All About The Books
Check out these amazing kids' books about all sorts of things -- from nature to food, to culture, and more!
Amazon links are included, but consider buying from local bookstores too! Below are some local Baltimore bookstores-
- Charm City Books- 426 W Franklin St, Baltimore, MD 21201
- The Book Escape- 925 S Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21230
- Ivy Bookshop- 5928 Falls Rd, Baltimore, MD 21209
- Station North Books- 34 E Lanvale St, Baltimore, MD 21202
- Protean Books and Records- 836 Leadenhall St, Baltimore, MD 21230
Winter Reads
Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Pak- This picture book illustrates the changes that occur when the season changes from Fall to Winter.
Bright Winter Night by Alli Brydon- This picture book will take you on an adventure with a group of animals to the Northern Lights. It's all about adventure, friends, and fun!
Winter's Gifts by Kaitlin Curtice- This picture book celebrates how Indigenous people view Winter and nature, and how it differs from other Americans. It's informative, beautifully illustrated, and highlights gratitude: an important virtue for us all.
Spring Reads
Hello World! Garden Time by Jill McDonald- This nonfiction picture book is cheerful and informative, teaching your little one more about gardens. The facts are easy to understand and teach how food gets from gardens to our tables.
Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring by Kennard Pak- In this picture book, one young boy and his dog take a stroll through nature to observe the changes from Winter to Spring.
Blossom and Bud by Frank J. Sileo- This fictional picture book will help your child learn about self-love and appreciation through the story of one blossom and one bud. They each don't like something about themselves, but the farmer thinks their perfect and has a special role for each.
The Fruits We Eat by Gail Gibbons- This picture book is all about the delicious fruit around us. From berries to melons to apples to bananas! This book is jam-packed with information and is perfect for getting excited about fruit!
Plant It! Grow It, Eat It by Little Grasshopper Books- In this picture book, you can follow along 4 kids as they grow gardens, harvest foods, and share a meal! Gain tips and tricks on how to grow food and help the environment successfully.
The Vegetables We Eat by Gail Gibbons- This picture book is all about the delicious veggies around us. From peppers to beans to peas to corn! This book is jam-packed with information and is perfect for getting excited about veggies!
Summer Reads
And Then Comes Summer by Tom Brenner- This picture book is an ode to Summer, going from the last days of school to all the fun moments of Summer.
Berry Song by Michaela Goade- This picture book beautifully illustrates how one young girl and her grandmother work to gather various gifts from the Earth- from salmon to herring eggs to berries.
The Golden Glow by Wes Anderson- This picture book celebrates nature through non-fictional and fictional elements.
Plátanos Are Love by Alyssa Reynoso-Morris- This picture book transitions through seasonal changes and various activities during the different seasons, and when it finally comes to Summer, will it be warm enough for ice cream?
Before We Eat: From Farm To Table by Pat Brisson- This picture book illustrates the process of how food gets from the farm to our dinner tables. It's informative and a great reminder of the hard work it takes to get our food!
Paletero Man by Lucky Diaz- This book highlights the taste of summer and the strength of community through one boy's journey of buying a paleta. Best of all, the linked version is bilingual, featuring side-by-side English and Spanish text!
Fall Reads
Summer Green to Autumn Gold by Mia Posada is a non-fiction picture book, illustrating how leaves change colors in the fall. It explores the science behind the eye-catching colors and is great for curious readers.
The Very Last Leaf by Stef Wade- This book is about the journey of a leaf during the changing season and highlights the importance of embracing change and a growth mindset.
Because of an Acorn by Lola Schaefer is about how various parts of nature connect. It explores the connections between the layers of ecosystems.
The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming- In this whimsical adventure, kids will learn about the wonders of Fall while also seeing themes of curiosity and friendship.
Autumn Song by Anetta Kotowicz invites readers to explore the different seasons and the simple gifts of life.
From Wheat To Bread by Bridget Heos- This informative book goes through the process of turning wheat into bread. It includes detailed illustrations and describes the jobs of farmers, millers, and bakers. The book is part of a series of other books that show how other foods are made!
Food Story Time -- Brought to you by United Healthcare!
Check out our Food Story Time page for more information about that program!
Every Cake Has a Story by Christina Tosi- This picture book is about one young girl's delicious dream coming true! It's about creativity, joy, and cake, of course!
Soul Food Sunday by Winsome Bingham- This picture book is about Sundays with big family meals. It celebrates soul food and the importance of coming together. Check out this page to watch a recording of the book read by Chefs Dave and Tonya Thomas and for some fun at-home activities!
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin- This imaginative picture book is about how to lure dragons to your next party- with tacos! But make sure the dragons don't accidentally eat the spicy salsa, or they're in trouble.
The Foodie Flamingo by Vanessa Howl- This delightful picture book takes you on a fun food adventure with Frankie the Flamingo who is tired of eating the same foods day after day. Check out this page to watch a recording of the book read by Chef Dana Sicko and for some fun at-home activities!
