I’m excited to share a selection of wonderful diverse children’s books from Lee & Low, including picture books, an early reader, and a bilingual edition. These titles are perfect for preschool and early elementary storytime, and they celebrate diversity, culture, and the joy of reading. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or librarian, these stories are engaging, relatable, and full of heart — plus, they’re a great way to strengthen and diversify your collection.
Let’s start with Ravi and Rosi: Menu!, a delightful and diverse early reader that follows two frog siblings as they cook, explore, and learn alongside their grandmother. This story is full of relatable moments, humor, and cultural richness, making it a wonderful introduction to chapter books for young readers.
First off, I love that the book begins with a glossary of Spanish words and their pronunciations. This makes it easy for readers who don’t speak Spanish to follow along and also learn a few new words. I was also sent a copy in Spanish, where the glossary includes the same words but without pronunciations, instead explaining them in the context of the story and Puerto Rican culture.
With three chapters, Ravi and Rosi: Menu! is perfect for children transitioning to chapter books — the text is large and approachable, making it accessible to younger readers. Each chapter can be read independently and focuses on a different food, though all the stories connect in the end.
Ravi and Rosi are charming frog siblings who love cooking with their grandmother. This story is especially sentimental to me because I have fond memories of cooking Mexican food with my own grandmother, and it’s easy to see how relatable the story and characters are. The book captures the joy of cooking in a way that will inspire readers — it just might make them want to cook, too!
The watercolor and colored pencil illustrations appear on every page, vividly bringing Ravi and Rosi’s emotions and actions to life. The story is heavily centered on cooking and highlights Puerto Rican culture in an authentic way, even including recipes in the back matter. This is a lovely early reader series, ideal for families, teachers, and librarians who want to strengthen and diversify their collections.
If you enjoy cooking books – check out my post about a cooking themed storytime!
Next up is Marisol McDonald and the Clash Bash, a joyful and heartfelt picture book that celebrates individuality and cultural pride. Marisol is planning her birthday party, and in true Marisol fashion, she wants it to be wonderfully mismatched — just like her! This story is full of warmth, humor, and celebration, and it’s a perfect pick for storytime or classroom discussions about identity, confidence, and being yourself.
In the follow-up to the award-winning Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match, it’s time for Marisol’s eighth birthday party — but she can’t decide on a theme. She loves princesses, unicorns, soccer, and pirates, so she decides to celebrate all of them at once! Alongside the party planning, another touching storyline unfolds about Marisol’s abuela in Peru. Marisol misses her deeply and has been saving money for two years in hopes her grandmother can visit. Though the papers are difficult to get, the story ends with a different but equally heartwarming surprise.
The theme of family separation will resonate with many readers, while Marisol’s vibrant personality shines throughout. The artwork, created with cut paper, ink, and markers, then digitally enhanced, bursts with energy and texture. Marisol’s dark skin, bright red hair, and clashing patterns come vividly to life. Bilingual in English and Spanish, this is a warm, joyful celebration of individuality and family. It would pair perfectly with a process art activity where kids are encouraged to embrace mismatched colors and creativity — just like Marisol!
Rounding out this Lee & Low spotlight is The Echo People by S.D. Youngwolf, a thought-provoking picture book that takes a more reflective tone. While the first two books celebrate family and joyful self-expression, The Echo People invites readers to pause and consider our connection to the natural world and to one another.
In The Echo People by S.D. Youngwolf, Aiyanna and Little Wolf wake up early one morning to visit their grandfather, the village chief, who has something important to teach them. Taking them separately to a great gorge overlooking breathtaking scenery, he tells them that the Echo People live below and invites each child to sit and get to know them. When they call into the canyon, their own words echo back — though they don’t realize it at first — and both learn a powerful lesson about kindness, reflection, and the natural world.
The story is moving and contemplative, best suited for older children who can appreciate its deeper meaning. The watercolor, pencil, and ink illustrations are striking, capturing the beauty and spirit of nature. This is a lovely, thoughtful, and diverse read that would pair perfectly with a watercolor art activity inspired by what children love most in the world.
Each of these Lee & Low titles offers something unique — from the joy of cooking and family connection in Ravi and Rosi: Menu!, to the vibrant celebration of identity in Marisol McDonald and the Clash Bash, to the reflective lessons of The Echo People. Together, they highlight Lee & Low’s commitment to publishing diverse, meaningful stories that reflect the many experiences of children and families. Whether you’re building your classroom or library collection, or simply looking for your next great read-aloud, these books are excellent additions that inspire connection, creativity, and understanding.