# data[].attributes.body
Diversity is a loaded topic, so first let's begin by learning how to define and introduce it to children. This link will break down the complexities of the word into simplistic and consumable terms for children to understand.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
As babies are born into this world, it's easy to forget that one day very soon, they'll join the larger social community around us. Even as toddlers begin preschool, kids are out in the world and interacting with many different people. For some of us, the communities in which we live are rather consistent while others live in more diverse areas, with a mixture of colors and cultures. Regardless of the area of the country we're raised, it's important to instill a sense of acceptance and tolerance within our children. Let's take an in-depth look at the importance of teaching kids about diversity before exploring ways to address it with young children.

We often think of children to be innocent, and indeed they are, as kids aren't born judging others by the color of their skin. While it's true that children are colorblind to race, it's only inevitable that they will one day witness or experience racial prejudice in some form. The early elementary years might seem awfully early to introduce heavy topics like racism or prejudice, but it's easier for little learners to understand when they learn that America wasn't always as they know it now.

Why Should Kids Learn About Equal Rights?

After kids leave toddlerhood behind, it's tempting to think that kids can be kept innocent and protected for as long as possible. However, once kids learn language well enough to communicate back and forth with others, they begin interacting with many people outside their immediate family and learn more about the wider world around them.

Learning about civil rights is crucial because it teaches kids how they can expect to be treated by others, as well as how they themselves should treat people. Teaching these sensitive topics at home starting from an early age creates a safe space to discuss and explore ideas, and for young people to form early pro-social opinions and values.

Of course, the primary purpose of teaching and learning about history is to ensure that the more negative aspects of our past do not recur in the future. This is why it's important to teach young learners the basics surrounding America's past, and the civil rights movement. When kids learn the issues that Americans faced when their grandparents were young, kids can more easily grasp why it's important to treat other humans equally, no matter the color of their skin or ethnic background.

In the end, it's all about teaching kids to be kind and accept others, even those who are different from them. This helps kids to learn empathy and could motivate them to take action and inspire others within their own schools or communities. As a parent, you can be confident that you are doing your best to raise socially tolerant and empathetic individuals that will change society for the better.

Ways to Address Diversity and Acceptance at Home and in the Classroom

Learning and discussing history is important for teaching kids about diversity and acceptance, but there are a plethora of ways and activities to address it both at home and in school. Try some of the following ideas to promote the idea of tolerance and a respect for human rights:

Model culturally responsive behavior and responsibility

As a parent and/or a teacher, you are the ultimate role model for your child or students. Believe it or not, kids look to their parents and teachers to learn how they should be treated, as well as how to treat others. The single most important thing you can do to raise socially tolerant and kind individuals is to model the behavior and actions you would like to see from your children. Monitor language and conversations, and openly discuss issues in a way respectfully and in a way that validates other people's cultural identities.

Choose learning materials for your child or students that are inclusive of different cultures

Diversity books for kids are a great way to introduce a concept that might seem foreign to little learners, especially if his or her own community is fairly homogenous. Incorporate texts that pinpoint the issues that others face because of their race or ethnicity, and use this to teach understanding and empathy.

Additionally, find culturally aware lessons in videos that can help break down this difficult-to-understand concept for young minds. Showing a video that is tailor-made for early learners can help kids understand the concepts of diversity and acceptance in an age-appropriate way. For instance, Kids Academy offers an incredible video that teaches kids about the Civil Rights Movement that helps break down these complex ideas for children.
Play & Learn Social Studies
Teach your child about their own culture and how they differ from others

Some families in America have been in the states for many generations and are far removed from their ancestors in their countries of origin. Further, many families represent a mixture of different ethnicities and backgrounds. Celebrate your family's ancestors and the current traditions in place by teaching your child about their own background. The first place to start is to teach your child about his or her own culture, identity, and traditions, and explore ways in which your family is different from others. Then, branch out and discuss how your culture is different from others in your same community or country, and bolster the concept of respecting others even if their culture is different.

