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Diverse & Inclusive Books for EYFS

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Best Diverse Books for Preschool and Reception

We have selected a list of recommended diverse and inclusive books for children in nursery, preschool and reception (ages 2-5), which feature characters that are traditionally under-represented in children’s books.

This list of the best diverse books for children in the Early Years includes books with minority ethnic main characters, books that celebrate difference and books with representations of cultural diversity, different types of families, physical disabilities, visual impairment and neurodiversity. 

The list includes the story of Noor’s quest to find out more about the hijabi women in her family in Not Now, Noor! and the celebration of traditional Traveller virtues in The Can Caravan, as well as the tale of a deaf character finding ways to communicate in Can Bears Ski? and the heartwarming retelling of an adoption experience in When You Joined Our Family.

We’ve also included books about celebrating difference and including everyone, like All Are Welcome (a must-have for classrooms) and A World for Me and You. The books selected are chosen to represent a diversity of cultures and experiences that reflect the realities of life for children in modern-day UK classrooms.

You can find Diverse & Inclusive children’s book lists for other primary year groups here:

 

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Books with minority ethnic main characters

Nadiya Hussain
 & Ella Bailey
Picturebook
A touching story about being proud of who we are and embracing our differences, written by TV star Nadiya Hussain. I am a boy, and this is Rayf, my bird. Rayf is my friend. On his first day of holiday camp, a little boy arrives with his bird best friend perched proudly on his shoulder, but he soon discovers that he is different from everyone else - no one else has a bird. He hides Rayf away to try and fit in but it's hard to pretend to be someone else for long.
Sarah Shaffi & Isabel Otter
 & Lucy Farfort
Picturebook
Sofia and Bilal are twins, and they love making mischief together! When their family of four becomes five, the twins realise that sharing is harder than they had ever imagined . . . This beautifully illustrated picture book is the perfect gift for children who are about to become older siblings for the first time. Lucy Farfort's gentle watercolour artwork combined with engaging text introduces little learners to this enormous life event in an accessible and honest light. An emotive, poignant and lighthearted introduction to the big changes we face.
Marvyn Harrison
 & Diane Ewen
Picturebook

Author Marvyn Harrison (founder of Dope Black Dads) has a mission… ‘each and every child is special, and it is important to tell them so every day.’ And so begins this empowering picture book. The story follows the characters from Monday through to Sunday, to help with learning the days of the week and family routines. Each day, the characters look at themselves in the mirror and say positive affirmations to their reflections. A different affirmation each day, with examples of how to be that person. The book also encourages children to talk about themselves and express their thoughts and feelings. The colourful pages burst to life thanks to the illustrations of Diane Ewen who is able to show how to be brave, smart, strong, kind, happy, loving and beautiful. This book is vibrant and energetic, and sure to engage our youngest children. Harrison describes his philosophy on affirmations as ‘just as regular exercise and a balanced diet set up strong patterns for good physical health, so can practising affirmations lead to better mental health’. You can read more about affirmations, Black Dope Dads and tips for reading with your child, at the back of the book.

Joanna Ho
 & Dung Ho
Picturebook
A young Asian boy notices that his eyes look different from his peers' after seeing his friend's drawing of them. After talking to his father, the boy realizes that his eyes rise to the skies and speak to the stars, shine like sunlit rays, and glimpse trails of light from those who came before-in fact, his eyes are like his father's, his agong's, and his little brother's, and they are visionary. Inspired by the men in his family, he recognizes his own power and strength from within. This extraordinary picture book redefines what it means to be truly you.
Ken Wilson-Max
Picturebook

Astrid has loved space ever since she can remember and wants to be an astronaut when she grows up. Even when her dad gently reminds her of the challenges ahead (eating food out of a tube, getting used to near-zero gravity, sleeping on her own amongst the stars), she is confident – “I can do that!”

This is a story full of tenderness and adventure, with a lovely surprise ending when Astrid and Dad go to pick up Mum from the airbase – where has she been?

