Little Parachutes

Picture books that help children

  • Picture book subjects
    • Issues
      • Adoption
      • Bereavement
      • Bullying & Abuse
      • Depression in Family
      • Divorce / Separation
      • The Environment
      • Facts of Life
      • Non-traditional Families
      • Parent In Prison
      • Safety & Protection
      • Serious Illness
    • Experiences
      • Bed Time
      • Comfort Objects
      • Getting Dressed
      • Haircuts & Hair Care
      • Holidays & Travel
      • Losing a Tooth
      • Moving House
      • New Baby
      • Owning a Pet
      • Playgroup / Nursery
      • Sleepovers & Babysitters
      • Starting School
    • Feelings
      • Anxiety
      • Being Different / Yourself
      • Fears:
        • Ghosts & Monsters
        • Animals & insects
        • The Dark
      • Sadness
      • Shyness
      • Wanting to be Grown Up
    • Behaviour
      • Aggression & Tantrums
      • Friendship & Getting Along
      • Helping Out
      • Listening & Co-operating
      • Manners & Politeness
      • Telling the Truth
      • Tidiness & Helping Out
    • Health
      • Allergies
      • Childhood Illnesses
      • Infectious Diseases
      • Healthy Eating & Exercise
      • Hospitals & Operations
      • Disabilities
      • Dentists & Dental Care
      • Wearing Glasses / Eye patch
    • Skills
      • Getting Dressed
      • Learning to Swim
      • Using The Potty / Toilet
      • Washing & Good Hygiene
    • Positive Qualities
      • Acceptance & Inclusion
      • Confidence & Self-esteem
      • Courage
      • Curiosity & Creativity
      • Gratitude
      • Kindness
      • Resilience / adaptability
  • Parachute Books
  • About us
    • Our story
    • Contact us
    • Contributors
    • Help and FAQs
    • Subscribe
  • Your Book List
  • Blog
< Picture Books Library
Categories: Being Different & Being Yourself, Disabilities, New Baby

Our Stripy Baby

Encourages children to accept the fact that everyone is different. This book may help a child who is struggling to come to terms with having a sibling with special needs.
Add to your book list
Our Stripy Baby

Author: Gillian Shields
Illustrator: Paula Metcalf
Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books

The characters in this book are purple alien-like creatures with coloured spots on their skin. Zara Moon is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her new baby brother, who she is expecting to look just like her friend’s baby brother, Max. But when baby Zack arrives, Zara is shocked to discover he is different to Max, and the rest of her own family; instead of spots he has stripes. Zara is keen to send him back, but Mummy Moon explains that he is part of their family now. Zara realises that Zack not only looks different, but acts differently too. Molly’s brother Max can waggle his nose and wiggle his bobbles, but Zack just smiles and blows kisses. Zara doesn’t enjoy going to the park with Zack because she thinks people might stare at his stripes. She finds a spotty scarf and ties it around her brother. Mummy and Daddy Moon explain to her that Zack is beautiful just the way he is and they don’t want to change him. Zara runs away crying, saying she wishes that he wasn’t their baby. All the family are very sad, until Zara notices how happy and full of love her baby brother is, and how he doesn’t mind about spots or stripes. She draws him a picture of a beautiful stripy rainbow and apologises to her family about being cross. Zara finally realises how beautiful and special her brother is and they hug happily.

Categories: Being Different & Being Yourself, Disabilities, New Baby
Tags: behaviour, brother, diversity, sibling rivalry, sister



As an Amazon Associate, Little Parachutes earns a small commission from qualifying purchases. This money helps us to cover our admin costs and reach more families.

What is a Parachute Book?

A challenging experience can make a young child feel as if they are in emotional free fall. As a parent, you can’t stop them falling, but you can offer them a softer landing:
a Parachute Book.

Let us search for you

© Copyright 2020 Little Parachutes · All Rights Reserved · Help & FAQ's · Terms of Use · Privacy Policy

The information provided on the Little Parachutes website is not a substitute for professional care by a qualified practitioner, and is not intended to provide medical advice. If you are concerned about the health and wellbeing of yourself or children in your care, you should always consult an appropriate healthcare professional.