CELEBRATING DIFFERENCE

THE TWIRLY WIGGLY DANCE (Farrah Riaz, Navya Raju)

Little Intisar has a big job to do at her Auntie Mahira's wedding: she's going to dance in the group performance! But no matter hard hard she tries, there’s just one move she can’t quite perfect. Intisar learns to embrace her mistakes and be proud of the things that make her unique - she even invents her own wiggly dance move!

The Twirly Wiggly Dance (OUP, 2024) takes readers through the customs of a South-Asian Muslim wedding as the main character learns to celebrate her fabulous twirly-wiggly self. This story is a vibrant and child-centered visual delight, with themes of courage, perseverance and celebrating difference, encouraging readers to dance like no-one’s watching.

OUT OF THE BLUE (Robert Tregoning, Stef Murphy)

‘Only Blue Allowed',’ by Blue government demand.
Anything that isn't blue, by colour law, is banned.

In a world where only blue is allowed, a boy finds a yellow rubber duck and hides it. He assumes loving yellow must be bad, but with the unconditional love and a bold plan from his dad, he learns it’s ok to live life in whatever shade he likes. Coming out of the blue and living life in technicolour, encourages other people to celebrate their differences too. Soon there are colours everywhere - a whole rainbow of colours shining for all to see.

Gloriously illustrated by Stef Murphy with lovely sweeping illustrations, and told in beautiful rhyme by Robert Tregoning, this picture book is a stunning celebration of being yourself and living in all the colours of the rainbow, championing difference and diversity. A perfect book for #LGBTplusHM.

JULIAN IS A MERMAID (Jessica Love)

When Julian sees some beautiful women dressed up on the subway, he starts to daydream. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train carriage. When Julian gets home, still inspired by the magic he’s seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies and making his own fabulous mermaid costume. But what will Nana think about the mess he makes – and even more importantly – what will she think about how Julian sees himself?

Julian Is A Mermaid (Walker Books, 2019) has a powerful message, beautiful illustrations full of sass and energy and a sparse text that brilliantly conveys all the character’s emotions with subtly and humour.

(Reviewed Naomi Jones, author of Thunderboots)

PINK LION (Jane Porter)

Arnold has always been happy living with his flamingo family, that is until a pride of growling lions turns up and tells him he actually belongs with them. They believe Arnold should be more lion-like. Poor Arnold tries his best but misses his old life. When his flamingo family is threatened, Arnold finally finds his roar!

Pink Lion (Walker Books, 2018) is a sweet story about family, fitting in and standing up for yourself. The illustrations are bold and colourful picture book with a heart-warming story about always being yourself.
(Reviewed Naomi Jones, author of The Perfect Fit)

PIRATE MUMS (Jodie Lancet-Grant, Lydia Corry)

 In Pirate Mums (OUP, 2022) more than anything Billy wishes his swash-buckling, sea-loving mums would be normal and a bit less piratey. They’re not exactly what you'd call ordinary: his mums won't listen to NORMAL music, they love to sing sea shanties and dance jigs in the lounge. Their clothes are highly unusual, they have a rude parrot for a pet, and their taste in house design is, well . . . FISHY!

Billy wishes his family could be more like everyone else's. However, when disaster strikes on a school trip out to sea, his mum’s nautical knowledge might just save the day.

This is a funny adventure story that also celebrates same sex families.

(Reviewed Naomi Jones, author of How to Write A Story)

THE SUITCASE (Chris Naylor-Ballesteros)

The Suitcase (Nosy Crow, 2020) is a simple but inspiring story to start conversations about acceptance and difference with young children. With everyone, in fact. A strange-looking creature appears with a suitcase and the other animals in the story are uncertain about them. The creature has travelled for a long time and has come a long away. While the creature sleeps, the other animals break open their suitcase to find out more about them.

The economic speech and use of white space add to the poignancy of this story, and to the takeaway that we should treat people different from us with empathy and kindness.

AVOCADO ASKS (Momoko Abe)

Avocado Asks (Orchard Books, 2020) is a brilliantly witty book which promotes feeling comfortable in your own skin. 

The central focus of Momoko Abe's book is Avocado, who is happily housed in a supermarket until an inquisitive shopper questions their identify. A catalyst for a period of turmoil for avocado, then they embark on a quest in the aisle to determine which food group they belong with. Whilst the book's central themes are to celebrate uniqueness and diversity, there are plenty of opportunities throughout for children to learn about different foods and their properties, including similarities and differences. These references are enhanced by Abe's emotive illustrations which bring the edible characters to life. Feeling dejected, avocado finally finds an ally in tomato who helps to share a valuable life lesson. 

(Reviewed by Kara Kiernan, founder of The Book Train)

THIS IS ME (George Webster, Claire Taylor, Tim Budgen)

This is me. I am George. My eyes are sparkly, just like my mum.

Like my dad, I'm determined and brave, and like my sister, I'm full of FUN!