This gentle picture book with distinctive earthy illustrations is a lovely read-aloud for Reception/Year 1 with a wonderful inclusive message at its heart, supported by the mini fact-files about female and BAME astronauts at the end.


Corrinne Averiss
 & Kirsti Beautyman
Picturebook
Funny, emotional and uplifting picture book about separation and love, to help children understand their emotions. Everyone loves everyone in Tess's house, but when Tess has to leave for school for the very first time, she is worried that her family's love might not stretch that far. Mum explains that love is like a string, it connects people together even when they are far away. At school Tess notices that all the children have strings! Some are new, some are old, some stretch a long way, and some even stretch right up into the sky. But what happens when a string breaks?
Gaia Cornwall
Picturebook
Jabari is inventing a machine that will fly all the way across the yard! But making it go from CRASH to WHOOSH will take grit, patience, and maybe even a little help from his sister. Jabari is making a flying machine in his backyard! "It'll be easy. I don't need any help," he declares. But it doesn't work! Jabari is frustrated. Good thing Dad is there for a pep talk and his little sister, Nika, is there to assist, fairy wings and all. With the endearing father-child dynamic of Jabari Jumps and engaging mixed-media illustrations, Gaia Cornwall's tale shows that through perseverance and flexibility, an inventive thought can become a brilliant reality.
Rashmi Sirdeshpande
 & Ruchi Mhasane
Picturebook

Dadaji’s Paintbrush is a sumptuous story of a young boy’s special relationship with his grandfather, set in a small village in India.
This is a beautiful story that deals with the difficult subject of the loss of a grandparent in a gentle and understanding way.  The beautiful Indian setting that will be unfamiliar to many readers highlights the universal experiences of love and loss, showing that no matter where you are, some human experiences unite us all.
The illustrations are simple and beautiful and we particularly liked how the colours linked with the main character’s emotions. We also loved the evocative and sensory setting descriptions in the story – we could almost taste the mangoes!
As well as gently exploring the topic of grief, the story is ultimately filled with hope and draws out the values of art, community and legacy. There’s so much to unpack in this stunning story.

Trish Cooke
 & Helen Oxenbury
Picturebook
Mum and baby are home alone when - DING DONG! - Auntie and then Uncle and Nannie and Gran-Gran and the cousins come to visit. And they all want to hug and kiss and squeeze and eat the baby right up ... because everybody loves the baby SO MUCH!A special 25th anniversary edition of a multiple award-winning story, So Much is a celebration of family life. Helen Oxenbury's characteristically warm, funny illustrations, paired with Trish Cooke's rhythmic, cumulative story capture the joy of being a baby in a large extended family - a baby who knows that he is absolutely, utterly adored.With a foreword and gorgeous golden foil on the cover and spine, this edition is one to share and treasure.
Nishani Reed
 & Junissa Bianda
Picturebook

Nabil Steals A Penguin is an absolute hoot for infant classes. With rhyming text and lots of action, the story of how Pierre the Penguin falls in love with curry and steals away in Nabil’s rucksack in the hope of a lifetime of delicious food (definitely NO FISH!) will have your little ones giggling (and also hungry).

Nabil’s family is warm and welcoming when Mum finally discovers Pierre in the bath, and they feed up their visitor with joy.The book works well as a class read as there’s plenty you can act out with lots of expression; but the illustrations are great for a shared-focus read with a parent too as there’s lots to see. The colours are vibrant but not overwhelming. I would suggest Y1-2 would borrow this most often from the library, but Y3 children just starting French would also find it fun to hear the greetings (and a few “ooh la las!”) in context.

The book comes with the Nosy Crow “Stories Aloud” QR code, so that you can listen along, which is a great bonus.


