
Based on your book
by Maya Ajmera
To be a kid offers a tender, photographic journey into the everyday lives of children around the globe. It's less a narrative and more a collection of authentic moments, capturing the universal joys and simple realities of childhood across diverse cultures. You'll see kids at play, at school, helping their families, and just being themselves, whether in a bustling city or a quiet village. The book has this wonderful, observational feel, allowing you to simply absorb each image and the subtle stories they tell. It's infused with a quiet hopefulness, celebrating the resilience and spirit of children everywhere. Reading it feels like a warm, gentle invitation to connect with humanity, fostering a deeper sense of empathy without ever feeling preachy. If you're someone who loves to see the world through different eyes, appreciates a lighthearted yet profoundly meaningful look at our shared human experience, this book will be a true comfort and an eye-opener.
If To be a kid resonated with your desire to understand childhood across our diverse planet, these recommendations continue that journey beautifully. We've gathered books that share its heartwarming, observational lens on the everyday lives of children from various cultures, offering a window into their worlds. You'll find more visually rich explorations, celebrating universal experiences while highlighting unique perspectives, all fostering a powerful sense of empathy and global connection. These selections invite you to keep exploring what it means to grow up, no matter where you are.
We earn from qualifying purchases through our affiliate partners, including Amazon and Bookshop.org.
by Barnabas Kindersley, Anabel Kindersley
This iconic photographic book directly mirrors "To be a kid" by showcasing the lives of children from diverse cultures around the globe. Readers will appreciate the similar visual approach and the heartwarming exploration of universal childhood experiences, fostering empathy and global understanding.
A powerful photographic journey, this book presents children's bedrooms from various countries, offering a unique and often stark insight into their daily realities. Fans of "To be a kid" will find a similar documentary style and a profound, thought-provoking exploration of global childhood circumstances.
This book simplifies complex global statistics by imagining the world as a village of 100 people, making global diversity and challenges accessible to young readers. It shares "To be a kid"'s goal of fostering global awareness and empathy through an informative, engaging approach.
by Tessa Strickland, Kate DePalma
Celebrating the rich tapestry of childhood across the world, this vibrant picture book explores the commonalities and differences in children's lives. Its joyful and inclusive tone, coupled with its focus on global diversity, makes it a perfect companion for readers who enjoyed "To be a kid."

Love to read on the go?
Explore Kindle e-readers and take your books with you.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
by The Global Fund for Children
Produced by the same organization as "To be a kid," this photographic book beautifully captures the universality of infancy across different cultures. Its focus on the earliest stages of life, presented with warmth and authenticity, will resonate with readers who appreciate the original's celebratory and diverse perspective.
This unique wordless picture book presents parallel stories of two boys, one in Sydney, Australia, and one in Morocco, over the course of a day. It beautifully highlights both the differences and the profound similarities in their daily lives, offering a contemplative and visually rich experience akin to "To be a kid."
by Susan Verde
Based on the true childhood of supermodel Georgie Badiel, this inspiring story depicts a young girl's daily journey to fetch water in Burkina Faso. It offers a poignant, realistic, yet hopeful look at a child's resilience and determination, echoing the underlying strength found in children globally, as seen in "To be a kid."
This inspiring picture book tells the true story of Wangari Maathai, beginning with her childhood in Kenya and her lifelong dedication to environmental activism. While focusing on one individual, it shares "To be a kid"'s global perspective, celebrating resilience, community, and the power of positive action to improve lives.
by Page McBrier
Based on a true story from Heifer International, this book follows a young girl in Uganda whose life is transformed when her family receives a goat. It offers a heartwarming and realistic glimpse into a child's daily life, highlighting community, hope, and the positive impact of small acts, similar to the uplifting spirit of "To be a kid."
In this autobiographical picture book, Malala Yousafzai shares her childhood dreams and the transformative power of education, set against the backdrop of her life in Pakistan. Readers who appreciate "To be a kid"'s focus on children's perspectives and global issues will find this story deeply inspiring and empowering.

Not sure what they've already read?
Let them pick their next favorite with an Amazon Gift Card.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
We earn from qualifying purchases through our affiliate partners, including Amazon and Bookshop.org.