Picture Books to Celebrate Harmony Day in Kindergarten and Year 1
- TechTeacherPto3
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Harmony Day (21 March in Australia) is all about inclusion, respect and belonging, teaching our youngest learners that every culture, background and story adds richness to our communities. Picture books are one of the most powerful tools we have in the classroom to bring these big ideas to life in a way that’s accessible, visual and meaningful for young children.
Early exposure to stories about different people and experiences helps children develop empathy, compassion, and a sense of belonging, which are key foundations for respectful and inclusive classrooms.
Below are wonderful picture book suggestions that are perfect for Harmony Day read‑alouds or guided literacy sessions in Kindergarten and Year 1.
Inviting Harmony
by Cary Lee, illustrated by Alastair Laird
A gentle Australian story about belonging, diversity and friendship set around a neighbourhood BBQ. It introduces young children to the values of Harmony Day in a relatable, fun way.
👉 Find it on Booktopia: Inviting Harmony: A Story of Belonging in Australia
Whoever You Are
by Mem Fox, illustrated by Leslie Staub
A beautiful classic that reminds children that while families and cultures may look different, our hopes, feelings and experiences are very much the same. A gentle way to talk about diversity and unity.
👉 Find it on Amazon: Whoever You Are
Say Hello
by Jack Foreman & Michael Foreman
A simple and charming story about kindness and making connections with others. Perfect for introducing the idea of greeting and welcoming everyone, no matter where they’re from.
👉 Find it on Amazon: Say Hello
My Two Blankets
by Irena Kobald
A heartfelt tale about a girl who moves to a new country and learns to combine her old and new worlds. This can open discussions about change, empathy and the courage it takes to belong in a new place.
👉 Find it on Freya Blackwood: My Two Blankets
All Are Welcome
by Alexandra Penfold & Suzanne Kaufman
A bright, inclusive classroom story that celebrates children from all cultures, languages and backgrounds. Perfect for building a sense of community and belonging in your room.
👉 Find it on Booktopia: All Are Welcome
Why Picture Books Matter on Harmony Day?
Young children relate to characters and their experiences long before they can articulate abstract ideas. Seeing diverse characters helps them put themselves in another child’s shoes.
Reading aloud stimulates rich classroom conversations about identity, belonging and respect. Ask questions like:
“How is this character like you?”
“How are they different?”
“What makes them special?”
Some topics, like cultural identity, migration or belonging, can feel big or complex. Picture books break them down into digestible, child‑focused narratives that encourage kind questioning and shared reflection.
How to Use These Books in Your Classroom
Here are some simple ways to make picture books the heart of your Harmony Day learning:
Shared Read‑Aloud
Choose 1–2 books and read them as a group. Pause to ask questions and invite predictions.
Response Activities
After reading:
Draw your favourite part of the story.
Retell the story in your own words.
Write a sentence about what belonging means to you.
Class Discussion
Use story themes to talk about:
Respect for others
What makes each of us unique
Ways we can show kindness every day
Choose one or more of these picture books for your Harmony Day celebration and let reading spark deep and joyful conversations about diversity, kindness and belonging in your classroom.
Comments