Books that represent cultural diversity

Sonali Shah
 & Chaaya Prabhat
Picturebook
Peek into the magic of Diwali in this heart-warming picture book about Diwali, siblings and how very special this celebration can be. This year, Ariana has plans to make Diwali an extra special celebration, with yummy sweets, divas around the house, pretty clothes, fireworks and... the rangoli competition, of course. "This year, I am DEFINITELY going to win the rangoli competition." Everything would go perfectly to plan if it weren't for Rafi, her annoying little brother, always up to mischief...and always being clumsy! Will he ruin Diwali too? Includes a non-fiction spread at the back about Diwali and how it is celebrated around the world and in different religions Touches on what it's like to be a big sister or brother, the annoying parts and the extra special parts Written by Sonali Shah, ambassador for the British Asian Trust and BBC broadcaster Bright and rich colours on every page truly bring the magic of Diwali to life
Medeia Cohan-Petrolino
 & Sarah Walsh
Non-fiction
This book is a beautifully illustrated introduction to the shared custom of head covering. Using accurate terminology and brightly coloured imagery, Hats of Faith helps educate and prepare young children for our culturally diverse modern world. Encouraging an early and open dialogue between parents and children.
Valerie Bloom & David Axtell
Picturebook
A simple counting story from 1 – 10 that is written in the style of a Caribbean dialect, with stunning illustrations that will quickly grab the attention of young readers. This rhyming book written by much-loved poet Valerie Bloom introduces basic counting as well as showcasing a number of different fruits from the Caribbean. There is a glossary at the end of the book that explains the new words that readers may have encountered in the story.
Hena Khan
 & Mehrdokht Amini
Picturebook
With breathtaking illustrations and informative text, Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns magnificently captures the world of Islam, celebrating its beauty and traditions for even the youngest readers. From a red prayer rug to a blue hijab, readers will learn about a different color of the Muslim world on each spread with a young Muslim girl and her family as a guide. Sure to inspire questions and observations about world religions and cultures, it is equally at home in a classroom reading circle as it is being read to a child on a parent's lap.
Matt Goodfellow
 & Yu Rong
Picturebook

Shu Lin’s Grandpa is perfect for use with a new starter to your class, particularly if they speak English as an additional language. It would also be a great story to support work on empathy and inclusion, whether or not there is a new starter at school. The artwork in the book is fitted carefully around the text and brings it to life – the star piece being a beautiful double-gatefold picture by grandpa. The illustration provides a good opportunity to look at this style of oriental art and have a go in school, as well as a chance to discuss celebrating difference, sharing heritage and welcoming others…


Hannah Lee
 & Allen Fatimaharan
Picturebook
Joyous and vibrant, this captures perfectly the excitement of getting ready for a celebration, as well as showcasing a dazzling array of intricate hairstyles.This is a glorious debut from an exciting new partnership who both emerged from the FAB Prize for undiscovered BAME writers and illustrators.
Richard O'Neill
 & Cindy Kang
Picturebook
A Traveller girl with a passion for design and technology collects cans for her local recycling plant and uses the metal to renovate an elderly neighbour's caravan.When Janie’s neighbour Mrs Tolen goes into hospital with a broken hip, it looks as though she will have to move out of her old caravan and into a house. Janie is desperate to help, but all seems lost until her school visits a local recycling plant. All it takes from there is imagination, a supportive community, and lots and lots of hard work to transform Mrs Tolen’s old caravan into a safe and secure new home! The latest picture book by renowned Romani storyteller Richard O’Neill celebrates the traditional Traveller virtues of resilience, adaptability, loyalty and independence.
Radhiah Chowdhury
 & Lavanya Naidu
Picturebook
Six-year-old Asiya loves to go to Nanu's house. Best among all of Nanu's treasures is the big old chest filled with quilts that tell the stories of the women in Asyia's family. With gorgeous, fresh and beautifully colourful illustrations inspired by Bangladeshi katha quilts and traditional West Bengali pattachitra panel illustrations, The Katha Chest is a beautifully woven tale about the bonds of love, culture and memory.
M. O. Yuksel
 & Hatem Aly
Picturebook
A big-hearted global celebration of mosques and the diverse worshippers that they welcome every day! My mosque feels safe like home. In my mosque, we pray for peace, love and joy. You are welcome in my mosque. Picked by School Library Journal for the Best Picture Books of 2021. Do you go regularly to a mosque? Or perhaps you've never been inside one? This joyful book invites everyone - worshippers and newcomers alike - to step inside and meet warm, welcoming mosque communities all across the world. Join young Muslim children, their families and friends, as they learn, pray, eat, help others ... and play! Joyful illustrations from award-winning illustrator Hatem Aly ( The Proudest Blue ) bring to life this simple and heartfelt introduction to life inside the mosque!
Farhana Islam
 & Nabila Adani
Picturebook
Noor loves her mum, and all the other hijabi women in her family, but wonders why do they wear headscarves? Is it so they can hide snacks for later? Or because they're a super spy and hiding their secret identity?Full of curiousity, Noor sets out to find her answer, but her family are all busy and have no time to answer this important question. Just as Noor is ready to give up on her quest, her Ammu arrives home and knows just the thing to say.This heart-warming yet funny tale is a celebration of Muslim women, curious children, and family love.

