Mixed families

It’s crucial that all children see a variety of families depicted in books, as this reflects the reality of our society. Here is a selection of our favourite books for 0–5 year olds starring mixed-race families.

  • New Baby

    by Sarah Shaffi and Isabel Otter, illustrated by Lucy Farfort 

    2022 4 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    Bilal and Sofia, who are perhaps around three or four, are excited that Mum – Ammi – is going to have a new baby. Bilal plans to share all his favourite animals with the new baby, and Sofia says she is going to teach the baby how to make rockets.

  • Baby’s First Words

    by Stella Blackstone and Sunny Scribens, illustrated by Christiane Engel 

    2017 0 to 4 years 

    • Board books

    Designed by a child development expert so it supports the way babies naturally learn language, this book is full of warm colours and down-to-earth glimpses of family life. There are over 100 words to learn in this sturdy board book.

  • If All the World Were

    by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Allison Colpoys 

    2018 0 to 7 years 

    This beautiful story tells the love that one little girl has for her ageing grandad. One day he isn’t there anymore, but the little girl finds evidence of their happy times together. A touching, sensitive text that doesn’t dwell on the sadness and could bring real comfort.

  • Just Like Grandpa Jazz

    by Tarah L Gear, illustrated by Mirna Imamović 

    2022 2 to 4 years 

    • Picture books

    Frank and his grandpa have different coloured skin – but they both love exactly the same things!

  • 15 Things Not to Do With a Baby

    by Margaret McAllister, illustrated by Holly Sterling 

    2015 2 to 7 years 

    • Funny
    • Picture books

    A simple and sweet little idea that will make tots who have new baby siblings really giggle.

  • When Mummy Goes to Work

    by Paul Schofield, illustrated by Anna Terreros-Martin 

    2021 2 to 7 years 

    • Board books

    A warm and wonderful story, perfect for toddlers whose mum has just gone back to work, When Mummy Goes to Work reassures its readers that the new routine will be OK, and that even when she’s away, Mum is always thinking of her little one.

  • Where’s Lenny?

    by Ken Wilson-Max 

    2020 2 to 4 years 

    • Picture books

    Lenny and Daddy have a great time playing hide and seek! This charming tale, which features a mixed-race family, is ideal to share with toddlers.

  • My Mums Love Me

    by Anna Membrino, illustrated by Joy Hwang Ruiz 

    2022 2 to 4 years 

    • Picture books

    This adorable picture book with warm toned illustrations celebrates the daily routine of a baby and the fun that can be had all day including singing in the car and visiting a farm for a fun day trip. 

  • Changing Tides

    by Júlia Moscardó 

    2024 5 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

    Lula and her dad travel to the seaside with her new brother and step mum. A beautiful, expressive story about forming a new family.  

  • Not That Pet!

    by Smriti Halls, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw 

    2021 2 to 7 years 

    • Funny
    • Picture books

    An enjoyable rhyming book with wholesome illustrations, Not That Pet! is perfect for young families considering bring an animal into their lives, and a lovely story about an everyday family and their dynamics. 

  • I’m (Mostly) Happy Being Me

    by Anna Milbourne, illustrated by Åsa Gilland 

    2026 3 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    Everyone’s good at something, but what am I good at? A gentle story that will echo young children’s worries, while providing reassurance. A joyous celebration of individuality.

  • Always Your Stepmum

    by Stephanie Stansbie, illustrated by Tatiana Kamshilina 

    2024 4 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    Written in the voice of a loving stepmum, this is a warm hug of a book. This would be a good book to read with a child whose family might be changing. 

  • My Dad is a Grizzly Bear

    by Swapna Haddow, illustrated by Dapo Adeola 

    2021 4 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    The dad in this book is very bearish – he loves honey, chases his little boy around while growling, and naps everywhere. And there’s nothing like a grizzly bear hug from your dad to make you feel safe. A charming picture book celebrating all the bear-like dads out there.

  • Is that your mama?

    by Patrice Lawrence and Diane Ewen 

    2023 4 to 7 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. 

  • The Laugh

    by Fay Evans, illustrated by Ayşe Klinge 

    2023 4 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    A deeply moving picture book about grief and bereavement that will be sure to help children feel that someone understands what they’re feeling.

  • Luna Loves Books

    by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Fiona Lumbers 

    2023 4 to 7 years 

    • Board books

    Luna loves books and dresses as her favourite book character – but then her costume rips! What will she do? A delightful board book showing the joy of imaginative play and of stories.

  • The Street Where Santa Lives

    by Harriet Howe, illustrated by Julia Christians 

    2025 4 to 7 years 

    • Picture books
    • Diversity and inclusion

    Could the new neighbour really be Santa? One girl is convinced he is – and when it’s winter, he needs her help. A heartwarming story about community, with gorgeous illustrations.

  • Keep Smiling

    by Floella Benjamin, illustrated by Diane Ewen 

    2023 4 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    Vina loves sharing her smile with people, and when she starts school, she discovers that a smile given to her is the best gift of all. Bright and warm, this delightful book is perfect for the transition to school.

  • A Family Christmas

    by Alana Washington, illustrated by Emily Nash 

    2022 4 to 7 years 

    Join a loving family as they share their Christmas Day traditions. Inclusive and tender, this is a warm hug of a book.

  • Taking the Long Way Home

    by Jake Hope, illustrated by Brian Fitzgerald 

    2025 4 to 5 years 

    • Adventure
    • Picture books

    Zahra hates long walks, so when Uncle Jerome picks her up from school and suggests they take the long walk home’, she is less than thrilled. But when birds become pterodactyls, Zahra begins to see this walk is like nothing she’s ever experienced before. Huge fun.