‘All about me’ books for 0-5
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.
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Whisper Shout Let It Out!
Author: Madhvi Ramani Illustrator: Anuska Allepuz
Publisher: Two Hoots – Pan Macmillan
Interest age: 2-5
Reading age: 6+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.
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The Best You
Author: Nima Patel Illustrator: Cally Johnson-Isaacs
Publisher: Little Tiger
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6+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 worl…
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Best of All: The Magical Mix That’s You
Author: Smriti Halls Illustrator: Chaaya Prabhat
Publisher: Two Hoots
Interest age: 4-5
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.
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Is That Your Mama?
Author: Patrice Lawrence and Diane Ewen
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 4-5
Reading age: 2-3Josie 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.
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We Are Family
Author: Patricia Hegarty Illustrator: Ryan Wheatcroft
Publisher: Caterpillar Books
Interest age: 4-7
Reading age: 5+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.
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My Family Your Family
Author: Laura Henry-Allain Illustrator: Giovana Medeiros
Publisher: Penguin
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6+An accessible, useful non-fiction guide to all types of families.
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I Am You Are
Author: Ashley Harris Whaley Illustrator: Ananya Rao-Middleton
Publisher: Ladybird Books
Interest age: 4-7
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.
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Benjamin Zephaniah’s People Need People
Author: Benjamin Zephaniah Illustrator: Nila Aye
Publisher: Hachette Children’s Group
Interest age: 4-5
A joyous book that celebrates community and human connection, with gorgeous illustrations.
Mae testun odledig Benjamin Zephaniah yn un sy'n codi calon ac yn rhannu llawer rheswm pam fod angen pobl eraill ar bobl – i chwarae gyda nhw, i ddysgu oddi wrthyn nhw ac i'w cwtsio!
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Olu’s Teacher
Author: Jamel C. Campbell Illustrator: Lydia Mba
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 4-5
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.
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Monsters at School
Author: Laura Baker Illustrator: Nina Dzyvulska
Publisher: Happy Yak
Interest age: 4-5
Join a colourful array of monsters as they head to school for a fun-filled day, in this energetic rhyming picture book.
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Lulu’s First Day
Author: Anna McQuinn Illustrator: Rosalind Beardshaw
Publisher: Alanna Max
Interest age: 3-5
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.
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Hello, Friend
Author: Rebecca Cobb
Publisher: Macmillan
Interest age: 3-5
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.
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I Really Really Don’t Like Parties
Author: Angie Morgan
Publisher: Otter-Barry Books
Interest age: 4-5
Reading age: 7+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.
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What Happened To You?
Author: James Catchpole Illustrator: Karen George
Publisher: Faber
Interest age: 4-8
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.
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See What I Can Do!
Author: Jon Roberts Illustrator: Hannah Rounding
Publisher: Graffeg Books
Interest age: 4-8
Reading age: 6+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.
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I Love Me
Author: Marvyn Harrison Illustrator: Diane Ewen
Publisher: Macmillan
Interest age: 3-5
Reading age: 3+A first book of positive affirmation designed to boost confidence, enhance self-image and promote resilience and happiness in pre-schoolers.
