Books Featuring Children Around the World

Introduce your young reader to diverse perspectives from around the globe with books that highlight the daily lives, traditions, and cultures of children from different countries. This curated list will inspire curiosity and broaden understanding of how kids around the world live, learn, and grow.

Recommended Books

1. “This Is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from around the World” by Matt Lamothe

• This book offers a glimpse into the lives of seven children from different countries as they go about their daily routines—from breakfast to bedtime. Illustrated with authenticity and warmth, it showcases cultural differences and similarities in a relatable way for children.

2. “Children Just Like Me” by DK Publishing

• This captivating book is filled with profiles of kids from over 30 countries, sharing details about their families, homes, school routines, and favorite activities. It’s an excellent way to introduce children to a variety of cultures in an accessible, colorful format.

3. “Same, Same But Different” by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw

• Through the pen-pal friendship between two boys—one from the U.S. and the other from India—this book highlights both the unique and common experiences of children across the world. Their letters illustrate how, despite differences in surroundings and customs, they share many similar experiences.

Discussion Questions for Parents and Children

1. “What are some things you have in common with the children in these books?”
   • Encourage your child to think about similarities they share, such as family routines, favorite games, or hobbies. This can foster empathy and connection.
2. “How do you think it would feel to go to school or live in a country like the children in the story?”
   • This question allows your child to imagine themselves in another environment and think about how things like language, customs, and settings would affect their day-to-day experiences.
3. “What surprised you the most about the lives of the children in the book?”
   • A great way to help children reflect on new information and discuss different cultural aspects that may seem unusual, fun, or intriguing to them.

Interactive Activity: “Our World Map Collage”

Activity Description:

1. Materials Needed: A large world map, colored markers, scissors, glue, magazine clippings, or printed images from online resources (to represent foods, animals, clothing, or landmarks from different countries).
2. Create the Map: Hang or lay out the world map in a place where you and your child can sit together and work.
3. Explore and Decorate: After reading, use markers or small images to mark where each child in the book is from. Add clippings or printed pictures of local food, animals, clothing, or famous landmarks from these areas to decorate the map.
4. Connect with the Story: As you go through each book, talk with your child about what life might be like in each place. For example, if you’re discussing India in Same, Same But Different, you could add images of Indian spices, animals, or traditional dress to the map.
5. Share Personal Connections: If you or your child has any connections to a country on the map—through family, friends, or favorite foods—add a personal touch to that location, making it a visual reminder of both local and global connections.

Purpose of the Activity

This map collage project helps children visualize and remember the locations of different cultures, making the stories from the books more tangible and memorable. By connecting these locations with real images and discussing life in each place, children learn that the world is both diverse and interconnected. It also opens doors for more in-depth discussions on topics like language, geography, and cultural practices in a way that feels interactive and exciting.

Exploring children’s lives across the globe through stories and activities can deepen your child’s appreciation for diversity while encouraging curiosity about the world around them.