A Unique Child

A thoughtful selection which recognises that every child is a competent learner from birth who can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured (EYFS Framework). A collection of inclusive books perfectly suited to exploring identity, feelings, relationships, our differences- and our similarities. 9 books See individual titles for book information. Members Price £64.00 **Suitable substitutions will be made if any title becomes unavailable**

Watch a group of children go about their school day all the way through to home time...and the start of the very next day! A maximum-celebratory tribute to a gloriously diverse school community made up of different family structures (incl. same-sex parents), different faiths (incl. Sikh, Jewish and Muslim) and one where girls and boys (plus a gender-ambiguous child) and disabled children (wheelchair user, a visually impaired child) all share the same, equally active play and learning. Overarching all the activities is a strong message about welcoming children from every part of the globe, so also perfect for countering anti-immigrant sentiments. Very funny illustrations with lots of detail to take in (we especially loved the sparkle of teeth braces alongside the gappy grins). 'A strong and very necessary message but delivered in a wonderfully child-friendly, vibrant, exciting way' (Elaine, Foster Care Associates Liaison Officer, Letterbox Library reviewer). 'Fab book. Great diversity in children, families, activities...and headgear for bed!' (Meryl, EY Consultant & Trainer, Letterbox Library reviewer). Age 3-6, Paperback 36p.

"Every morning, millions of children open their eyes and start another day" ...And so begins this encyclopaedic, panoramic introduction to children from around the world: their homes, their diverse families (including same-sex parented and foster families), their different languages (including sign language), clothing and costumes, favourite games, special days, different faiths. A UNICEF-endorsed celebration of our global diversity, commonality and interconnectedness, nicely summed up in the text, "Every life is a story. It's easier to understand someone when you know their story." It is impossible here to summarise all the areas of diversity covered, so do please take our word for this being one of the most inclusive books we know! For example, simply the range of disabilities 'casually' shown (eye patches, shortened limbs, children with Down's syndrome) is unusual for picture books. Fantastic back notes extend out from each double page spread with a wealth of factual information. Younger children will be engaged by the simplicity of the core text while older children can think around each topic with the detailed extra notes. 'Barefoot books are always so amazing. Very inclusive, lots to talk about' (Rosalind, Workforce Dev. Officer, LL reviewer). 'Something of interest for everyone' (Maggie, EY Advisory Teacher, LL reviewer). Age 3-8, Paperback 65pp

To Grace, family has always meant her Ma, her Nana and her cat Paw-Paw, so when Papa invites her to visit him in the Gambia, she dreams of finding a family straight out of one of her story books. But, as Grace soon finds out, families are what you make them. Fresh edition of an international bestseller. Age 5-8, Paperback 24pp

WINNER Little Rebels Award 2020 Dimitri has just started at his nursery and, as ever, he's keen to share his love. At story time, he tells Liam he loves him. At playtime, he tells Sophie, Stella and Sue he loves them. At lunchtime, he tells the dinner lady he loves her too. And so the day goes on, with Dimitri's heart bursting with each new encounter. But he can't help noticing that no one says they love him back. Can Mum help him understand the many different manifestations of an overflowing heart? Described by Catherine Barter on the Little Rebels Award website as "A moving and nuanced picture book exploring love, friendship and emotional expression". Age 4-7, Paperback 24pp

Clive has a most excellent collection of hats, from his practical sunhat to his special dressing up big purple flowery hat; some, like his art hat, have a home-made look to them and some are shared hats such as his and Asif's special pink bunny hats! Part of a series about a refreshingly non-stereotyped boy and his diverse band of friends (Asif, Mina and Jeffrey). Wonderfully childlike illustrations by Spanyol, mixing up collage with pen. Clear, accessible text introducing lots of first words and prompting the odd chortle...or two! Age 1-3, Boardbook 12pp

"Late again! What is it now? Chased by a lion? Kicked by a cow?" Meet Neel, a well-meaning and capricious rule-breaker. Superb rhyming nonsense by India's best-loved children's poet, accompanied by perfectly zany artwork. Age 6-8, Indian Import Hardback 46pp