Inspire your child to strive to make a different in his or her own community

Of course, one of the best ways to instill a sense of empathy for others who are different is to inspire kids to get out in their community to make a difference. Encourage your child or students to become activists by supporting and fighting for what they believe. Teach your child to stand up to bullies and take appropriate action if they are a witness to something bad in their school or community, instead of merely becoming a bystander. Have an open conversation about addressing issues within your community, and those that are affecting the country at any given time. By raising a socially aware child, parents can promote social acceptance and change.

Teach kids about different cultures found around the country and celebrate them

Learn more about your child's classmates, friends, or explore different cultures that reside within your own community and celebrate those cultures by studying them. Discuss what makes them different, and emphasize that the respect and tolerance kids should have for people who are different from them. Explore the diversity that exists in the country, and help your child discover and appreciate the differences found across the US.

Famous Civil Rights Activists Kids Should Know

As mentioned above, kids can understand the concept of treating others equally if they learn that America wasn't always as tolerant as it is today. Alongside addressing the concepts of equality and acceptance, it's critical that students explore America's past. To get started, be sure to start with the following famous African American civil rights activists:

Rosa Parks is an inspiration for children, who can easily relate to her plight on the bus where she refused to give up her seat to a white rider. Who hasn't been bullied into giving up something that they wanted? Rosa Parks was simply tired of giving in, and her subsequent arrest helped lead to the Montgomery bus boycott. Kids are easily inspired by Rosa Parks' simple refusal to give up her seat, and the situation is easily understood by the youngest of children. Because of her huge impact in the Civil Rights Movement through such a simple act, it's crucial that all kids learn about her contribution to the era.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. was truly a leader in his time, spreading the notion of his dream in which his own children can one day be judged upon their character instead of the color of their skin. Martin Luther King Jr.'s nonviolent approach to protests helped bring about change in the United States. Because of his contributions towards equal rights in America, it's obvious that teaching about MLK Jr. should be a staple in every classroom across the country.

Booker T. Washington

Born a slave, Booker T. Washington went on to contribute to become highly educated, eventually serving as an advisor to American presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Taft. Washington's life story from slavery to success is an uplifting lesson for kids as they learn about his accomplishments and contributions to African American life in the early 1900's. Teaching kids about Booker T. Washington can show students the reality of life before the Civil Rights Movement to put more context behind the causes that fueled the era.

Teaching kids about diversity can at first seem like a daunting task. It's natural to want to protect children from the horrors of our world, but kids must understand history and the issues our country faces, both past and present, to grow up to be empathetic and caring individuals in our society. By teaching kids the importance of equality and acceptance, we can ensure that our future is better than our past.
Play & Learn Social Studies

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Teaching Kids about Diversity and Acceptance | Article

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Teaching kids about diversity is crucial to raising future societal leaders. By teaching kids about history, kids can easily grasp the present. Read this article to learn how to introduce the concepts of diversity, equality, and acceptance to kids in an age-appropriate way!

# data[].attributes.body
This video discusses diversity in a juvenile way. It is a wonderful starting point for a child who is first learning about the differences that make up humanity.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Educational Videos for Students (Cartoons on Bullying, Leadership & More)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Leadership Video for Kids: What is diversity? (Educational Cartoon)

# data[].attributes.body
Games are a great way to encourage children to learn about diversity in a thought-provoking and interactive way. Here, children will have the ability to define diversity with an array of games to choose from depending upon the age of the child.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Learning to Appreciate Diversity Through Play | Crafts for Kids | PBS KIDS for Parents

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Children will explore similarities and differences between themselves and others.

# data[].attributes.body
Now that we've identified the word diversity, we must discover what to do with it! Here you will discover ways  parents or teachers can encourage children to appreciate and accept their differences.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
diversity before prejudice takes hold? Here are ways to do that.

Exploring cultures with your child is fun and worthwhile, and it doesn't have to be limited to learning about foreign countries and peoples. You can also investigate your own neighborhood, community, and country-even explore your family.

Culture, basically, refers to commonalities that run through a group of people with a shared heritage. Your child probably believes that her culture-way of doing things-is the "right" one and that others are a bit "funny." As you begin to look at other cultures with your child, aim for an appreciation of differences. Eventually this will lead to an increased appreciation of the incredible variety of human attributes, flexible thinking, and less prejudice and stereotyping.

