Being Different & Being Yourself

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Picture books about Being Different & Being Yourself from the Little Parachutes reviews library

Many children get anxious if they feel that they ‘don’t fit in’. These picture books promote the message that being different is a good thing, and that you should be true to yourself. Most books in this collection embrace high self-esteem and confidence, reminding children that although it can take courage, it’s really OK to stand out from the crowd.

Mighty Mara

Mighty Mara celebrates diversity and also explores themes about tenacity, self-confidence, and disability inclusion. The protagonist, a young disabled girl, encounters doubt and some bullying when she signs up to perform in her school talent show. Readers will see how she overcomes biases and ableism to embrace what makes her uniquely herself.

Nowhere Hair

A picture book that steps in to support anyone that needs to explain cancer treatment and its effects to a young child. It also serves as a good reminder that we should not judge or tease people for the way they look, it's what inside that counts the most, and parental love is unwavering, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Henrietta’s Thistleberry Boots

A picture book that acknowledges that a change in routine can be challenging for many children, while at the same time demonstrating that with patience and support, it is possible to get through difficult times. A useful springboard for a conversation about uncomfortable changes, the story promotes patience, resilience and courage to face the unknown or new.

The Invisible Boy

This beautiful book promotes inclusivity and empathy, encouraging children to 'leave no-one behind' in friendship groups and to consider other people's feelings.

Those Shoes

A brilliant book that puts the reader in the shoes of a child in poverty, acknowledging the frustration and sense of injustice a child feels when they can’t have the things their friends take for granted.

My Special Eye

A vibrant, positive picture book narrated by Bruno, an active little boy who has a prosthetic eye. Any child could learn a good deal from this picture book about why people have prostheses, how the eye is cared for, and what it means for the wearer. 'My Special Eye' gives a much-needed voice to monocular children.

Hair Love

A positive story of how a father and daughter work together to create the perfect hairstyle for a very special day. There are many helpful messages within which could apply to a child who is dealing with an absent or ill parent, or who is simply finding it hard not to give up on a challenging task.

Ask First, Monkey!

An important introduction to consent and boundaries for young children.

The Only Way is Badger

A book about acceptance, difference and learning to say sorry.

All the Ways to be Smart

So often children are led to believe that being smart is all about academic achievement. This delightful, positive and diverse picture book re-frames the concept of being smart to include many other wonderful qualities.

Through the Eyes of Me

A useful picture book to simply explain autism to children, it is a positive exploration of how a young girl with autism perceives the world.

The Suitcase

This simple and powerful story about the arrival of a stranger could be a catalyst for exploring so many concepts and themes with young children: trust, curiosity, tolerance, hope, kindness, making amends, friendship, ‘doing the right thing’ and telling the truth to name just a few.

And Tango Makes Three

This classic picture book shows children that every family looks different and all family groups are equally valid and wonderful regardless of shape and size, colour or gender: love is all they need!

Jungle Jamboree

A lovely reminder for children that true beauty comes from the inside: kind thoughts and deeds are far more important than physical appearance.

How to be a Lion

A brilliant and entertaining story with a strong and clear message: Don't be afraid to be yourself; embrace the differences in yourself and others.

The Red Tree

A sensitive and honest insight into feeling lost, confused and alone, with an uplifting reminder that things will be okay. Hope is always there, waiting to be found.

The Journey

This powerful story about a family's forced migration to a new country gives children the chance to empathise with people in difficult circumstances. It promotes greater understanding and respect for those with different origins and cultures. Children who are refugees themselves may recognise something of their own story here.

Perfectly Norman

"Find the courage to be yourself"

Worm, Slug, Maggot and Leech and their Troublesome Transformation!

A great choice for a child suffering with low self-esteem, who feels under pressure to look like others in order to 'fit in' or be more popular.

Minnie & Max are OK!

A good choice to help a child develop a positive body image, “Minnie & Max are OK!” sends out a strong message that everyone is different and that we all have our own specific strengths. The book will reassure a child with insecurities, and encourage them to look at the wonderful diversity all around them.

We’re All Wonders

This story shows how one child copes with his own differences, and other people’s reactions to them. The reader will find comfort in Auggie’s imaginative tactics, and his positivity about being able to change the way others see him.

I Don’t Want Curly Hair!

This fun tale will resonate with any child who might hanker after physical attributes they don’t have, for example, straight or curly hair. But it may also help children who feel different for other reasons, and will reassure a child that many people feel that way sometimes. The story reminds us that friendships can often be based on our differences, and that variety is a good thing.