Meet The 5 Misfits, a happy band of creatures who live happily together in their snug little home. One of them is punctured, one is folded, one is feeble, one is upside down and one is simply "a bundle of oddities". They are a happy band of creatures, living snugly together in a lopsided house...until they are visited by a stranger, the Perfect One, who is appalled by their good-for-nothingness. Will he mend their ways or will they mend his? ... An incredibly beautiful book in its art work and a extraordinarily wise book in its messages about uniqueness and individuality. 'A quirky take on difference; lots of subliminal messages- positive ones' (Eileen, Former Primary Teacher, LL reviewer). 'Themes of social acceptability, friendship, contentment and joy which can open up conversations about "misfits" without perpetuating stereotypes of them' (Darren, Teacher & Higher Ed. Tutor, LL reviewer). Age 4-9, Paperback 34pp

A quirky treat. Every one of Madame Chapeau's customers is different, so each receives a unique, bespoke hat. But while she gives so much of herself, Madame has a lonely life. And then, one night, she loses her precious birthday bonnet. A line of men queue up to offer her their hats but none will do...until a child brings her a special headpiece, knitted by her own small hands and brightly coloured with love. Like every great story book, this one lends itself to multiple interpretations. It's a story about loss and (self-) isolation, but it also ends up as a story about friendship, belonging and finding your own uniqueness. The illustrations are wonderful- a particular delight is that each hat mirrors and reveals the personality of its owner. The text lilts along with bouncing rhymes and it savours funny nonsense words- "Chez Snooty-Patoot" "Rue Tippytap". This illustrator excels in effortless inclusion- the characters are multicultural; the real star is a small, Black child (with natural hair); some of the couple scenes suggest same-sex partners in amongst the mix and indeed one of the story's joyful messages is that love and companionship takes many forms. 'I LOVE this book...a lovely story about finding what is right for you' (Ruth, Events Programmer, Discover Story Centre, LL reviewer). 'How many ways do I love this? I would have bought this for my child- I had to read it to my (nearly 15-year-old) daughter anyway. Wonderful inclusion!' (Patrice, children's author, LL reviewer) Age 4-7, Hardback 29pp

"This is how we all begin: small and happy in our skin". A gorgeously inclusive book which gets giddy about skin! A rich text marvels at how skin keeps "your insides in", at how clever it is at growing, at healing and how it responds to the outside environment. Most of all, it celebrates the diversity of our skin and the importance of feeling happy in your skin. This joyful book has so many purposes: it can function very simply as an early science/biology book for the very young or it can be used as a subtle yet brilliant tool in challenging prejudice and in empowering children to feel confident in their skin and in their body. 'Lovely, evocative descriptions of colours- peaches & cream, honey/gold...What's not to like?' (Maggie, former EY Adviser, LL reviewer). 'Very positive about skin colours/purpose of skin. Joyful illustrations' (Rosalind, EY Consultant, LL reviewer). (Portrayals of different ethnicities, faiths and disabilities as well as diverse family structures). Age 3-6, Paperback 24pp

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2023 Nefertiti is joining a new band, drumsticks in hand. Spotting her nervousness, Dad waves her off with his usual affirming refrain, "You are Nefertiti!", which always makes her feel a good 10 feet tall. So, when the music teacher struggles to pronounce her name and then shortens it to 'Nef' for her own convenience, Nefertiti begins to ...shrink...becoming smaller with every 'Nef'! Finally, when she is bug-sized, she reaches up to whisper into Priya's ear. Can her classmates explain to the music teacher where the cure to Nefertiti's shrinking condition lies? A clever story abut micro aggressions told through a very simple and effective metaphor. Age 4-7, Paperback 28pp

A wonderful celebration of overcoming typical childhood fears like big dogs, the deep end and saying goodbye to a parent at nursery. Strong rhythms, good rhymes and a great primary colour palette which ends with a lovely double pate spread of a soft play area. (Nice cuddly lion comforter too!) Age 2-4, Boardbook 12pp

