The purpose of this Digest is to explore how heroes and heroines in children's literature from around the world help young learners understand and appreciate different cultures. It considers how protagonists can serve as role models for children; discusses how it is possible to obtain insights into universal and culturally specific values and beliefs through stories set in a range of settings; offers evaluation and selection criteria for international children's literature; and concludes with some resources for determining good international and multicultural children's literature. (Contains 11 references.) (RS)