Evie & Margie by Bernard Waber

32 p., Houghton Mifflin/Walter Lorraine, 2003.

Evie and Margie are best friends who dream together of being actors someday. Then they both decide to try out for the part of Cinderella in the class play. Margie is clearly the best at crying at will, and the tricks she teaches Evie to do this are too disturbing to Evie, and don't work for her anyway. Margie gets the part, and Evie is chosen as Margie's understudy. Evie is painfully disappointed, and when she gets home, she really cries. She realizes she's also jealous of Margie, and that upsets her. When Margie is sick on the day of the play, Evie plays the role of Cinderella, and has no difficulty crying at the appropriate time when she thinks about her disappointment in not getting the part, Margie's disappointment in missing out on her big day, and how awful it feels to be jealous. But a second performance is planned, and Margie gets to play Cinderella. Evie discloses her jealousy to Margie, who responds by saying that she had been jealous too. They're both relieved, and can be friends again. This story shows children how jealousy can disrupt a friendship, and how a strong friendship can survive it.

Ages 4-8
Main character's cultural background: non-human
Cultural context: non-human

Shades of Black: A Celebration of Our Children by Sandra L. Pinkney

Illustrated by Myles C. Pinkney. 28 p., Scholastic, 2000.

This book celebrates the diversity of African American children with photographs showing many different skin tones, hair textures, and eye colors. The text expresses pride in all these variations. This book presents a positive message of acceptance of the unique aspects of one's appearance.

Ages 3-7
Main character's cultural background: none
Cultural context: African American

Badger's Parting Gifts by Susan Varley

25 p., Lothrop, Lee & Shepard, 1984.

Badger is old and unable to walk without a cane, and knows that it will be time to die soon. He isn't afraid of this; just concerned about his friends' experiences of losing him. After writing a brief goodbye note to them, Badger dies - expressed as an extraordinary dream of running down a tunnel. Badger's friends lovingly remember all the things he's taught them to do well. Each of these skills is a special gift. To one of the animals, it seems as if Badger can feel his gratitude for this gift. This story shows children that although sadness is part of death, so is keeping with us something we've gained from our closeness with the person who has died.

Ages 3-7
Main character's cultural background: non-human
Cultural context: non-human

Incredible Me! by Kathi Appelt

Illustrated by G. Brian Karas. 32 p., HarperCollins, 2003.

In this rhyming book, a girl joyfully celebrates her unique individuality. No one else has the same nose, the same smile, or even the same way of chewing, crying, or itching. Because of this, she sees herself as marvelous, spectacular, adorable, and incredible. This book will promote a positive self-image that's based on uniqueness, rather than competition, perfectionism, or a need to ignore one's limitations.

Ages 3-7
Main character's cultural background: European American
Cultural context: European American

Lost and Found: Remembering A Sister by Ellen Yeomans

Illustrated by Dee deRosa. 33 p., Centering Corporation, 2000.

A girl describes her and her family's emotional reactions when her older sister, Paige, dies of cancer. Her sense of emptiness is especially poignant. The girl introduces the idea that someone who has died is "lost" while being clear that Paige has, in fact, died. This allows her to use the metaphor of "finding" Paige to describe finding a new way to be connected to her after her death - she finds Paige in her heart. The illustrations often have a semi-abstract quality and are evocative of the feelings expressed in the text. Each also includes one emotionally loaded word, such as "lost," "sorry," "anger," "alone," "love." This story offers children empathy with their loss and hope for its resolution.

Ages 4-8
Main character's cultural background: not stated
Cultural context: not stated

My Mom Travels a Lot by Caroline Feller Bauer

Illustrated by Nancy Winslow Parker. 38 p., Puffin, 1981.

A girl describes the advantages and disadvantages of her mom's frequent travel. The girl misses Mom's goodnight kiss, and Mom misses some important events. The house is sloppier, which is both an advantage and a disadvantage in the girl's eyes. And Dad just isn't as good at finding the girl's boots as Mom is. On the other hand, the girl gets to go to the airport and to eat at restaurants more often, and gets phone calls, postcards, and presents. And the biggest advantage is that Mom always comes home. This story offers acknowledgment of children's unhappiness about their parents' traveling, along with reassurance that their parents will always come home.

Ages 3-7
Main character's cultural background: European American
Cultural context: European American

The Big Meow by Elizabeth Spires

Illustrated by Cynthia Jabar. 40 p., Candlewick, 2002.

The other cats won't play with Little Cat because they think his voice is too loud, even though his parents reassure him that it's wonderful. When a bulldog chases the cats, Little Cat tries to scare it away with a big meow. At first Little Cat is too scared to do this, but when the dog teases him, he gets angry, and lets out meows that blow the dog away to the next town. After this, the other cats accept Little Cat. This story will help children see how to detach others' "negative" labels from their attributes.

Ages 3-5
Main character's cultural background: non-human
Cultural context: non-human