The activities in this column are highly adaptable: take a hands-on approach with young children, and use the ideas as starting points for discussions with post-primary-grade children.
Learning About Arts, Food, Language MUSIC
Encourage your child to create and play homemade instruments that resemble instruments from other cultures. For example, make a xylophone styled after those found in Ghana: Set pieces of wood across a shoe box and play it with a pencil. Pot and pan lids can easily double as gongs like those used in Southeast Asia. Panpipes used by Peruvian Indians can be approximated by joining together a series of different-sized tubes. Stretch a string across a board, raised slightly at the ends by bridges; this resembles the Appalachian dulcimer or the ancient Egyptian monochord.
VISUAL ARTS
In the Islamic religion, it's forbidden to use images of living creatures in art. That's why much of Muslim graphic art consists of floral themes, geometric figures, and Arabic script. See if your child can draw a picture using geometric figures and the shapes of letters in artistic ways.
DANCE
Take your child to see a Chinese, Japanese, or Hmong dance troupe. Many Asian dancers use facial expressions and hand gestures to communicate the message of the dance. Suggest that your child make up a dance in which facial expressions and hand gestures alone tell a story.
FOOD
Venture together into restaurants that offer authentic ethnic foods. Examples: Many kids have tasted egg rolls, tacos, and spaghetti. Why not try something from Ethiopia, Thailand, India, Israel, or Germany?
LANGUAGE
Some languages have more than one word for what English speakers think of as a single entity. Since ice is so important in their lives, the Inuit people reportedly differentiate among the various kinds, from slush ice to black ice. Have your child choose something important to her-stickers, ice cream, or telephones, for example-and make up words for different kinds. Get some tapes, computer software, or videos which teach foreign languages, and learn some French, Spanish or Italian with your child.
BODY LANGUAGE
Nodding the head to signify yes is not a universal gesture. To some people from Greece, Turkey, and various Middle Eastern regions, nodding means no. The way many Westerners wave good-bye is the same way some Middle Eastern cultures indicate "come here." Suggest that your child make up some entirely new gestures, such as puffing her cheeks to indicate impatience.
FOLKLORE
Each family has its own folklore. Suggest that your child interview you or other relatives. Ask what region or country the family came from, whether the interviewee recalls special games or food from childhood holidays, whether she knows any dances, songs, or language from "the old days," and if she knows of any special "family rules"? (For instance, one boy and his sister set the rule that you can only eat one piece of popcorn at a time out of the bowl.)
Holidays Around the World
* Your family might enjoy adopting one or more of the following: The Hindu Festival of Lights, called Divali (also spelled Dipawali), is an autumn celebration culminating in a holiday that lasts nearly two weeks. Although the practices of Hinduism vary by region, most Hindus consider Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, to be the reason for the festival. Believers build a temporary altar inside their homes, where they place coins and other symbols of wealth. Sweets are exchanged, and lamps are lit both inside and outside homes.

* The Chinese New Year is a traditional spring festival celebrated by many people of Chinese descent. Find out what "year" it was when your child was born; 2001 ushered in the "Year of the Snake." To determine Chinese years, talk with a local Chinese restaurant owner or merchant or visit this site: www.mandarintools.com/calconv.html

* Another cultural New Year is Tet, the seven-day celebration of the Vietnamese New Year. The word is an abbreviation of Tet Nguyen-Dan, which means "the first morning of the first day of the new year." During Tet, many Vietnamese families plant a New Year's tree called Cay Neu in front of their homes (a bamboo pole is often used as a Cay Neu). Leaves are removed from the tree so that it can be wrapped or decorated with red paper, which symbolizes good luck.

* Other ethnic celebrations to commemorate: Japanese Girls' Doll Festival (March 3), Greek Independence Day (March 25), Asian-Pacific American Heritage Week (the first week in May), Cinco de Mayo (May 5), and American Indian Day (usually the fourth Friday in September).
Global Game-Playing
* "London Bridge" has a Latin American variation which your child might like to play with her friends: Each player is given the name of a fruit, which must be kept secret. The arch (made by players' hands) is dropped on the person suspected of having the name of the fruit being sung about ("Here's a woman selling apples, selling apples, selling apples . . . "). If the guess is wrong, the player is released.