May Your Life Be Deliciosa by Michael Genhart- In this picture book, Rosie learns how to make tamales, a traditional Mexican holiday recipe, from her Abuela. She not only learns how to make a delicious tamale, but how to live a wonderful life too.
Bubbie & Rivka's Best Every Challah by Sarah Lynne Reul- In this picture book, Rivka and her grandmother, Bubbie, work together to make the perfect challah
Watercress by Andrea Wang- In this picture book, one young girl learns all about appreciation and how connecting to her past creates powerful memories. Check out this page to watch a recording of the book read by Chef Steve Chui and for some fun at-home activities!
Thank a Farmer by Maria Gianferrari- This informative and poetic picture book emphasizes the importance of agriculture and reminds us all to give thank to those who grow our food.
Tofu Takes Time by Helen H. Wu- In this picture book, Lin learns about the long process of making tofu from her grandma, Nai Nai. She learns about everything that goes into making tofu while getting to spend time with her wonderful grandmother.
Escargot by Dashka Slater- This beautifully illustrated picture book is about a snail who wants to be your favorite animal and eat the delicious salad at the end of the book, but there's something in the salad he doesn't like. Read to find out what he does!
Every Night is Pizza Night by - In this picture book, join Pipo, who thinks pizza is the best food in the world, as she tries new foods from around the world with her friends. Check out this page to watch a recording of the book read by Chef Jesse Sandlin and for some fun at-home activities!
Uncle John's City Garden by Bernette Ford- In this picture, one young African American girl sees one empty lot transformed into a garden where fresh foods grow.
Our Little Kitchen by Jillian Tamaki- This picture book celebrates community and food. It's all about preparing a meal together as a community.
Wiggling Worms At Work by Wendy Pfeffer- This science-filled picture book will teach you all about worms. Although we may not realize it, these wiggling wonders are hard at work by loosening the soil and feeding plants.
Who Said Women Can't Be Doctors by Tanya Stone Lee- This picture book tells the story of Elizabeth Blackwell, the first female doctor in America. Check out this page to watch a recording of the book read by Chef Kathleen Tozzi and for some fun at-home activities!
Foods Around the World
My Food, Your Food, Our Food by Emma Bernay- This picture book is about all the different foods we eat. Take an adventure around the world with this informative book!
Little Dumplings by Jekka Kuhlmann- This picture book is about dumplings from around the world -- bao, samosa, pierogi, and so many more!
Let's Eat!: Mealtime Around the World by Lynne Marie- This picture book explores foods from 13 different countries: Pakistan, Nigeria, Peru, and more!
Noodles, Please! by Cheryl Yau Chepusova- This picture book explores different types of noodles from around the world -- Zaru Soba, Ash Reshteh, Laksa, and many more!
What's On Your Plate? by Whitney Stewart- This picture book highlights diversity and will take you on a fun tour through cuisines around the world!
Pancakes To Parathas by Alice B. McGinty- This picture book will take you on a breakfast adventure around the world where you'll learn about natto from Japan, parathas from India and more!
Celebrate South Asian Culture
Kalamata's Kitchen by Sarah Thomas- In this imaginative and adventurous picture book, Kalamata can travel anywhere she wants right from her kitchen!
Meera Makes Aloo Paratha by Sangeetha Narayan- In this heart-warming picture book, Meera learns how to make aloo paratha, a potato-filled crispy flatbread, with her grandmother, Dadaji.
Priya Dreams of Marigolds & Masala by Meenal Patel- This picture book celebrates the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren. It highlights food traditions through the story of Priya and her grandfather, Babi Ba.
The Spice Box by Meera Sriram- This picture book explores what happens when young Rishi drops his family's spice box.
Chaiwala! by Prita Birla Maheshwari- This beautifully illustrated picture book celebrates the pleasures of taking time for food, family, and tradition. It's warm and comforting, just like a cup of chai!
Bilal Cook Daal by Aisha Saeed- In this picture book, Bilal cooks his favorite dish, daal, with his dad. It's a slow-cooked lentil stew that he is excited for his friends to try!
Celebrate East Asian Culture
Kimchi, Kimchi, Every Day by Erica Kim- In this picture book, explore all the ways you can enjoy kimchi: a Korean fermented cabbage dish.
Dumplings for Lili by Melissa Iwai- In this picture book, Lili tries all sorts of dumplings from around the world while she's on a quest to get cabbage for her grandmother, Nai Nai.
Dim Sum, Here We Come by Maple Lam- This picture book celebrates traditional Chinese customers passed down from generation to generation: togetherness, family, food, and more!
Ramen for Everyone by Patricia Tanumihardja- This picture book is all about Hiro's love for ramen. When he decides to make a perfect bowl inspired by his dad, he discovers that every person's perfect bowl is unique.
