25 Books that Encourage Inclusion and Empathy in Kids
There are so many amazing picture books that encourage inclusion and empathy in kids. Here is a list of 25 titles to add to your home or classroom library for your kiddos!
Masterpiece
by Alexandra Hoffman
Masterpiece is an award-winning book by Alexandra Hoffman, recently winning The Golden Wizard Book Prize and placing as a Top 3 Finalist for Book of the Year!
In this inclusive story, readers meet Samuel, a boy on the autism spectrum who sees the world differently than his peers. When Samuel's teacher asks his class to create a piece of art, it quickly becomes apparent that his beautiful way of looking at the world makes him a true masterpiece!
Throughout the story, the other students in his class learn lessons of empathy, understanding and acceptance. The colourful illustrations will delight children and Masterpiece may just become a family favourite.
Zac's Mighty Wheels and the Case of the Missing Grannies
by Andrea Kurth
Zac and his friends are back for another exciting adventure!
It seemed like a normal day—school, hanging out with friends, flying through the sky with Zac and his wheelchair—until the grandmas start disappearing. Luckily, Zac and his friends are on the case. Trying to find the person behind the mask leads them on a brave quest, but will they find their grandmas or will the masked person keep the grandmas to himself forever? Read on in this exciting super wheelchair-powered sequel to find out!
Written at a 2nd-3rd grade reading level with high interest for struggling readers of all ages. This inclusive book consists of short chapters and pictures throughout. Includes a dyslexia-friendly font and format for easy readability, with diverse characters with disabilities and various family structures. Add this series to your bookshelf and help make the world more inclusive!
Making a Difference is the first book in the inspirational nonfiction children's book series Young Change Makers by Stacy Schoppenhorst Bauer. It is filled with stories of kids who are making the world a better place by following their hearts and chasing their dreams. Whether planting a billion trees, bringing joy to others through music, fundraising for sick children or starting an inclusive dance team, these determined youth are using their talents to do amazing things!
Packed with beautiful illustrations, color photos, or interesting facts, these inspiring stories prove that you're never too young to make a difference!
Too Cute to Spook
by Diana Aleksandrova
Too Cute to Spook is the Gold Medal Winner in 2022 in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards, Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winner in the category of books for 5 years old and younger, Award Winning Finalist in the Children's Picture Book: Hardcover Fiction category of 2021, and Best Book Awards sponsored by American Book Fest.
This is the empowering story of a little monster with a big problem.
Everyone knows that a monster's favourite thing is to scare kids. Lorry is no exception. He wants to be the scariest monster of all.
Lorry wants to follow in the steps of his famous ancestors: his dreadful great-grandfather, Scabby Moldbody, who was known for making kids scream the loudest, and his gruesome great-grandmother, Henrietta Fang, who was responsible for more nightmares than any other monster. There is only one small problem, Lorry is cute, and kids aren't afraid of cute little monsters. Being a different monster makes Lorry sad and ashamed. Unable to fit in, he learns how to stand out. The story of Lorry encourages kids to love who they are!
Goldilocks: The Third Bear
by Tyler Smith
Goldilocks doesn’t fit in with the other animals at school– no matter how hard she tries. Despite the constant teasing about her long golden hair, big blue eyes, and funny-looking nose, she is determined to prove she can be a good bear– just like Mama and Papa. Will she have what it takes?
This adorable new take on a beloved classic was written with the intent to help children and parents navigate through the complicated emotions that can come through adoption. However, it is also perfect for children of all ages who are learning to develop the confidence they need to be true to themselves in any situation.
Faith's Freckles
by Shermaine Perry-Knights & Baylei Hinds-Perry
Looking for a book to build self-esteem in young girls with freckles? Meet Faith, a freckle-faced girl, who struggles to see herself as beautiful. With the help of McKenzie’s friendship, she discovers the magic of her special spots and learns the importance of self-love. This powerful picture book teaches readers that “the things that make you different, make you extra special!
Faith’s Freckles encourages important conversations about self-love, making new friends, big feelings, problem-solving, positive mental health and accepting each other's differences.
Some Kids
by Alexandra Hoffman
Every day, kids around the world go to school, play instruments, celebrate holidays, spend time with their families, play sports, uphold traditions and celebrate their culture.
One of the only non-fiction titles on the list, Some Kids is a beautiful exploration of the lives of children around the world. The colourful, lifelike pictures throughout the story will delight your children.
Happy In your Skin: Our skin the first conversation about race
by Erlin Kakkanad
Explore with Rafa as he learns about his cultural identity. This book tells the story of Rafa, who is in preschool and is curious about why his skin color is different. Young Rafa has a wonderful family. They are from India and now live in the United States.
Rafa loves where he lives, but sometimes he gets strange questions that he doesn’t know how to answer. “Why are you brown?” “Why are you so different?” At first, Rafa did not have the tools to navigate these questions… until he talks to some of the adults in his life! It turns out that many people have gotten questions like that, and they can help him with what to say! His doctor, teacher, and parents help Rafa understand who he is and how to be proud of that.