"Everyone is different! This much is true. What you like, and what you don't, it's really up to you!" A bouncy, interactive, rhyming picture book shows child after child expressing their likes and dislikes- one likes friends but not being tickled; one likes chasing balloons and doesn't like people going away; another likes scooters but not spitting llamas. In amongst some comic and light likes/dislikes are some more serious ones which, together, combine in a truly empowering book through which children are encouraged to express their wants, their needs- and to stay safe. 'Love this. A lovely way for young children to learn about respecting each other's differences' (Eileen, Former Primary Teacher, LL reviewer). 'Every child can relate to one of the bubble comments' (Nicole, young LL reviewer). (Some disability images included). Author royalties go to the NSPCC. Age 3-6, Paperback 30pp

A young boy is obsessed by mermaids. One day, on the train with Nana, he is enthralled when they are joined by a trio of women dressed as exotic sea creatures, complete with swishy tails and flicky hair. Back at Nana's, Julian starts to use the things around him to transform himself, bit by bit, into the most glorious and glamorous of mermaids. But it is Nana who provides the final finishing touch. A break out hit of a picture book, famously endorsed by RuPaul on Twitter. A celebration of individuality, creativity, freedom of expression and intergenerational love and empathy. Wonderful artwork which soaks the pages in colour and warmth. 'Love, love, love this! Fab illustrations and a simple message effectively put over. Nice to see an older woman so open to difference and enabling of the boy. It's so great!' (Deborah, Letterbox Library reviewer, author of Gender Diversity and Inclusion in Early Years Education). Age 3-6 Paperback 32pp

A small, lonely child with a single note to share: "La"...A note which cannot find an echo anywhere. Not in the sunbeams, nor the leaves, nor the grasses, nor the pond. But then finally...there is a reply of "Las"! A gorgeous, single word, picture book about finding your song, and staying resilient, energetic and optimistic in that quest. Open to multiple readings and interpretations. 'Like the best picture books, this would work with a wide age range and could be constantly revisited and mined as the basis for many a classroom discussion or as a simple bedtime comforter.. .It is a terrific starting point for discussions about loneliness, difference, empathy, feeling excluded etc.' (Mark Jennett, Equalities Trainer/Consultant, LL reviewer). Beautiful format: a square shape; mixed-media illustrations; simple crossover hues of autumnal oranges/greens with a luxuriously deep purple. Easily attractive enough to deserve the longer-than-usual number of pages for a picture books. East Asian protagonist. Age 1-6, Hardback 68pp

Raffi is a shy boy who doesn’t like noisy games and is often teased at school. But when he gets the idea of making a scarf for his dad’s birthday he is full of enthusiasm, even though the other children think it is girly to knit. Then the day draws near for the school pageant, and there is one big problem - no costume for the prince. And that’s when Raffi has his most brilliant idea of all - to make a prince’s cape. On the day of the pageant, Raffi’s cape is the star of the show. Age 4-7, Paperback 40pp

Harpreet is a fan of colours. Lots of colours. He has loads of patkas in loads of colours to suit every possible mood. But, when Mum's new job means moving to a different part of the country and starting at a new school, Harpreet just wants to disappear. And so, increasingly, he sticks with the colour white. One day, just as Harpreet feels himself disappearing into a blanket of fresh snow, a girl in a fluffy smiley woolly hat extends a warm mitten-hand...which has Harpreet reaching out for blazes of colour once more! Accompanied by an explanatory backnote on the significance of Sikh turbans and patkas. By an Indian-American author with an equally established track record in scripting Hindi films! UK (British-Barbadian) illustrator). 'Positive portrayal of Sikh family. Nice way of centring the patka without making it an issue' (Farrah, CLPE Learning Programme Leader, Letterbox Library review team.) Age 4-7, Hardback 26pp