Bee-bim Bop! by Linda Sue Park- In this exciting picture book, one young girl helps her mom make bee-bim bop
The Perfect Sushi by Emily Satoko Seo- In this picture book, what starts as a story about making the perfect sushi turns into a lesson about the value of intention.
Celebrate South East Asian Culture
Cora Cooks Pancit by Dorina Lazo Gilmore- In this picture book, Cora cooks pancit with her mom for the very first time -- even the "grown-up tasks".
Sticky Rice For Lunch by Jacob P. Singhavong- This picture book highlights Kop's favorite Lao dishes and a few you may recognize. This story celebrates the Laotian culture, dishes, and language.
My Ong Ngoai's Garden by Ann Chau- This colorful and heartwarming picture book offers insights into Vietnamese culture and shows how food can help bring people together.
Celebrate Hispanic/Latino Culture
Cinco De Mayo by Emma Carlson Berne- In this picture book, learn about Cinco De Mayo: a day that honors an important battle fought by the Mexican army in 1862 and a day celebrated with food, music, and dancing!
How to Fold a Taco by Naibe Reynoso- This English and Spanish picture book uses fantastical elements such as wrestlers, dragons, magicians, dinosaurs, and more to explore creative ways to fold the popular Mexican dish, the Taco.
Proud to be Latino by Ashley Marie Mireles- This picture book teaches children how different Latino countries use similar ingredients to create unique regional dishes.
A Song of Frutas by Margarita Engl- This lively, rhythmic picture book is about a little girl visiting her grandfather who is a pregonero—a singing street vendor in Cuba—and helping him sell his frutas.
Pepe and the Parade by Linda Sue Park- In this exciting picture book, join Pepe as he celebrates his Mexican-American heritage by participating in a Hispanic Day parade. Mexican, Dominican, Panamanian, Colombian, Honduran, Nicaraguan, Chilean, and more cultures are all represented in the parade.
José Feeds the World by David Unger- This picture book features the true story of José Andrés, an award-winning chef, food activist, and founder of World Central Kitchen, a disaster-relief organization that uses the power of food to nourish communities after catastrophe strikes.
Celebrate Arab Culture
Salma the Syrian Chef by Danny Ramadan- In this picture book, Syrian culture is beautifully represented through the meal Salma prepares and highlights the power of cultivating community in challenging circumstances.
The Great Labneh Trade by Eman Saleh- In this picture book, Ahmed learns to embrace his Arab heritage by spreading his love of labne sandwiches to the world.
These Olive Trees by Aya Ghanameh- This picture book is the story of a Palestinian family’s ties to the land, and how one young girl finds a way to care for her home, even as she says goodbye.
Zeit and Zaatar by Amany Isa- This lively, rhythmic picture book is about a Palestinian mom sharing her childhood snacks with her son. It features a song to explore the history of this tasty mix of olive oil, tangy herbs, and pita bread.
The Arabic Quilt by Aya Khalil- This picture book is the story of Kanzi, who recently moved from Egypt to America.
Nour in Lebanon by Del Perrier- In this picture book, you can follow Nour back to Lebanon, which has something for everyone: history, culture, the sea, nature, and more!
Celebrate African Culture
Mama Panya's Pancakes by Mary Chamberlin- This clever and heartwarming story about Kenyan village life teaches the importance of sharing, even when you have little to give.
J is for Jollof by Dr. Gloria Fatusin- In this picture book, discover West African cuisine and culture. Jollof is a tasty tomato-based rice dish, a family favorite, and a symbol of unity across the West African region.
Sankofa by Eric Adjepong- Sankofa is the powerful story of a young boy’s culinary journey 400 years into the past to reconnect with his African roots and find his own place in America.
Baby Goes To Market by Atinuke- In this picture book, join Baby and his doting mama at a bustling southwest Nigerian marketplace for a bright, bouncy read-aloud offering a gentle introduction to numbers.
Jayden's Impossible Garden by Melina Mangal- This story highlights the beauty of intergenerational relationships and the power of imagination and perseverance in bringing the vision of a community garden to life.
Mama Miti by Donna Jo Napoli- This picture book is the true story of Wangari Muta Maathai, known as “Mama Miti,” who in 1977 founded the Green Belt Movement, an African grassroots organization that has empowered many people to mobilize and combat deforestation, soil erosion, and environmental degradation.
Celebrate Indigenous History & Culture
Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun's Thanksgiving Story by Danielle Greendeer- In this Wampanoag story told in a Native tradition, two kids from the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe learn the story of Weeâchumun (corn) and the first Thanksgiving.
The First Strawberries by Joseph Bruchac- From an award-winning Native American storyteller comes this captivating re-telling of a Cherokee legend, which explains how strawberries came to be.
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard- This picture book is an evocative depiction of a modern Native American family, vibrantly illustrated by Pura Belpre Award winner and Caldecott Honoree Juana Martinez-Neal.