* "Maq," the name of an Inuit game from the Canadian Arctic, means "silence." Players sit in a circle. One player enters the middle of the circle and points to another player. That player must say "Maq" (pronounced "Muk") and then remain silent and straight-faced while the person in the middle uses gestures and expressions in an effort to make the other person laugh. If the person in the middle succeeds, the one who laughed replaces him or her in the middle. Consider playing this game at your child's next birthday party.

Susan K. Perry, Ph.D., is the author of Playing Smart and Loving in Flow . For more info, visit Susan at www.BunnyApe.com.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Exploring cultures with your child is fun and worthwhile, and it doesn't have to be limited to learning about foreign countries and peoples. You can also investigate your own neighborhood, community, and country-even explore your family. Culture, basically, refers to commonalities that run through a group of people with a shared heritage.

# data[].attributes.body
Enjoy Elmo and his friends perform a read-aloud story time with the picture book We're Different, We're the Same by Bobbi Jane Kates. We're Different, We're the Same introduces acceptance of our differences using simplified human oppositions, such as "peach and tan", "curly and straight", and "long and short".

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sesame Street: We're Different, We're the Same | Read Along Series

# data[].attributes.body
This video includes catchy music and encouraging lyrics that emphasize the importance of inclusion. The fun graphics are sure to catch your child or student's attention.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
All About Acceptance (song for kids about accepting others)

# data[].attributes.body
This resource teaches children the importance of understanding global competence. Through interactive play, children learn about other cultures and how to apply their newfound knowledge to be upstanding, responsible, and caring citizens.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
World Geography Games Countries, Capitals, Continents, Oceans, Flags, and Landforms Leveled Practice for Capitals, Countries, and Geography Geography Facts, Quizzes, and Games Identify Countries, States, Capitals, Flags; Play Crossword Puzzles, Word-Searches, Hangman, and Guess the Country Game. Interactive Map Puzzles World Flag Games Flag Coloring and Quizzes Identify a World Flag Within 10 Seconds More Games...

# data[].attributes.headline
Book Suggestion: Same, Same But Different 

# data[].attributes.subject
Book Suggestion: Same, Same But Different 

# data[].attributes.body
Elliot and Kailash live on opposite sides of the world, but they find similarities within their differences. This is a wonderful book for story times highlighting the importance of understanding our global differences (and undeniable similarities).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Same, Same But Different [Kostecki-Shaw, Jenny Sue, Kostecki-Shaw, Jenny Sue] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Same, Same But Different

# data[].attributes.body
Thousands seek safety when war breaks out in a village in Sudan. This heartbreaking tale narrates the true story of struggle and introduces global complexities.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
brothers in hope: the story of the lost boys of sudan (coretta scott king illustrator honor books) (coretta scott king honor - illustrator honor title)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
social themes - self-esteem & self-reliance

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
children's / teenage fiction & true stories

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
juvenile fiction / family / orphans & foster homes

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
juvenile fiction / historical / military & wars

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
juvenile fiction / social themes / self-esteem & self-reliance

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
juvenile fiction/family - orphans & foster homes

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
juvenile fiction/social themes - emigration & immigration

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
juvenile fiction/social themes - violence

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
social issues - emigration & immigration

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
social themes - emigration & immigration

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
social themes - self-esteem & self-reliance

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
overcoming adversity; war; discrimination; african american interest; history; courage; refugee camp; lost boys of sudan; coping with death; education; african history

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
juvenile fiction / family / orphans & foster homes

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
juvenile fiction / historical / military & wars

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
juvenile fiction / social themes / self-esteem & self-reliance

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
juvenile fiction/family - orphans & foster homes

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
juvenile fiction/social themes - emigration & immigration

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
juvenile fiction/social themes - violence

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
social issues - emigration & immigration

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
children's / teenage fiction & true stories

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Brothers in Hope: The Story of the Lost Boys of Sudan (Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Books) (Coretta Scott King Honor - Illustrator Honor Title)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Brothers in Hope: The Story of the Lost Boys of Sudan (Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Books) (Coretta Scott King Honor - Illustrator Honor Title) [Mary Williams, R. Gregory Christie, Gregory Christie] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers.