Books that represent physical disabilities

Steve Antony
Picturebook
A little boy and his pet dragon are the very best of friends. They laugh, they sing, they dance, they snooze. They are both amazing - just like everyone else! A celebration of friendship and being yourself with a positive message about celebrating diversity. The perfect platform to start conversations about the importance of understanding and acceptance. Steve Antony is the winner of the Oscar's First Book Prize and has been nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal and shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize.
James Catchpole
 & Karen George
Picturebook

What Happened to You? is a pioneering picturebook addressing how a child might want to be spoken to about a visable disability. The author, James Catchpole, like the main character Joe, has one leg, and uses the story to help readers to understand what it might feel like to be seen as different. The spotlight is given to the main character Joe, who gently explains his viewpoint about always being asked to answer questions about his disability when he encounters other children, when what he really wants to do is just join in and play without interrogation. The story tackles a difficult topic in a manner that is both funny and moving, and this is wonderfully supported by the illustrations by Karen George.
The story is steeped in realism about how children can potentially react to disabilities. What is clever about the story is how the same scene is viewed in two different ways and how this makes Joe feel. Humour is used to balance the story well, and helps children not to feel accused or guilty if their natural inclinations towards curiosity may lead them to ask the same questions as Joe’s playmates, but rather to develop empathy and warmly understand another’s experience…

Dr. Ranj Singh
 & Liam Darcy
Picturebook
An empowering story about seeing the best in others and yourself, from Dr Ranj, bestselling author and the nation's favourite doctor.Femi has SUPERPOWERS! But not the superhero kind - she can't really fly or turn invisible. Femi's dad says she has lots of superpowers on the inside that make her special.From kindness to creativity, bravery to patience - join Femi as she discovers all the special powers that her, her friends, and the incredible people around her, bring out in one another every day.
Jeanne Willis
 & Tony Ross
Picturebook
Susan laughs, she sings, she flies, she swings. She's good, she's bad, she's happy and she's sad. In fact, Susan is just like everybody else, even though she is in a wheelchair.
George Webster
 & Tim Budgen
Picturebook
A hugely uplifting and full-of-heart picture book by CBeebies sensation George Webster and bestselling illustrator Tim Budgen!Meet George and his friends!This is me. I am George. My eyes are sparkly, just like my mum.Like my dad, I'm determined and brave, and like my sister, I'm full of FUN!This is Me celebrates our differences and is perfect for every child and every family. It's a beautiful, heartfelt and positive story, with illustrations that are guaranteed to make you smile.This is Me will bring out the glow in everyone!Our differences make us special. We don't all have to be the same.Imagine how boring the world would be if everyone had the same name.With bright and engaging illustrations alongside a genuine and heartfelt story, This is Me is the perfect picture book for any child. So, get ready to read all about George, a little boy with the biggest heart!George Webster is an actor, BAFTA-winning presenter, Ambassador for Mencap, and a star of Strictly Come Dancing 2022, including its Christmas Day special. George was catapulted into the public eye when he spoke about Down syndrome in his myth-busting video for BBC Bitesize, and was later asked to be a presenter on CBeebies. George was the first ever CBeebies presenter to have Down syndrome.Tim Budgen is the outstanding illustrator of bestselling books such as Twenty Dinosaurs at Bedtime, Twenty Unicorns at Bedtime and The Magic Pet Shop series. Tim's illustrations are bright, engaging and perfect for children!With a joyous rhyming story and a whole host of children alongside the main character, this powerful picture book is the perfect way to show children that not only are they amazing, but their friends, family and even people they haven't yet met are amazing too!

