Best Children's books about diversity and acceptance
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Best Children’s Books About Acceptance & Diversity

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Here is a list of children’s picture books about acceptance and diversity.

We all wish for our children to be resilient and accepting of others.

Teaching children to celebrate difference and diversity, supports them in accepting themselves as individuals.

By recognising their own strengths and weaknesses, children can develop a sense of self awareness and individuality.

This also helps them also accept others as individuals with each their own set of strengths and weaknesses.

Best Children's Books About Acceptance and Diversity Pin

Best Children’s Books About Acceptance and Diversity

Recognising and celebrating diversity is a way of celebrating the unique role we each have to play as a part of our much wider community.

A child who loves building could be our next leading architect, however may not be interested in Biology.

Another child who may be fascinated with Biology may find a cure to an illness but show no interest in building.

Without the the building the architect designed, the biologist may not have had the facilities to conduct their research.

We all have a role to play.

Whether it is the role we play in our small circle of friends and family, to that in wider communities such as schools, suburbs, cities, states and country.

This collection of children’s picture books about acceptance and diversity harness the celebration of each individual for being their unique, true self.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

A sense of belonging is a fundamental need for children to be successful both in school and beyond.

In 1943, an American psychologist published his hierarchy of needs to explain human motivation. The five needs he listed were

  1. Physiological: food, water, warmth, rest, exercise
  2. Safety: Physically and emotionally, a home and stability
  3. Love: Connected, included and sense of belonging
  4. Esteem: Being recognised, sense of achievement, having power to make choices
  5. Self-actualisation: Achieving potential, being able to create and celebrating the unique and special qualities that make ones self

Maslow placed these needs in a pyramid configuration, demonstrating the fundamental need for basic needs to be met before the next could be achieved.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

A List of Children’s Books About Acceptance and Diversity

Milk in Sugar

By Thrity Umrigar

A touching story of a young girl who remembers a story told by her mother that empowers her to recognise that she too is accepted and a part of a new home.

The Day You Begin

By Jacqueline Woodson

There are many reasons to feel different. This book reminds us that we all feel like outsiders sometimes and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. And that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway. 

Stellarphant

By James Foley

A worthy and timely story about having the courage to follow your dreams and believing in yourself. 

Giraffes Can’t Dance

By Giles Andreae

A funny, touching and triumphant picture book story about a giraffe who finds his own tune and confidence. 

Colouroos

By Anna McGregor

When three different groups of kangaroos – red, blue and yellow – all come to the same watering hole, they aren’t sure what to make each of other at first. But they soon they discover that they aren’t so different after all.

Thelma the Unicorn

By Aaron Blabey

Join Thelma the unicorn on a journey of friendship and self discovery, learning to love who you are even if you don’t have sparkles.

Monsters Love Colours

By Mike Austin

Celebrate along with the hilarious monsters in this wild and energetic picture book. Mixing and discovering colour has never been so much fun! 

Reggie Red

By Josie Layton

Reggie Red tells the story of a little girl who discovers that beauty is far more than what you see on the outside. 

Not All Princesses Dress in Pink

By Jane Yolen and Heidi Elisabet Yolen Stemple

Not every girl has a passion for pink. However, all young ladies will love this empowering affirmation of their importance and unlimited potential.

Lucia & Lawrence

By Joanna Francis

Lucia is creative. Lawrence loves numbers. A story about friendship and acceptance.

Why am I Me?

By Paige Britt

A thoughtful, poetic exchange between two characters who don’t realize they are thinking and asking the very same questions. This beautiful celebration of our humanity and diversity invites readers of all ages to imagine a world where there is no you or me, only we. If the first step toward healing the world is to build bridges of empathy and celebrate rather than discriminate, Why Am I Me? helps foster a much-needed sense of connection, compassion, and love. 

I Like Myself

By Karen Beaumont

Exuberant rhymes and wild illustrations celebrate self-acceptance and self-love.

The World Needs More Purple People

By Kristen Bell & Benjamin Hart

A hilarious and joyous read-aloud that offers a wonderful message about embracing the things that bring us together as humans.

I am Enough

By Keturah A. Bobo

An ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another comes from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo.   

All Bodies are Good Bodies

By Charlotte Barkla

Bold and beautiful, loud and proud, All Bodies are Good Bodies is an uplifting book about different body features and types.

Bodies are Cool

By Tyler Feder

This body positive picture book is a vibrant, joyful, and judgement-free celebration of every body shape and size.

We are all Different by Tracey Turner

We are All Different

By Tracey Turner

We are All Different reinforces that everyone has something to offer, that diversity enriches our lives, and it also considers what all human beings have in common – that there is more that unites us than divides us.

Who We Are

By Robie H. Harris

New York Times best-selling author Robie H. Harris helps preschoolers understand what makes us who we are – from our height to our hair, from the shade of our skin to our eyesight. 

We are all different for a reason by Le Beaman

We Are All Different For A Reason

By Lee Beaman

Everything in the world is different. Just look around! The clouds, the leaves, and the rocks are all different. Every person in the world is different. We are all different for a reason. 

We Are All Different and That’s Okay

By Dr. Shanthy Edward

This colorful and engaging children’s book highlights the message that our differences make us special.

We all like different things and that's a- ok with me

We All Like Different Things and That’s A-Ok With Me

By Jo Dodd

Joseph has a big family who all like different things. In this delightful, engaging picture book, Joseph shows us that being different doesn’t have to be scary, instead it can be fun!

Whoever you are by Mem Fox

Whoever You Are

By Mem Fox

A compelling exploration of the differences between children that make them unique as well as the common humanity that unites them.

Red: A Crayon's Story by Michael Hall

Red: A Crayon’s Story

By Michael Hall

This funny, heartwarming, colorful picture book about finding the courage to be true to your inner self can be read on multiple levels, and it offers something for everyone.

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

The Name Jar

By Jangsook Choi

From acclaimed creator Yangsook Choi comes the bestselling classic about finding the courage to be yourself and being proud of your background. 

Elmer by David McKee

Elmer

By David McKee

Elmer is different. Elmer is patchwork. 

The grey elephants all love him, but he soon starts to wonder what it would be like to be just the same as them. Elmer’s subtle message, is that it is OK to be different.

The Boy HoW Grew Fowers by Jen Wojtowicz

The Boy Who Grew Flowers

By Jen Wojtowicz

Inspired by the experiences of her brother, who is on the autism spectrum, Jen Wojtowicz’s heartwarming tale encourages children to empathize with and reach out to others. 

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong

Sulwe

By Lupita Nyong

Sulwe is a powerful, moving picture book about colourism, self-esteem, and learning that true beauty comes from within.

The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates

The Big Umbrella

By Amy June Bates

A story about acceptance, hospitality and welcoming others. Don’t worry that there won’t be enough room under the umbrella. Because there will always be room.

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