and representation.

Today, I'm sharing with you my top ten favorite diversity-minded products from Barefoot Books. Click on the title to learn more.  

Mindful Kids:  50 Mindfulness Activities for Kindness, Focus, and Calm

-Since a *little* thing called breast cancer last year, I've learned a lot about the power of mindfulness.  When our brains and bodies are trained to be calm and "in the moment," the zen, the joy, the peace we experience is astounding.  But unless you're a trained mental health counselor, yoga teacher, or naturally peaceful person (which is like NO mom I know), it can be overwhelming.  That's why I love the Mindful Kids activity deck.  You don't have to figure out how to start your day, find calm, focus, open your heart, and rest and relax (those are the card categories, by the way!) because the cards lay it all out for you and your kids.  Mommy calm, kids calm=win win!  Designed for kids ages 4 and up.

The Barefoot Book of Princesses

-Tired of the one-size-fits-all princess?  This book and story CD set features princesses from around the world, including China, Kenya, and Denmark.   Great for ages 4-9.  

Children of the World Memory Game

-I love memory games because a large age range of kids and adults can play them.  It's so stinkin' simple!   This game, designed for ages 4 and up, is a way for players to "meet children from cultures across the globe."  The illustrations are whimsical and colorful.   

Shopping With Dad

-A father and daughter shopping trip turns a bit...interesting.  The moral of the story?  Personal responsibility!  Text rhymes.  Best for readers ages 3-7.  

Skip Through the Seasons

-Start in January and then continue to "skip" through the rest of the year, focusing on the seasons.  This book is great for the youngest readers all the way up until about age 7.   Colorful illustrations and rhyme keep the reader's attention.  The book also includes learning pages about months of the year, days of the week, and the seasons.  

Fast and Slow

-Attention Ezra Jack Keats fans (oh how we love The Snowy Day!).  Here's a board book starring a brown boy that teaches kids, using transportation illustrations, about the concepts of fast and slow.  Geared toward babies to children age four.  

Dr. Potts, My Pets Have Spots

-This one is for you all animal loving families!  The Betts family pets have a problem:  they all have spots.  But taking them to vet only results in spots turning to stripes.   The text rhymes, and the illustrations are bold and colorful.  Best for readers age 3-7.   

Space Song Rocket Ride

-3.  2.  1.  Blastoff!   A team of child and animal astronauts zoom through space, learning about space facts along the way.  This book includes an audio singalong and video animation!  Best for children ages 3-7.  

The Fairy Game

-These fairies need our help!  They must work together to save their flowers before Mr. Winter frosts them.  My daughters and I love playing this cooperative game.   Best for kids ages 5 and up.  

My Friend Robot!

-This book + CD combo features a brown-skinned girl and her friends, all young creative people, and their friend Robot.  They work together using building and inventing skills to create a treehouse.  The book is all about teamwork, empathy, following directions, and the joy of creativity.  This is a great book for children ages 3-7.  

Motherbridge of Love

-This adoption (!!!) book is the beautiful story of a Chinese (transracial) adoptee learning the many ways both her parents (birth and adoptive) have contributed to her life and how much they love her.  I love this book for any age child.  Simply stunning, truth-telling, and full of love.  

I can't wait to hear which ones you love!