Books that represent different types of families

Gareth Peter
 & Garry Parsons
Picturebook
A funny, heartfelt picture-book celebrating same-sex parents and shared story time, perfect for introducing children to the different kinds of family in the world today. Set off on a series of incredible adventures with an adorable family as the stories they read burst into colourful life. Battle dragons, dodge deadly dinosaurs, zoom to the moon and explore the world in a hot air balloon, before winding down in a wonderfully cosy bedtime ending. The bouncy, rhyming, read-aloud text is brought to life by bestselling, award-winning illustrator Garry Parsons, illustrator of The Dinosaur that Pooped series.
Kate Milner
Picturebook
Mum works really hard, but today there is no money left and no food in the cupboards. Forced to visit the local foodbank, Mum feels ashamed that they have to rely on the kindness of others, but her young daughter can still see all the good in her day like reading and drawing, and even the foodbank. Maybe one day things will be different but for now together they brighten up even the darkest of days. A moving insight into the sad rise and necessity of foodbanks from the perspective of society's most vulnerable, and an essential book to help develop empathy in younger readers.
Lotte Jeffs
 & Sharon Davey
Picturebook
There are billions of families, a million ways to be. But in my magic family it's Mummy, Mum and me! Let's tell our family stories - fantastical and true - and we'll find out who's who to me, and who is who to you... In this celebratory, reassuring rhyming story a little girl with two mummies shares the magic of her family and discovers how magic all her friends' families are too. This is a warm, funny read-aloud that's perfect for opening up conversations about different families in a playful, creative way.
Patrice Lawrence
 & Diane Ewen
Picturebook
A beautiful, moving celebration of what it truly means to be family, from the brilliant new picture book duo Patrice Lawrence and Diane Ewen.Every family is different. Every family is special.Josie loves her family. Her mum, dad, brothers and sister - they're all the best and they all look different.But people always seem to ask Josie "Is that YOUR mama?", and soon she starts to wonder if her family are actually supposed to look the same.When Josie shares her worries with her family, they find a way to help her see what truly matters.Heartfelt and empowering words by Patrice Lawrence, multi-award-winning author of Orangeboy.Bright, gorgeous artwork from Diane Ewen, winner of the Jericho Prize and The Queen's Knickers Awards, 2021.
Harriet Evans
 & Nia Tudor
Picturebook
When you joined our family, I knew you were just who I'd waited and wished for.Full of heartwarming illustrations, this emotive picture book showcases the unconditional love between an adopted child and their adoptive parents.A gentle exploration of the adoption experience, from first meetings to creating new family traditions.