# data[].attributes.body
Celebrate diversity through book format This blog suggests a variety of wonderfully crafted kid's books that celebrate our differences.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I think one of the best ways to help children learn about the world around them and to teach them how to empathize and relate is through reading.

We have made reading a top priority with both of our kids since they were born because my husband Evan and I both love to read so much, and we believe whole-heartedly that a passion for reading leads to a passion for life-long learning. I have also been excited to witness how reading a certain book opens up a great conversation between me and my kids or sparks their interest about a specific topic that they want to learn more about.

And so when our daughter Brenna was born with a visible difference, I began to search for books that teach about differences and about being yourself and liking yourself. I realized how important it was to teach my children about all kinds of difference - not only the visual difference that we live every day, but also cultural/racial differences, religious differences and various disabilities - so that they can relate to, be comfortable with and celebrate what makes everyone unique.

We've been reading various books relating to celebrating uniqueness for years now, and from those we've found through researching, at the library and at the bookstore, here are our favorites:

1. Whoever You Are by Mem Fox. Oh, how I loved this book! I loved it so much that I first got it from the library, and then bought it for our own collection. It has a wonderful message for children about how even though everyone is different in their looks, beliefs, cultures, etc., we are so similar too because we all experience joy, laughs and love. Not only a must-read, but a must-have!

2. Different is Awesome by Ryan Haack. Hands down, my kids' favorite book on this list! Ryan wrote this story about himself, to help teach children that even though he was born with his left hand missing, he can still do just about anything everyone else can do to - he just may do it a little bit differently. But in his book, he helps readers to realize that we're all different from each other, and being different is awesome!

3. The Colors of Us by Karen Katz. Another book that is just beautiful and made me get a little choked up. A mother points out to her little girl how many different shades of brown there are while she is painting herself, and the girl then notices how beautiful and unique everyone's skin color is, comparing them all to foods like cinnamon, chocolate and peaches. Connor really related to the little girl mixing different paint colors, because he loves to paint, and we then talked about how even in our own little family, we all have different colors of skin...and he thought that was pretty neat 🙂

4. Little Quack's New Friend by Lauren Thompson. This has been on our bookshelf for years, and the kids and I both love this playful story so much! At first, a group of sibling ducks is hesitant to play with a frog because he is so different. But they soon discover that they all have fun together, and that's what really matters.

5. Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes. We recently got this from the library, and I think Connor learned a lot from it. It tells the story of a mouse named Chrysanthemum who loves her unique name...until her classmates begin to make fun of it. In the end, you'll get to see how she learns to love her name again.

6. Not Your Typical Dragon by Dan Bar-el. Connor immediately took to this book... not only is the story really cute and kind of silly with lovable characters, but the ending was so perfect. I bought this without reading it, and I'm really glad I gave it a chance. In the book, the little dragon discovers he can't breathe fire like all the other dragons, though he can breathe bubbles and other silly things. At first he and his family are embarrassed, but in the end, they all realize how special he really is.

7. You Be You by Linda Kranz. My mom found this for the kids while on vacation, and it's really cute. While out swimming one day, a little fish realizes how different all of the fish are...and how those differences make the world a much more beautiful place!

8. Ballerino Nate by Kimberly Bradley. We also got this one from the library, and now it's on my must-have list too. It's a fantastic book with a fantastic message, and it opened up a lot of good opportunities for me to point out to Connor that boys and girls are all interested in different activities - and that's a good thing - and that if he wants to play baseball, that's OK, and if he wants to do ballet, that's OK too. In the book, Nate wants to dance ballet, because he likes it, but his brother makes fun of him. In the end, he feels confident in himself to keep doing what he loves.

9. Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. This is a very simple story with an awesome message about an exclamation mark who tries to fit in with his period friends, but realizes he was made to stand out. It's a little silly too, and Connor gets a huge kick out of it.

