Representation that Radiates Joy
Zoey and Max Best Friends Forever I Zandria Bastian
Couldn't load pickup availability
"Zoey and Max: Best Friends Forever by Zandria Bastian is a lovely children’s book. I especially loved the discussion questions at the end. It’s a splendid way to ensure a child’s engagement and understanding of the story and its themes. Zoey and Max will also be perfect as a bedtime story, and I’m sure it will be in popular demand and a bedtime favorite for kids." -- Chinazo Anozie, Reader's Favorite
Originally penned when she was just under 7 years old, this book has been professionally developed and edited as the debut title of it's now 14 year old author. Read on to learn about this darling book!
Zoey and her adopted pet, Max the Cat, are the best of friends. While playing one day, Zoey discovers she can't find him. With nighttime fast approaching, Zoey starts to worry that Max is lost! Take a journey with Zoey as she stops at nothing to find her bestie. Both children and adults will love this darling picture book for kids and will enjoy talking about what true friendship really means.
It is a beautifully illustrated book featuring a cat that helps parents and children explore the topics of friends and friendship.
This children's book is a great conversation starter on what it means to be a friend, what true friends are made of, and to get to know your child's friends.
Perfect for ages 12 and under.
Builds Confidence and Self-Love with Every Page
Builds Confidence and Self-Love with Every Page
We don’t just include diverse books — we center them. Every story we carry celebrates BIPOC voices and puts underrepresented protagonists front and center, ensuring every child can say, “That’s me.”
Authored by a BIPOC Creator — Real Representation, not Tokenism
Authored by a BIPOC Creator — Real Representation, not Tokenism
We intentionally seek out BIPOC and indie creators whose stories deserve to shine — building shelves you won’t find anywhere else.
Vetted by Educators and Families for Quality and Age-Fit
Vetted by Educators and Families for Quality and Age-Fit
Find the perfect book tailored to your child’s age, interests, and identity, making storytime meaningful and engaging.
Every child deserves to see themselves in the books they read.
You know that feeling when your kid sees themselves in a book and suddenly walks a little taller? That’s what we’re here for. Our curated collection is handpicked for one purpose: to help every child feel seen, celebrated, and inspired to dream big—no more endless scrolling or settling for stories that fall short. Here, every book is chosen to nurture confidence, empathy, and cultural pride.
Meet the Founder
Hi, children’s book lover! I’m Kanika.
As a classroom teacher, I’d spent countless afternoons searching for stories where my students could see themselves and came up empty-handed. I was tired of books that treated diversity like a checkbox, or worse, turned childhood joy into trauma. So, I did what teachers do best — I built what was missing.
My best friend and I began curating, partnering with independent authors and BIPOC creators to source high-quality stories that celebrated identity and belonging. We turned our living rooms into libraries and our mission into movement.
In 2019, Stories of a Colorful World launched with a simple promise: no more token shelves, no more exhausting searches — just stories that reflect every child’s worth.
Today, our collection spans 300+ titles by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color authors — books that build empathy, pride, and confidence one story at a time.
-
Curated for Every Stage
Our bookshop replaces overwhelm with ease: intentional, pre-vetted, and organized by what actually matters who your kids are becoming.
-
Building Empathy & Cultural Pride
Each book is selected to stretch empathy, self-awareness, and cultural pride at every age and stage.
-
Stories They’ll Return To
Our books are revisited again and again, with age-appropriate themes that build emotional intelligence, identity, and curiosity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are your books good gifts?
Yes! We offer curated bundles by age and theme — perfect for birthdays, holidays, and classrooms.
Can educators order in bulk?
Absolutely. We support schools, libraries, and community programs — contact us for custom quotes.
Do you offer digital books?
Not yet, but we’re exploring options for classrooms soon!
Because when children see themselves in stories, they don’t just read — they rise.