Being Different & Being Yourself

Picture Books Library < Feelings < Being Different & Being Yourself

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.

Odd Dog Out

This appealing and witty picture book has a very important central message for children: you don't have to be like everybody else - be who YOU are.

Will You Be My Friend?

This is a very useful guide to help children understand how friendships work. The content can be discussed with an adult, but could also be used as a self-help guide - a go-to resource if needed - to help children through tricky situations with their friends.

Tigger and Jasper’s New Home

This gentle and appealing story gives young children a glimpse inside the life of a blind person. The blind woman in the story is loving, independent and capable.

“Oh, No,” said Elephant

Helps a child to see that not everyone is good at the same thing. Individuals have different strengths, and everybody is good at something!

Be a Friend

Reassures children that it is normal to be different! Encourages the reader to celebrate these differences and understand that there are other people who feel the same way, who are out there waiting for friendship, too. This story would help children with mutism or other communication issues, who struggle to relate to those around them.

Monster in the Hood

This story tackles the fear of the unknown, and helps a child to consider that situations they might initially think are scary can turn out to be harmless, and even enjoyable. It also challenges prejudice.

The Tigon and the Liger

Encourages the child to see differences in a positive way, whether in themselves or in others, and shows the merits of diversity.

The Wolf Who Cried Boy!

Challenges preconceptions that may be associated with unfamiliar situations, and promotes tolerance of other ways of life.

Odd Bods

By celebrating the fact that every child alive is an ‘odd bod’, with their own set of idiosyncrasies which should be accepted as the things that define them. Nobody is perfect, and who would want to be anyway?

Introducing Teddy

This book may strike a chord with children struggling with gender identity. There are also other clear messages: accepting people for who they are/celebrating diversity and encouraging children to share worries with friends rather than keep them bottled up.

Moonbird

Showing that there are many ways of communicating between adults and children

Witches and Fairies

Children can sometimes form friendship circles which exclude others, which can be difficult for the children left on the outside. This book focusses on Clotilda, a little girl who doesn't really fit into the group of fairies and group of witches she longs to play with.

Killer Gorilla

Good for not judging people before you know them

Our Twitchy

Highlighting that adopted children are loved unconditionally and differences between the child and the parent are not important.

Run!

One of a vibrant series of books (Crawl!, Jump!, Climb! and Run!) that focusses on children's love of movement.

I’m Special, I’m Me!

Promoting tolerance, co-operation and acceptance and celebrating diversity. May help to boost a child's self-esteem and realise that being different isn't a negative trait.

A Mother for Choco

A good choice for adopted children living in a multi-cultural home. Promotes the view that being different from your parents is fine.

Manners in School

By encouraging children to behave in a thoughtful, polite and caring manner at school.

All For One

Rivalries and conflicts of childhood friendships.

Tyrannosaurus Drip

While predominantly being a book for pure entertainment, this book also has the underlying themes of bullying, acceptance and prejudice.

The Sunflower Sword

A good choice of book to reinforce the message that friendship is far better than fighting. It also has a theme of acceptance, and encourages the reader not to judge people on outward appearance.

Jump!

One of a vibrant series of books (Crawl!, Jump!, Climb! and Run!) that focusses on children's love of movement.

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.

Collywobble

The story shows that appearances are not always as they seem. It has an underlying message that even the youngest and weakest can achieve great and unexpected things with enough determination.

Milo Armadillo

Learning to love things for what they are Enjoying having something that is not the same as what friends have

Giraffes Can’t Dance

The story would be a good starting point for a discussion on self-esteem and persistence, or the positive side of being different. It also has an anti-bullying/acceptance message.

The Cow That Laid an Egg

A great choice to cheer up a child going through difficult times - they will probably be giggling out loud by the end of the book! There's also an underlying theme of acceptance, and may even strike a chord with adopted children.

Dogs Don’t Do Ballet

I Don’t Care!: Learning About Respect

The book explains what respect means and shows a child the different ways respect can be shown and received. It also explains how negative it is when you are not respected or do not respect other people.

Catherine’s Story

Promoting tolerance and understanding of those with physical or mental disabilities. Highlights the positive traits of disability.

Beegu

A story for anyone who has ever felt lonely, lost and unloved. Children who have experienced loneliness may empathise with Beegu. This book teaches the importance of being kind to others, particularly those who have moved from a different place and may be feeling homesick and anxious.

Everybody Matters: A First Look at Respect for Others

This non-fiction picture book introduces children to the concept of respect, fair treatment and anti-discrimination. It explains that you can earn respect by being polite, honest and by listening to others: qualities that will ultimately lead to making the world a better place.