Celebrating diversity and difference with children through storytelling.
Books are major contributors to the learning and development of children. Through reading, children are immersed in creativity and discovery, encouraged to see where they fit in the world. Introduced to new characters and stories, children from an early age begin to develop their outlook towards the wider world and the people within it. That’s why storytelling is such a powerful tool for showcasing diverse role models and celebrating difference to your child.
Every March, children across the UK and Ireland come together to celebrate reading. World Book Day takes place every year to make books accessible to all children. This year’s message for World Book Day is “You are a reader”.
We’ve chosen to build on this year’s theme by spotlighting some of our favourite books sold by our friends at the NSPCC that celebrate difference through loveable characters and bright illustrations. From Rosa Parks to Elvi and her two mums, find out which of our ten favourite books will help you to have important conversations around equality and diversity with your child.
A is for ability, B is for belief, C is for class. This book introduces children to engaging artwork and cheerful people, taking them on a journey through the alphabet to explore some of the things that makes us wonderfully different.
This book educates and inspires. From spies to scientists to cabaret dancers, this book comprises true stories of 40 trailblazing Black women in the world's history who broke boundaries and exceeded expectations.
When Nicholas wants to know which of Elvi's two mums is her real mum, she gives him lots of clues. Luckily, Elvi knows just how to explain it to her friend. A beautifully illustrated story, written with a light and humorous touch, that celebrates non-traditional families and captures exactly what lies at the heart of family life - love.
From the best-selling biography series for kids, this story brings to life the wonderful actions Rosa Parks took in 1955 when she refused to give up her seat to a white man, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott and eventually leading to the end of segregation on public transport.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could build a home that opened its doors to everyone? Well, perhaps if everybody pitches in to help, one little mouse can achieve that dream. This heart-warming story is brought to life with clever die-cuts and playful illustrations.
Jazz knew from a young age that she had a girl's brain in a boy's body. She loved pink and dressing up as a mermaid and didn't feel like herself in boy's clothing. This confused her family, until they took her to a doctor who said that Jazz was transgender and that she was born that way. Jazz's story is based on her real-life experience and she tells it in a simple, clear way that will be appreciated by picture book readers, their parents, and teachers.
A bedtime board book - based on the best-selling Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History - to encourage big dreams and inspire the little people of today to become leaders of tomorrow.
Mother’s sari is sometimes a train, sometimes a river, or a swing, or a hiding place... A beautiful picture book which celebrates and encourages the joy of playing.
Designed to inspire youngsters, this beautifully designed and illustrated book chronicles the lives of those who rebelled in society for the benefits of others. Great names include Bjork, Andy Warhol, Hua Mulan and many others.
The star of Julian Is a Mermaid makes a joyful return in this charming story of friendship, acceptance and celebration. Julian finds a new friend at a wedding to be remembered, before they set off for some magic and mischief of their own.
Those are just a few of the many books sold by the NSPCC! Their shop includes books on everything from mindfulness, science and the environment, to helping children stay safe – including the NSPCC’s Pantosaurus and the Power of PANTS! Every sale supports the crucial work they do year-round to keep children safe. Head over to their online shop to see their full collection and get 10% off all book orders before midnight on 30th March 2022 by using the exclusive discount code ‘WBD10’.
Find out more about our partnership with the NSPCC >
Author: Stacey, published 25-02-2022.