Books that represent visual impairment and hearing loss

Yasmeen Ismail
Picturebook
Rex has new glasses and he HATES them! He does NOT want to wear them to school, and he tries to hide them - in the strangest places! But it's pretty tricky hiding specs that are so big, and round and RED . . . It's funny how things turn out, though, because Rex's specs end up winning him a gold star, and a new friend. Even better, he can SEE properly. A beautifully illustrated and charming story about the positive effects of being, well, maybe just a little different.
Julia Donaldson
 & Karen George
Picturebook
Written by Julia Donaldson, the author of The Gruffalo , and illustrated by Karen George, Freddie and the Fairy is a delightfully witty, rhyming tale. Freddie wants nothing more than a pet, so when the fairy Bessie-Belle offers to grant his wishes, he knows just what to ask for. But Bessie-Belle can't hear very well and Freddie tends to mumble, which means the wishes aren't turning out as planned! Whatever can they do? Luckily the Fairy Queen is on hand to help.
Raymond Antrobus
 & Polly Dunbar
Picturebook
Boy Bear cannot hear Dad Bear coming to wake him up in the morning but he can feel the floor vibrate with his heavy footsteps . He can only grasp little bits of what his teacher says to him at school. He cannot catch what his friends are laughing at. And, all the time, Boy Bear keeps hearing the question, "Can Bears ski?" What does it mean? With the support of Dad Bear, Boy Bear visits an audiologist and, eventually, he gets hearing aids. Suddenly, he understands the question everyone has been asking him: "CAN YOU HEAR ME?" Raymond Antrobus, the award-winning poet of The Perseverance , draws on his own experience to show how isolating it can be for a deaf child in a hearing world. But through his lyrical and moving words, matched with Polly's stunning imagery, he also shows how many ways there are to communicate love. With a solid network, Boy Bear will find his place in the world.
Julia Donaldson
 & Axel Scheffler
Picturebook
Lift the flaps and join in the fun with Mole's Spectacles , a brilliant story in the bestselling Tales from Acorn Wood preschool series by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo . Mole has lost his spectacles. He searches all around his house, in the garden and even in Weasel's sweetshop, but he can't find them anywhere! Where could they be? Lift the flaps to help him find them. With sturdy flaps on every spread and rhyming stories that are a joy to read aloud, Mole's Spectacles joins the bestselling Tales from Acorn Wood which have been delighting parents and children for over twenty years.
Daniel Bernstrom
 & Jenin Mohammed
Picturebook
From Daniel Bernstrom, the acclaimed author of One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree, comes a charming and irresistibly fun picture book about a young blind girl and her grandmother who experience the vibrant everyday music of their busy city.A young girl, filled with the sounds of her beloved city, shares a song with her grandmother that changes the two forever. After helping Grandma realize that the city makes music as beautiful as the sounds they hear in church on Sunday morning, the two sit down and take in all the sounds of the city…together.Song in the City bridges the gap between generations of music and family, while centering love, understanding, and joy.A Bank Street College of Education’s Children’s Book Committee’s Best Children’s Books of the Year pick!

Books that represent neurodiversity and speech disorders

Rose Robbins
Picturebook
The autistic sister in this sibling pair is non verbal, but she finds plenty of ways to communicate and have fun with her brother. Although she can't talk, this little girl understands everything, and has plenty to say, and lots of ideas. Through body language, drawing pictures, making gestures or using flash cards, she is able to contribute to their life together. Her brother and granny are able to understand her whether she needs help or is helping them!
Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
 & Queenbe Monyei
Non-fiction
In this book from the critically acclaimed, multimillion-copy bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Amanda Gorman, America's astounding young poet and activist. From an early age, Little Amanda read everything she could get her hands on , from books to cereal boxes. Growing up with an auditory processing disorder and a speech impediment, Amanda had to work hard, but ultimately she took great strength from her experiences . After hearing her teacher read aloud to the class, she knew that she wanted to become a poet, and nothing would stand in her way. At the age of 19, she became America's first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate. And, after performing her inspiring poem 'The Hill We Climb' at the Presidential Inauguration in January 2021 , she became an icon across the world . This inspiring book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back , including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the incredible young poet and activist's life so far.
Rose Robbins
Abigail has ADHD and can't concentrate, but one teacher knows just how to get her engaged. Abigail is frustrated. She can't focus on writing and fools around instead. She is sent to the cooling down room. After that is music class, and she can't make any of the instruments work! Just when things are about to go wrong again, the teacher discovers exactly what to do to engage this little girl, and Abigail ends up finding a special voice of her very own.
Pablo
Picturebook
Pablo's friends meet their families at the zoo - but Noasaurus the dinosaur can't find his family.Pablo and the book animals help Noasaurus realise even though he might feel lost, family is where you find it.All Pablo books are written by writers on the autistic spectrum and are grounded in the real-life experiences of autistic children. These books help all children understand the world and face the world with confidence.
Samuel Langley-Swain
 & Mirna Imamovic
Picturebook
A heartfelt Christmas story of friendship and belonging, centered around the unbreakable bond between a boy and a bear, with a message about sustainability at the heart. Due to his autism, Arctic-enthusiast Arthur does not like Christmas, the noise, the lights, and the crowds. He keeps his precious toy polar bear close for security, but after losing him and asking Father Christmas for a new one, he wakes up to find a REAL polar bear in his garden! Arthur names his new friend Björn, and in spite of his best efforts to keep him cold and happy, it soon becomes clear that he needs to help his friend return to where he belongs. Time for some more Christmas magic...

