It’s hard when you feel different to everyone else, but being different can be a good thing. Sharing stories about people who embrace their uniqueness may help children to enjoy their individuality.
Amazing
by Steve Antony
A little boy and his pet dragon are the very best of friends. They laugh, they sing, they dance, they snooze. They are both amazing – just like everyone else! A celebration of friendship and being yourself with a positive message about celebrating diversity.
Age: 3+
The Terrible Thing That Happened to Barnaby Brocket
by John Boyne and Oliver Jeffers
There’s nothing unusual about the Brockets. Normal, respectable, and proud of it, they turn up their noses at anyone strange or different. But from the moment Barnaby Brocket comes into the world, it’s clear he’s anything but ordinary. One fateful day, the Brockets decide enough is enough and Barnaby begins a magical journey around the world, and makes some extraordinary friends.
Age: 8+
Odd Bods
by Steven Butler and Jarvis
Ava is an odd bod. Boris is too… Clara, we’re not sure about. I think she’s odd, don’t you? This is an alphabetical celebration for every child who ever felt different.
Age: 3+
This Book Belongs to Aye-Aye
by Richard Byrne
This is the story of Aye-Aye. He’s kind of unusual and unusually kind.
Age: 3+
Rhinocorn Rules!
by Matt Carr
Move over unicorns, it’s time for a very special animal to take centre stage – meet Rhinocorn! Ron is a rhino like no other. He doesn’t like to live by the other rhino rules – the other rhinos are grumpy, solitary and they will charge at anything that gets in their way. But not Ron. Ron likes music, art and only wants to have fun. He is determined to live his best life and not conform to the herd. When Ron paints himself into a bright unicorn, all of the other animals think he’s the coolest animal ever, but his rhino family are less impressed. Will they learn to embrace Ron for who he really is?
Age: 3+
Something Else
by Kathryn Cave
Something Else finds it hard to make friends as he’s different from the others, but when something turns up on his doorstep, he sends him away too.
Age: 5+
Abracazebra
by Helen Docherty and Thomas Docherty
Yawnalot is a sleepy old town until Abracazebra rides in on her bicycle. Goat is jealous of the attention she receives and persuades the townspeople that people with stripes can’t be trusted. When Abracazebra disappears, goat realises he has made a big mistake.
Age: 3+
Girls can do Anything
by Caryl Hart
Challenges all female stereotypes with strong positive role models. The rhyming texts makes this fun to read aloud.
Age 4+
Deadly Letter
by Mary Hoffman and Sophie Burrows
A warm, reassuring story about moving house and making new friends, which touches on racism and teasing, but shows the benefit of a positive, friendly attitude.
Age: 7+
I’m a Girl!
by Yasmeen Ismail
The girl in this book is spontaneous, fast, strong and loud and is forever getting mistaken for a boy. Who says pink is for girls and blue is for boys?
Age: 3+
My Hair
by Hannah Lee
My birthday’s coming up so soon, I’ll need new clothes to wear. But most of all, I need to know, how shall I style my hair? Will it be dreads or a twist out? Braids or a high-top fade? Joyous and vibrant, this captures perfectly the excitement of getting ready for a celebration, as well as showcasing a dazzling array of intricate hairstyles.
Age: 3+
Along came a different
by Tom McLaughlin
Reds love being red. Yellows love being yellow. And Blues love being blue. The problem is this, they just don’t like each other. But one day, along comes a different colour who likes Reds, Yellows and Blues, and suddenly everything starts to change. Maybe being different doesn’t mean you can’t be friends.
Age: 4+
The Glump and the Peeble
by Wendy Meddour and Rebecca Ashdown
It isn’t easy when you’re a glump that wants to be a peeble. It’s not easy if you’re a peeble that wants to be a glump. Trying what makes you happy and encouraging other people to try something new can lead to fun and friendship
Age: 3+
The Cow Who Climbed A Tree
by Gemma Merino
Tina isn’t like the other cows. She thinks anything is possible if you just try. Her sisters think she is full of nonsense and won’t join in with her adventures.
Age: 3+
Proudest Blue
by Ibtihaj Muhammad
Asiya’s hijab is like the ocean and the sky, no line between them, saying hello with a loud wave. It’s Faizah’s first day of school, and her older sister Asiya’s first day of hijab – made of a beautiful blue fabric. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful. In the face of hurtful, confusing words, will Faizah find new ways to be strong?
Age: 4+
Oliver
by Birgitta Sif
Oliver felt a bit different but, most of the time, it didn’t matter. Then one day he found himself on an adventure that would be the best adventure he’d ever had.
Age: 3+
Want to Play Trucks?
by Ann Stott
Jack and Alex play together in the park. Jack likes trucks and Alex likes dolls and they discover they can still play and enjoy their friendship.
Age 3+
Marmaduke the Very Different Dragon
by Rachel Valentine and Ed Eaves
Marmaduke isn’t like other dragons. He’s the wrong colour, his ears are different and his wings are so unusual he keeps them hidden. What princess would ever want him to protect her?
Age: 3+
My Brother Bernadette
by Jacqueline Wilson and David Roberts
Sara’s little brother, Bernard, doesn’t enjoy the same things as the other boys on the estate. He get’s teased and called Bernadette, but eventually he finds a way to stand up for himself, share his special talents and get one up on the local bully.
Age: 5+
