Disclosure: I received copies of these multicultural picture books to review. All opinions are my own.

For multicultural kids, it’s important for them to see themselves represented in the media whether its in film, TV, or books. In a Scholastic article,  Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop — children’s literature scholar and recipient of the Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement — says, “Literature transforms human experience and reflects it back to us, and in that reflection, we can see our own lives and experiences as part of a larger human experience. Reading, then, becomes a means of self-affirmation, and readers often seek their mirrors in books.”

The key is to publish more books with diverse characters and to get these books into children’s hands. As such, I want to tell you about two great multicultural picture books by Karl Beckstrand of Premio Publishing that my children love reading before bed. They enjoy turning each page to discover what happens next. My little one especially likes to point things out in the illustrations that catch her eyes. I am glad they see and read about diverse characters in their books who are reflective of the society they live in.

Read on to learn more about these books and how to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a copy of your own!

The Bridge of the Golden Wood: A Parable on How to Earn a Living

In this folktale, a Chinese boy, who loves to make things out of items others see as useless, encounters an old woman by a stream. She asks him to help unblock the path for the fish and informs him a treasure awaits. The boy does not initially understand how a treasure can come out of this situation. But after helping out, he soon discovers that his hard work and empathy brings him much fortune. Selected for Vermont’s primary school financial literacy curriculum, this parable teaches kids how one can earn a living through hard work and determination.

The book contains a supplement in the back with key points for parents and teachers to discuss with children. It also includes earning ideas and money tips. The Bridge of the Golden Wood: A Parable on How to Earn a Living is ideal for children ages 4-14 years. Find the ebook or hardcopy book for purchase on Amazon.

She Doesn’t Want the Worms! Ella no quiere los gusanos: A Mystery in English & Spanish

In this English and Spanish picture book, a biracial girl encounters a bunch of critters, and some are a bit creepy! Written in rhyme with vivid, eye-catching illustrations, the book includes a pronunciation guide in both English and Spanish. It also engages children through hidden pictures, finding activities, as well as some very cool online secrets.

She Doesn’t Want the Worms! Ella no quiere los gustanos: A Mystery in English & Spanish was selected as a Top 10 Best Books of 2011 by ForeWord Reviews. It has also received praise from the School Library Journal which commented: “Delightful … humorous … bright illustrations.” This book is ideal for children ages 3+ years (ESL/ELL). Find the ebook or hardcopy book for purchase on Amazon.

ENTER THE MULTICULTURAL PICTURE BOOKS [GIVEAWAY CLOSED]

Two lucky winners will win a softcover copy of either The Bridge of the Golden Wood: A Parable on How to Earn a Living or She Doesn’t Want the Worms! Ella no quiere los gustanos: A Mystery in English & Spanish. Please enter via the two entry forms below, one for each book, so make sure to scroll down to see both. Open to readers with U.S. mailing addresses only, ages 18+.

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Premio Book publishes many multicultural picture books for kids. Find out more at PremioPublishing.com and YouTube. Learn about the author, Karl Beckstrand on Amazon, BookBub, and Goodreads.