About storytimewithumma
Stories that celebrate Asian heritage
Storytimewithumma is a children’s book blog and gallery featuring curated recommendations, reading lists, and book highlights for families, educators, and librarians.
Why we do this
Books help children see themselves, understand others, and feel proud of where they come from. We highlight picture books and stories that reflect the breadth of Asian cultures and experiences.
Our mission
Make it easier to find meaningful stories
We curate lists and recommendations that are practical for real life—bedtime, classrooms, library visits, and family read-alouds.
How we curate
Thoughtful, research-informed picks
Each highlight is chosen with care for story quality, cultural context, and kid appeal—so you can browse with confidence.
What you’ll find
Reading lists, spotlights, and a browsable gallery
Explore themed lists, seasonal picks, and book-by-book spotlights—plus a gallery you can scan when you need a quick recommendation.
Our story
A love letter to storytime
Storytimewithumma began as a simple habit: picking one picture book a day that sparked conversation—about family, language, food, holidays, and the small details that make a culture feel like home.
Over time, friends and fellow caregivers started asking for recommendations. What began as a shared note turned into a blog—so more families and educators could find books that reflect Asian heritage with warmth, nuance, and joy.
When children see their culture in stories, they don’t just learn—they belong.
— Umma, curator & reader
Today, we’re building a growing library of reading lists and book spotlights designed to be easy to browse, easy to share, and helpful for anyone choosing books for kids.
What readers say
Notes we’ve heard from parents, educators, and librarians who use our lists and highlights.
★★★★★
“The reading lists make it so easy to find books that reflect my students’ families—without hours of searching.”
Elementary teacher
Classroom read-alouds
★★★★★
“I love the cultural context and gentle guidance. It helps me choose books that feel authentic and kid-friendly.”
Parent & caregiver
Bedtime storytime
★★★★★
“The gallery is a lifesaver when patrons ask for Asian heritage picture books. Quick, curated, and thoughtful.”
Youth services librarian
Library recommendations