From the team who brought you The Pirate Mums (look out for their cameo!) comes another quirky upbeat story where the 'twist' isn't quite where you'd expect it to be. Ava isn't strictly a doctor...as yet...but her dads certainly are. And this is certainly no average family. The twist? It's not that Ava has two dads (why would that be a 'twist'?!) It's that these dads treat hoarse dragons and spotty mermaids! They are in fact very marvellous doctors treating very magical creatures. But when Glitterbug the Unicorn rocks up at the surgery, it looks like only Ava is able to carry out the necessary investigations, diagnosis and prescription. Meet your first ever Goth, Bowie-esque unicorn. Loads of fun and silliness with some smooth messaging about being true to your own, very unique, identity. After all, there's always been more than one way to be a unicorn. Age 3-7, Paperback 30pp

Amy and Monifa were both born in the UK- but Amy is Chinese. They have similarities and differences. They are best friends. Superb explorations of friendships across cultures. Enchanting! Age 4-7, Hardback 30pp Themes: A Unique Child, Refugees and Migration

Kavita wears a sari, Jacob wears a warm jacket - but they both wear trainers for gym. Bold and brilliant illustrations and simple text explore the diversity of children from around the world while also stressing their commonality. Striking and effective. Age 2-6, Paperback 30pp. Themes: A Unique Child

You may already know the Clive series by this author. Now meet Rosa, a confident, exuberant and pragmatic girl who knows her mind and can take care of herself and her toys! Follow Rosa as she gets her monster truck stunt jumping, her digger scooping and as she does a quick drill repair on one of her cars. 'Great to see the main character, a black girl, enjoying playing with cars, fixing things and rescuing things. Positive images also depicted in the toys Rosa is playing with. Lovely to see good use made of a cardboard box' (Rosalind, Workforce Dev. Officer, Letterbox reviewer). Includes the character of Samira who is a wheelchair user. See the other 3 Rosa books in the series (you might also like the Clive books by the same author)! Age Birth-3, Boardbook 12pp

Stanley is an endearing, imaginative child and Stanley's stick takes on many shapes: straight banana, Stickosaurus and slug-picker-upper. Gentle humour, plenty of nonsense and a great spoonful of fun. Fantastick. Age 4-7, Paperback 27pp Themes: A Unique Child

Stella's class is having a special Mother's Day celebration. All of the pupils has at least one mum- Howie even has two! But Stella has two Dads. A spot or two of anxiety later, Stella decides to invite not only her two dads but her nonna and uncle and aunt and cousin too! A very joyful, very lively and rather overcrowded class party follows, leaving the teacher a little frazzled. Don't worry, Stella reassures her, when it's father's day, she'll just bring the 2 guests! Which leaves Howie with a problem all of his own... A delightfully illustrated, upbeat, story which celebrates the diversity of family life. Bright fresh illustrations depict a multicultural classroom with a bunch of very happy children. 'Loved this book. Hope it's an indication of more to come' (Deborah, Lecturer in EY Education, LL reviewer). 'A great story of families and special days' (Rosalind, Workforce Dev. Officer, LL reviewer). Age 5-8

"This house isn't for girls" begins George. In this charming story of discrimination overcome, a small group of friends find a way to include each other and share. Age 3-7, Paperback 26pp Themes: A Unique Child

The ultimate child positivity book. Confidence building doesn't come with more weather-proof book bricks than this! Follow 14 children from different backgrounds, growing in to their very different identities as they stride forwards from babies to young children, then teens, then adults. Every double page spread is a booster: "You can...follow the crowd or...lead the way. Dream BIG"; "You can... do something big by doing something small". The book's conception is thoroughly unique. Several years were spent consulting with children and young people and asking them directly what they would tell their younger selves in order to equip them for and fire them up about their future lives. Inclusive to the core, the book portrays a wide range of ethnicities, disabilities (including a child with restricted growth and a child with a cleft lip) and identities (including gender identities). 'Loved this book's size, shape and most of all its illustrations which I feel speak for themselves. Great message' (Meryl, EY Consultant & Trainer, Letterbox Library reviewer). Age 3-6, Hardback 40pp