10. Suki's Kimono by Chieri Uegaki. This is a very sweet story about a little girl who wants to wear her kimono to the first day of school because she is so proud of her heritage. Her sisters are embarrassed by this, but in the end, Suki has pride and confidence in who she is and what she likes...and all of the children in her class really appreciate her unique wardrobe.

I'd love to know if you have other favorites that help kids learn to celebrate being themselves!

You might also like: The Best Children's Books about Disability, 15 Must Read-Alouds for the Classroom about Differences and Being Yourself
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 Great Children's Books that Celebrate Differences! - Courtney Westlake

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I think one of the best ways to help children learn about the world around them and to teach them how to empathize and relate is through reading. We have made reading a top priority with both of our kids since they were born because my husband Evan and I both love to read so much, and we believe whole-heartedly that a passion for reading leads to a passion for life-long learning.

# data[].attributes.body
Introduce children to the beauty of our differences. This video helps children identify their unique qualities and celebrate them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Being Different is Beautiful by LittleSikhs.com (Diversity Video for Children, Kids, & Schools)

# data[].attributes.body
Now that we've established a base for understanding, recognizing, and celebrating diversity, this website provides adults with easy arts and craft ideas to implement children's newfound knowledge.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Teaching Diversity with Crafts and Activities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you want to begin teaching diversity to young kids, then you will definitely want to check out these crafts and activities that are fun and hands-on!

# data[].attributes.body
This website provides activity ideas for children to play, such as bingo and dress up, to apply their basic understandings of diversity.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It also helps them realize that we're all humans, despite differences in how we look or dress, or what we eat or celebrate. Games and activities offer a fun way for young children to learn about differences and similarities among people and to introduce the concept of diversity. All types of differences such as race, religion, language, traditions, and gender can be introduced this way.

When do children notice differences between people? At about age 2 years, children begin to notice gender and racial differences. At 2 ½ or so, children learn gender labels (boy/girl) and the name of colors - which they begin to apply to skin color. Around 3 years of age, children notice physical disabilities. At about 4-5 years, they start to display gender appropriate behavior and become fearful of differences.

Activities that can help children learn about and appreciate differences:

Hair, hair everywhere helps children learn about different hair types related to ethnic groups.
What you need:
photographs of different hairstyles, types, and hair care products
What you do:
Ask children to identify the different types of hair by talking about hair texture and curl. For example, some people have fine, thin hair while others have thick, coarse hair. Some people have straight hair and some people have curly hair. Talk about how people have different hair colors, lengths, and styles. Discuss how to care for different types of hair and which types of hair care products children use. Take photos of each child's hair and make a collage of different hairstyles.

Reading Spot Light

The Sneeches by Dr. Seuss

In this story the star-belly and plain-belly Sneeches learn that neither type is superior and that they are able to get along and become friends.

The Color of Us by Karen Katz

This story explores how everyone in the neighborhood is a different shade of brown - from peanut butter to chocolate - and does a great job of subtly explaining that people are all different shades of the same color.

Why Am I Different by Norma Simon

This book outlines the variety of ways people can be different from each other including hair color, size, language, and family.

It's OK to be Different by Todd Parr

The author explores sensitive issues such as adoption and unusual things such as eating macaroni in the bathtub, but manages to explore diversity in all forms.
Resources and References:
Public Broadcasting Sysyem. "Diversity in the Classroom." Precious Children. www.pbs.org/kcts/preciouschildren/diversity/

Biles, Barbara. "Activities that promote racial and cultural awareness." In "Family Child Care Connections" edited by C. M. Todd 4(3): 4. Urbana-Champaign, IL: University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service, 1994. Retrieved September 2012. http://www.pbs.org/kcts/preciouschildren/diversity/read_activities.html
Activities 15-6

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
We are different, we are the same: Teaching young children about diversity (Better Kid Care)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It also helps them realize that we're all humans, despite differences in how we look or dress, or what we eat or celebrate. Games and activities offer a fun way for young children to learn about differences and similarities among people and to introduce the concept of diversity.