Most children's books today suitably reflect our multicultural society. However, not so many reflect other forms of diversity, for example the fact that one in five school-age children has special educational needs. This is especially true of books for very young children. This list aims to help you to find early years books showing positive images of disability, as well as titles that may prove useful in discussing disability and diversity.
Finding inclusive books
Most children's books today suitably reflect our multicultural society. However, not so many reflect other forms of diversity, for example the fact that one in five school-age children has special educational needs. This is especially true of books for very young children. This list aims to help you to find early years books showing positive images of disability, as well as titles that may prove useful in discussing disability and diversity.
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My Brother Sammy
BloomsburyIf only his brother was “normal”. Mum says that Sammy is “special” but the narrator doesn’t want a special brother. He describes a roller coaster of different feelings – loneliness and frustration, sadness and anger, embarrassment and guilt. With beautiful... -
The Giant Turnip
Mantra LinguaAdapted by Henriette Barkow, the children in Miss Honeywood's class decide to grow vegetables in their school garden. What a shock they get when they discover a huge turnip that they are unable to move. This picture book is dual... -
The Animal Boogie
Barefoot BooksBoogie along with the jungle inhabitants who flap, shake, flap and slide their way through this colourful book -
Looking after Louis
Frances LincolnA beautifully crafted story of children learning to understand their autistic classmate, gradually discovering how they can include him in their activities. -
Seal Surfer
Andersen PressA welcome re-publication of Foreman's timeless and evocative account of a boy's relationship with life and death. -
Brian Has Dyslexia
Red Kite BooksNot knowing his left from his right, and his bad headaches are also adding to his problems. Then, with some help from Dr Spot and a specialist teacher, the cause is found to be dyslexia and a range of new... -
Dan and Diesel
Red FoxDan and his dog Diesel are inseparable and together they can conquer the world. What gradually becomes clear, although it is never stated, is that Dan is blind and Diesel is his guide dog. -
Elmer's Friends
Andersen PressA colourful board book in which the ever-popular Elmer the Elephant praises each of his friends for their different strengths -
Hamish
Piccadilly PressWheelchair-using teddies (quite rightly) blend effortlessly into the landscape,as the toys have fun while the humans aren't looking in this book. Also recommended is the subsequent Hamish and the Missing Teddy. -
The Ding-Dong Bag
Child's Play 2006The fast-moving and rhythmic text make this great book perfect for reading aloud, and a subtle arm splint on one of the boys is typical of Child’s Play’s inclusive approach to books. -
I Am the Music Man
Child's PlayA large book featuring holes through which you can peek to spot which of the thoroughly inclusive band of musicians is playing each instrument. -
Winnie the Witch
Oxford University PressThis is the first of many stories about Winnie and her cat, Wilber. Winnie is a well-loved character, and the excellent illustrations are wild and wacky. -
Boots for a Bridesmaid
Tamarind PressNicky refuses point-blank to wear a frilly dress to a wedding but Mum (a wheelchair user) comes up with the ideal solution. -
Susan Laughs
AndersenSusan can do so many things - she can laugh, sing, fly, dance, swim and much more. The final page of this wonderful book reveals that Susan is in a wheelchair, showing that 'disabled' doesn't necessarily mean 'disadvantaged'. -
Peek-a-Boo!
Child's PlayThe exuberant characters include children on supported mats, a child with a leg splint and a parent with a hearing aid. -
See-Saw!
Child's PlayThis book offers nursery songs and among the many vibrant illustrations is a signing child with a hearing aid. -
The Mulberry Bush
Child's PlayA large paperback book with numerous differently shaped holes and a multitude of different characters busy enjoying day-to-day activities. -
Pat-a-Cake!
Child's playTraditional and modern nursery rhymes, with the accompanying movements. An ideal baby book for any and every child. -
My First Animal Signs
Child's PlayOne of the series of board books introducing useful words - delightful illustrations show children signing the words.
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