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This Action Research study investigated adult (i.e., teachers and parents) use of picture books with children as tools to support the exploration of their individual cultures and ethnicities. Participants in Cycle 1 consisted of educators (i.e., teachers, administrators, and librarians). Data was collected through interviews, lesson plans, and student work and was analyzed through two rounds of coding. The findings of F.A.I.R, (funding, accessibility, identity, and representation) were identified from the teacher data and informed the second cycle of research. The purpose of the Action Step was to provide parents and their children (families) with an opportunity to explore cultural and ethnic diversity through the use of recipes inspired by picture books. Families (i.e., adults and children) completed an activity packet that encouraged conversation around a picture book, cultural connections to themselves or their family, and a recipe. The Action Step culminated in "Cook the Book" events held on Zoom that brought families together to share the food and recipes. Data was collected through document analysis (packet activity), two "Cook the book" sessions with parents and children, and post-event surveys. The success of the action step was determined through in vivio and descriptive coding of the data, as well as the surveys completed by participating families. This study concluded that both teachers and families need access to picture books as tools to help children to make strong personal connections. Further, increased access to books helps build adults' ability to promote children's curiosity and expand their connections to cultural and ethnic diversity. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]