Books about celebrating difference and including everyone

Naomi Jones
 & James Jones
Picturebook
No matter how hard she tries, Triangle doesn't roll like the circles, or stack like the squares...so she sets off to find friends that look exactly like her. But when she finds the other triangles, playtime isn't as fun. She misses the shapes that roll and stack; she misses being different. So she starts a new quest, one that gets all of the different shapes playing and having fun together!
Alexandra Penfold
 & Suzanne Kaufman
Picturebook

A simple but powerful rhyming picture book that shines a light on the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the classroom.

Right from its opening lines, “Pencils sharpened in their case, Bells are ringing, let’s make haste, School’s beginning, dreams to chase. All are welcome here,” the book exudes an essence of acceptance and unity that strikes a chord as pupils settle into the culture of their new class. The book uses the format of a school day to show how different classmates are equally included, and the repeated refrain of ‘All Are Welcome Here‘ is one that classes could easily adopt as their own motto.

For any school or teacher committed to diversity and inclusion, this is an essential book with a clear message elegantly conveyed through the journey of a group of children as they navigate a day at their school, where the very essence of seeking to make every individual welcome is the thread the runs through all of the pages. Each double page spreads come alive with vibrant depictions of children donning different cultural clothing, all engaged harmoniously in activities in an environment that is intentionally inclusive. This portrayal of a school thriving on shared learning from one another’s traditions is both heartening and thought-provoking.

Molly Potter
 & Sarah Jennings
Picturebook
From the bestselling author of How Are You Feeling Today?, this picture book encourages children to celebrate uniqueness and diversity and helps them to challenge stereotypes. The Same but Different explores the ways in which we're all unique as well as the similarities we all share. Using everyday examples, clear explanations and colourful illustrations by Sarah Jennings, this book prompts children to broaden their perspectives and rejoice in their differences. After all, imagine how boring the world would be if everyone was exactly the same! This book covers lots of ways in which we're different, including how we look, where we live, the languages we speak, what our families are like and what we believe in. It's the perfect resource for starting important conversations with children about diversity and inclusion, with topics such as race, disability, gender, sexual orientation and religion. Early Years and PSHE expert Molly Potter also provides a glossary of terms and notes for parents and carers offering advice on tackling prejudice right from the start.
Christian Robinson
Picturebook
For fans of Jon Klassen, this sensitive and impactful picture book from award-winning author-illustrator Christian Robinson is all about seeing the world from different points of view, and the perfect entry point for parents to help teach their little people about empathy and community. The small stuff too small to see. Those who swim with the tide and those who don't. The first to go and the last. You matter. In this bright and beautiful picture book, many different perspectives around the world are deftly and empathetically explored - from a pair of bird-watchers to the pigeons they're feeding, from the hugest dinosaur to the tiniest fly. Young readers will be drawn into the luminous illustrations inviting them to engage with the world in a new way and see how everyone is connected and that everyone matters.
Uju Asika
 & Jennie Poh
Picturebook
In this uplifting picture book, you imagine a world where everyone looks identical, where all food tastes the same, where we all speak the same language. A world that is...well, pretty boring. But with an explosion of colour, the pages soon come to life. This joyful picture book encourages children to imagine the world as a vast library, with room on the shelves for everybody's story. It is a celebration of our incredibly diverse world as it really is: home to 195 countries with thousands of different cultures, 10 million colours and 4,300 religions.Written by Uju Asika, author of Bringing up Race, this beautiful picture book celebrates the beauty and joy of living in a wonderfully diverse world.

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