In This Is Me (Scholastic, 2023) we meet George - a little boy with a big heart - and all his friends! Based on a poem written by CBeebies presenter, George Webster, this engaging story is a positive celebration of people and all their beautiful differences. Centred around the idea that everyone has a glow and that these glows makes us special, we follow, learn and play with George who shows us we don’t have to all have to be the same - like pebbles on a beach we each make our own splash, spreading our glow far and wide.

Full of kindness and positivity, as well as diverse and inclusive representation, this is a genuine and heartfelt story brought to life with bright and joyful illustrations that will make readers smile. A lovely choice to show all children that they matter and belong by finding out what makes them glow. 

LONG GOES TO DRAGON SCHOOL (Helen H. Wu, Mae Besom)

It’s the first day of dragon school but Long is worried. Dragons do things differently where he comes from! He breathes water not fire, so how will he prepare for the picnic? Camila toasts marshmallows, Willy pops popcorn, Mia grills a fish… and Long grabs some dark paint and pretends his flames are so powerful that he burns his potato.

Eventually, Long owns up to his professor that he cannot breathe fire. With some wise and encouraging words from his teacher, Long discovers his unique talent. The story ends with the friends roasting and steaming, filling their bellies with delicious food, and having the most splendid picnic ever.

Long Goes To Dragon School (Yeehoo Press, 2023) is a fantasy tale that celebrates perseverance, self-acceptance, and cultural differences. It’s wrapped in Eastern and Western dragon lore, and the author’s note at the end adds to this, detailing Helen’s experience as a first-generation immigrant born and raised in China, but studying and working in the U.S.

THUNDERBOOTS (Naomi Jones, Rebecca Ashdown)

Thunderboots (OUP, 2023) is a gentle, age-appropriate look at what it can be like to live with dyslexia. Informed by the author’s own experience, the main character - Trixie - is excited about starting school and has plenty of strengths to share, but it isn’t always easy to concentrate in class and learning letters is hard. With the support of her dad, her teacher and her friends, Trixie learns that it’s ok if she learns differently. She calls it her superpower, just like Dad does! And soon enough, Trixie is back to being her buoyant, joyful self.

This is an empowering and authentic story about starting school with dyslexia, covering things young children might encounter such as supportive ‘plans’ and circle time. Ultimately, this is a colourful, characterful and heartfelt story that celebrates difference that everyone can enjoy.

ODD DOG OUT (Rob Biddulph)

Odd Dog Out (Harper Collins, 2017) is a true celebration of difference and embracing your own identity. Central to the story is one unique sausage dog who is determined to stand out when everyone else is trying to fit in. Biddulph’s creative illustrations showcase the small dog in a variety of situations, such as wearing rainbow colours when everyone else is in black and throwing the ball during a football match. Feeling frustrated and lonely, Odd Dog Out goes on a quest to find like-minded dogs. She reaches the richly diverse, Doggywood, where she ultimately learns a valuable lesson.

This is a story about the importance of being unique, told through vibrant illustrations and appealing text with simple language choices and rhyming patterns. 

(Reviewed by Kara Kiernan, founder of The Book Train)

THE PERFECT FIT (Naomi and James Jones)

Triangle doesn’t feel like she fits in with the other shapes. No matter how hard she tries, she doesn't roll like the circles, or stack like the squares. So, so she sets off to find friends that look exactly like her, somewhere she truly belongs.

But when Triangle finds the other triangles, playtime isn't as fun! She misses the shapes that roll and stack; she misses being different. So she starts a new quest, one that gets all of the different shapes playing and having fun together.

This cleverly conceptual and joyfully designed book, touches on diversity and inclusion in a visual and age-appropriate way.

THE DRESS IN THE WINDOW (Robert Tregoning, Pippa Curnick)

The Dress In The Window (OUP, 2023) is a powerful, dazzling story about a boy who spots a glowing, flowing red dress in a second hand shop. The boy wishes that one day the dress might be his and imagines its life before. Then he spends his days doing chores for the neighbours, so he can save enough to buy it. But when that day arrives, the dress has already been bought.

This is a colourful, affirming, uplifting book for all children, with gorgeous illustrations and brilliant rhyme. With themes of unconditional love and acceptance, it shows children just how dazzling life can be when you are supported to be true to yourself.

SAMMY STRIKER AND THE FOOTBALL CUP (Catherine Emmett and Joe Berger)

Sammy Striker is never found without a football at her feet, and one day at the park, she's spotted by Melissa McDream who coaches the Under 8s National Team! Sammy is a dribbler-extraordinaire, headed straight for the top. But, as the Football Cup gets closer, Sammy's shots on goal go a bit . . . wonky. Will Sammy work out that it's what makes her different that makes her special, in time to help them win the final?

Sammy Striker and the Football Cup (Macmillan, 2023) is a cheerful, colourful new spin on the ‘celebrating difference’ theme. Bouncy rhyme and vivid illustrations make for an empowering story for young footie fans about finding and celebrating what makes you unique, and having the courage to believe in yourself.