The Great Big Book of Families

Highlighting the fact that families come in all shapes and sizes, this book celebrates diversity, explaining how every personal situation is different. It's a good book for debunking the traditional storybook myth that happy families usually consist of mother, father and two children.

Good Little Wolf

Although predominantly an entertaining story, this quirky picture book also explores the idea of being true to oneself and defying stereotypes. It reinforces the message that you don't need to 'go with the crowd' if the crowd's actions are not wise.

This Book Belongs to Aye-Aye

This entertaining book explores the idea of 'being different'. The central character has less conventional looks than his classmates, but the story reveals that his kindness and intelligence are more important than the way he looks. The book also has an anti-bullying message.

The Great Big Book of Feelings

A child struggling with negative emotions may find great comfort in this sympathetic, entertaining and reassuring book which explores many different feelings: happy, sad, excited, bored, interested, angry, upset, calm, silly, lonely, scared, safe, embarrassed, shy, confident, worried, jealous and satisfied.

Rabbityness

Celebrates individuality, encourages creativity in everyone and positively introduces children to dealing with loss of any kind

I’m the Happiest

A lovely story which teaches children that the path to true happiness is to be content with what you already have. While all the other animals compete and compare, Racoon is happy to be himself.

This is Our House

Promoting tolerance, co-operation and acceptance. Celebrating diversity.

Tinysaurus

This picture book may help a child who is feeling fed up about being the youngest and not being able to do some of the things an older sister or brother gets to do.

Amazing Grace

Inspiring children to achieve their full potential by believing that anything is possible. Promoting tolerance and acceptance and celebrating diversity. Boosting self-esteem and dealing with prejudice.

Looking after Louis

Explaining to young children how autism can affect behaviour and promoting tolerance and understanding of others.

Eliot Jones, Midnight Superhero

A great choice for a child who wears glasses (the featured hero is bespectacled). It's also a good way to discuss prejudice and stereotypes with children, and to encourage them to look beyond outward appearance.

I Talk Like A River

A moving book about how it feels to have a stutter and have difficulty expressing yourself.

Harrison Spader, Personal Space Invader

This book discusses the importance of considering other's personal space, and offers practical tips for "personal space invaders".

Not Yet a Yeti

We are not always happy to do what is expected of us, and for any child struggling with such expectation, or for those who feel they do not fit in, this book is a refreshing tonic.

The Lion Inside

A delightful story showing that everyone feels scared sometimes. Great for encouraging children to find their own voice.

As We Grow

A comforting story with beautiful illustrations discusses how life may change as we grow older.

Ice in the Jungle

Ice the little polar bear cub suddenly has to move from her North Pole home to a new life in the jungle when her mother gets a new job. Ice is understandably upset, and finds the new place very unfamiliar. She misses her friends. But with time, and through the kindness of others, she settles in to her new life just fine.

Tad

A heart-warming and empowering story with a central character who uses her intelligence and bravery to compensate for her small size and lack of physical strength. A gentle reminder to children who are desperate to be 'grown up' that we all get there, in our own time.

A Rainbow of Fun

An entertaining story about finding out who you really are and being true to yourself, and learning to stand up to prejudice and criticism.

Along Came A Different

A fun story about different shapes who learn to put aside their differences and get along. Promotes open-mindedness, kindness and tolerance.

The Boy in the Big Blue Glasses

A picture book which acknowledges that getting used to wearing glasses can be a challenge for some children. The boy in the story ultimately grows to accept them.

The Prince and the Frog

This book will certainly provide reassurance to any child who may be experiencing confusion regarding their sexuality. it encourages children to listen to others, be kind, and embrace diversity and equality.

Super Duper You

A positive picture book that encourages children to celebrate their uniqueness and stop worrying about not fitting in with the crowd.

The Bravest Fish

The Bravest Fish is a delightful book that follows the journey of a little fish, Stanley, after he is separated from his school and fish family. The book follows Stanley’s journey through the ocean to find his family. The story highlights the importance of being positive, never giving up and harnessing strength and bravery.

Rooster Wore Skinny Jeans

An entertaining and amusing story that encourages children to be comfortable with and proud of who they are.

The Bumblebear

An amusing story that tells children about the importance of friendship, and that our differences can be our strength.

Hortense and the Shadow

This book encourages the reader to see strengths within themselves that they may have originally thought were weaknesses. It uses a quirky, abstract message to promote self-respect. It would be a good starting point for a conversation about tolerance and respect for others too.

Hip, Hop, Hooray for Brooklynn!

An upbeat story book about a young bunny born with clubfoot. A great way to introduce young children to the treatment of clubfoot and similar conditions.