What Was Your Favorite Part of Being a Kid?

April 09, 2026 • Read in 3 minutes

What was your favorite part of being a kid? For me, it was always the hour before bedtime when my mom would read me stories. I got to imagine all kinds of worlds: magical places where fairies and princesses existed, where the power of love and friendship could protect you against all odds, and eccentricity was rewarded. These bedtime stories instilled a lifelong love for reading in me. Even now, I always look forward to getting settled into bed and reading before I go to sleep.

I spend a lot of my time at my local library and often see parents checking out the same books that I grew up with for their kids. Dr. Seuss, Magic Tree House, Junie B. Jones, Pete the Cat, etc. Although it makes me happy that the tradition of reading to children before bed is not in decline, the fact that reading habits haven’t changed much in the past few decades does make me wonder why we’re not picking more contemporary books for kids to read. 

Research suggests that “the way that people are represented within books can contribute to children’s understanding about what roles they and others can or cannot inhabit.” In the past decade, children’s books became a lot more diverse. In fact, in 2024, for the first time, over half (51%) of the titles the Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) received had significant BIPOC content. Although this is a cause for celebration, the number of primary BIPOC characters still remain few. In fact, the percentage of BIPOC primary characters is currently in decline. 

Many of our listeners for Immigrantly Podcast are new parents, new immigrants, or people generally trying to diversify their media intake. At Hyphenly we’ve recommended plenty of books for adults, this is our first edition showcasing children’s picture books.

I LOVE LUNAR NEW YEAR

Mai-Anne can't wait to participate in all of her favorite holiday traditions: hanging up red lanterns, eating a delicious Reunion Dinner, and listening to her Nai Nai recount the tale of the Great Race!

BRAIDED ROOTS

As a young girl's father lovingly yet painstakingly braids her hair, he weaves a story about the strength and resilience of their ancestors, Freedmen who walked the Trail of Tears from Mississippi to Oklahoma. 

SO MANY YEARS: A JUNETEENTH STORY

With lyrical text from Anne Wynter and radiant artwork from Jerome Pumphrey, this poetic picture book explains the history behind Juneteenth celebrations. So Many Years simultaneously acknowledges the history of slavery in the US as well as the astonishing Black resilience that has led to an enduring legacy of Black joy.

MUSIC OF THE MOUNTAINS

Roohi's most treasured time of the day is when she gets to listen to her grandfather play the rabab, the traditional stringed instrument of the Pashtun people. All she wants, more than anything in the world, is to be able to play songs full of rhythm like him. But even with lessons every day, she sounds nothing like Neeka Baba's clap-de-clap-clap rhythm and beautiful melodies. With Eid celebrations coming up, Roohi is supposed to play the rabab at a school concert, but Neeka Baba has fallen ill, and she must perform without his help.

MY FIRST KWANZAA

During the seven days of Kwanzaa, we celebrate the importance of family, friends, and community. This warm and lively introduction to a very special holiday will help even the youngest children join in!

WHO’S YOUR REAL MUM?

Elvi loves her two mums, but Nicholas can’t figure out which one is her ‘real’ mum. What’s the answer? Presented as a conversation between two children, this charming picture book challenges unhelpful assumptions about families with a sprinkle of wit, and celebrates the love shared between parents and children.  

 THESE OLIVE TREES

Oraib and her family live in a refugee camp, having been forcibly removed from their homes during the Nakba or 'catastrophe'. Life is hard for the family, but despite this there are moments of happiness among the hardship. 

A TASTE OF HOME

When Tariq needs to bring his favorite food to the class picnic, he struggles to choose. Only after asking all his family members does he remember a food item which is really special to him. This beautifully, softly illustrated story links South Asian food with love, friendship and special family moments. A charming picture book that whisks you away with a scrumptious story for each favorite meal or dessert.

How many of these have you read? What are your favorite picture books? Do you wish you had such diverse reading available when you were a kid?

We look forward to hearing from you!

Until next time,
Team Hyphenly

This newsletter was curated by Suhasini Patni.

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Hyphenly curates the latest news, art, and businesses from immigrants around the world. Have a tip or story we should feature? We’d love to hear from you.

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