‘All about me’ books for 0 to 5

Our favourite titles which help children to explore their individuality and be proud of who they are

With many new friends and people to meet in their early years,​‘All about me’ books help children to recognise and celebrate the things that make them unique.

Learning about ourselves encourages positive self-perception and introduces the idea that people can be different, and that these differences are what make us special.

We have curated a list of our favourite titles which help children to explore their individuality and be proud of who they are.

  • Whisper Shout Let It Out

    by Madhvi Ramani, illustrated by Anuska Allepuz 

    2024 2 to 4 years 

    • Interactive
    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    A bold, celebratory book all about children finding their inner voice. Join a group of friends as they experiment with the sounds they can make in this uplifting and energetic story.

  • I Love Me

    illustrated by Diane Ewen 

    2022 2 to 6 years 

    A first book of positive affirmation designed to boost confidence, enhance self-image and promote resilience and happiness in pre-schoolers.

  • Hello, Friend

    by Rebecca Cobb 

    2019 2 to 6 years 

    • Picture books

    This warm-hearted picture book about making friends is a perfect read for little ones starting school or nursery who might be a bit nervous, reassuring them that there will be lots of other children who will want to make friends.

  • Lulu’s First Day

    by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw 

    2019 2 to 6 years 

    • Picture books

    Lulu is very excited to be starting preschool – but what will the day involve? Lulu’s overall positive experience is a gentle read, and even though there’s a little anxiety when Mum leaves, Lulu has her favourite cuddly toy with her, which gives her comfort. 

  • Is that your mama?

    by Patrice Lawrence and Diane Ewen 

    2023 4 to 6 years 

    • Picture books

    Josie doesn’t look like her mum, and worries that she should. But her family show her that all families are different, and all are special. A beautiful book full of empathy and heart. 

  • Olu’s Teacher

    illustrated by Lydia Mba 

    2024 4 to 6 years 

    Olu’s nervous about going to nursery – but luckily his teacher is the very cool Jay! A reassuring, gentle story to allay any worries about this first step. 

  • I Am You Are

    by Ashley Harris Whaley, illustrated by Ananya Rao-Middleton 

    2023 4 to 6 years 

    • Disability

    A joyous and empowering celebration of disability. This gorgeous book also explores tricky concepts and words in a simple and upbeat way. Powerful and important. 

  • Monsters at School

    by Laura Baker, illustrated by Nina Dzyvulska 

    2024 4 to 6 years 

    • Funny
    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    Join a colourful array of monsters as they head to school for a fun-filled day, in this energetic rhyming picture book.  

  • Best of All: The Magical Mix That’s You

    by Smriti Halls, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat 

    2024 4 to 6 years 

    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    This joyful picture book celebrates what makes us who we are, from the qualities we inherit from family to our cultural heritage and personal experiences. With lyrical text and stunning illustrations, this is an unusual, thought-provoking and uplifting tale.  

  • We Are Family

    by Patricia Hegarty, illustrated by Ryan Wheatcroft 

    2018 4 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

    On each double-page spread of this vibrant, lovely book, families show the different ways they experience a variety of common experiences to us all. Overall, the great thing about families, whatever their makeup, is that they help us through the difficult times.

  • See What I Can Do!

    by Jon Roberts, illustrated by Hannah Rounding 

    2021 4 to 9 years 

    • Around the world
    • Disability

    See What I Can Do! introduces a range of characters (based on real-life children) who each share an insight about disability and point out the challenges but also positive aspects of their lives. A beautiful book that celebrates individuality, empathy and understanding. 

  • Benjamin Zephaniah’s People Need People

    by Benjamin Zephaniah, illustrated by Nila Aye 

    2022 4 to 6 years 

    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    A joyous book that celebrates community and human connection, with gorgeous illustrations.

  • What Happened To You?

    by James Catchpole, illustrated by Karen George 

    2021 4 to 9 years 

    • Picture books
    • Disability
    • Mobility/​wheelchair

    Joe just wants to play pirates, but the other children notice that he only has one leg and start asking him a barrage of questions. A stunningly clever book with a clear message that someone who happens to be disabled is not a teaching tool, with practical advice for parents on handling questions about this.

  • I Really Really Don’t Like Parties

    by Angie Morgan 

    2024 4 to 6 years 

    • Picture books

    Dora finds parties loud and overwhelming. But when she meets a similarly quiet child at a birthday, she realises they may not be so bad after all. 

  • The Best You

    by Nima Patel, illustrated by Cally Johnson-Isaacs 

    2024 6 to 9 years 

    • Non-fiction
    • Picture books

    In this gentle and uplifting picture book, the common question What do you want to be when you grow up?’ is turned on its head. Children are often asked to think about what job they might like to do from an early age. And whilst there is nothing wrong with ambition, this question can feel difficult – after all, there is still so much to learn about the world and maybe you’d like to do many jobs!

  • My Family Your Family

    by Laura Henry-Allain, illustrated by Giovana Medeiros 

    2023 6 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

    An accessible, useful non-fiction guide to all types of families.