Looking for ways of exploring international children’s books without the expense of buying the books?

The International Children’s Digital Library website houses thousands of children’s books in different languages. The simple search can pull up different cultural versions of Snow White; have students compare and contrast the illustrations and number of versions available.

Simply pulling up books in different languages and illustrations and having students explore offers a window on the world. Use the website with questions for discussion. Do students around the world read chapter books? How do illustrations change your understanding of the story? Do different cultures highlight different values or cultural aspects in the same story? Why? Can you guess the county or region of the world from the illustrations? How and what in the picture gives you that clue?

This online tool can serve as a rich focal point for globally centered discussions, centers or enrichment activities.