Dino Deegan and the Unpleasant Class (Dino Deegan Series Book 1)
by Dr. Heather E. Robyn
Days at school are tough for Dino Deegan. Being included at recess is his dream, but his claws are so big that they get in the way, and other children and dinosaurs bully him for it and for being different.
One day, a new classmate name Cass befriends him, stands up to the bullies and helps take down bullying one act of kindness at a time.
Celebration Babies
by Stephanie Seidler
Join little ones from all around the world as they embrace meaningful traditions and heartfelt holidays in Celebration Babies! Children of all ages will adore the alluring and vibrant illustrations, while also learning some "fun facts" about familiar and lesser-known events that are celebrated worldwide.
With a focus on diversity and inclusivity, children will not only be able to see themselves in this book but will also see the world through the eyes of others as well.
Better Together: The ABCs of Building Social Skills and FriendshipS
by Dr. Melissa Munro Boyd
From the letter A to the letter Z, Better Together teaches children important friendship skills such as sharing, taking turns, asking for help, and paying attention to body language.
Better Together shares fun examples of children practicing social situations at home and school and helps children understand how to use their social skills with confidence!
When the snow starts to fall that means it is time for the end-of-the-year annual celebration on the farm. Cria, the llama is having difficulty completing the celebration. Find out what she does to help her finish the task and take part in the celebration with all her friends.
This Llama Can Write is an inclusive story with a social-emotional learning twist that you won't want to miss.
The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to be Patient
by Argyro Graphy
Jaxon, a mischievous monkey with ADHD, can't stand still waiting in line. He makes a quick dash to the front of the line only to be sent to the back. Frustrated in his last attempt he bumps into others and ice cream cones go flying. Can Bentley and the others teach Jaxon ways to stay calm?
In this story, children will learn the importance of being patient and waiting their turn, understanding their emotions, identifying ways to reduce their anxiety and ways to stay calm and paying attention to those around them.
The Self-Love Book
by Alexandra Hoffman
The Self-Love Book inspires kids to love themselves exactly as they are, be proud of their uniqueness and celebrate our differences! This book celebrates diversity and inspires inclusion.
The colourful illustrations throughout the story will delight your children. In addition, they will enjoy reading this heartwarming story. This book is suitable for all ages (possibly even some adults) and might just inspire a lifelong journey of self-love!
Ruthless the Elf: Keeper of the Naughty List
by Chad E. Henry & Dakota A. Tallman
In the town of Point Pleasant, there lives a girl named Ruthless who has a reputation for being mean. Her rumoured ruthlessness is so widespread that it reaches the far corners of the world, including the North Pole.
When Santa Claus hears about Ruthless, he instructs two of his head elves to go to Point Pleasant to invite Ruthless to the North Pole to be the keeper of the Naughty List. While at the North Pole, Ruthless is given a lesson on kindness. Ruthless the Elf: Keeper of the Naughty List features beautiful illustrations and a powerful message for children of all ages on the importance of being kind.
There's a Dinosaur in the Toilet!
by Horace Hughes
This a laugh-out-loud story about a small boy who makes a surprising discovery in the bathroom - a tiny orange dinosaur! Together they learn what it means to make friends despite our differences.
Get ready to giggle your way through this rhyming, heartwarming tale that’s perfect for bedtime to help kids face their fears of being alone and learn to accept and welcome others who might not look like you.
My Very First Friend
by Kristina Knode Sheldon
From coming home from the hospital to the first day of school, there is no greater joy than introducing your baby to your fur babies.
My Very First Friend is a rhyming picture book that celebrates the bond between a child and their dog and helps children learn about the empathy that can develop because of a fur-baby.
It's Great to Be Me: Daily Affirmations for Children
by Melissa Ahonen
Does your child understand what makes them so great Imaginative, Kind, Smart, Talented, and Brave are just a few of the affirmations that you will read and explore with your child in this book.
Packed with beautiful illustrations and easy-to-understand affirmations, It’s Great to Be Me will surely build any young child’s confidence, positive thinking, self-love, and belief in oneself.
My Summer Skin is Radiant
by Tiffany Obeng
Through gorgeous art and lyrical text, My Summer Skin is Radiant delivers an empowering celebration of black children's darker summer skin tones. A fun and easy read, this book creatively addresses the issue of colorism and promotes self-esteem and self-love.
A relevant picture book that includes positive affirmations and a beautiful, important message that reminds kids (and adults) that our skin is stunning, exquisite, and fabulous all year long. By the end of this book, everyone of all ages will be encouraged to love all shades of themselves and others.
Tom and His Trunk
by Chrish Vindhy
Tom and His Trunk is the story of an elephant calf who does not like his trunk. But when he faces various day-to-day situations in the wild with his mom and dad, he ultimately realizes that his trunk is an essential and most useful part of his body.
He learns to appreciate himself as a special creature and love his life as an elephant!
Martha Milkweed Has No Friends
by Flora C. Caputo
Martha Milkweed has no friends, and the other flowers in the garden do not welcome her. But she does have one very special, beautiful friend. This friend relies on Martha Milkweed for many things and visits the garden often. It's these visits that cause the other flowers in the garden to take notice of Martha Milkweed and realize that she has special gifts and beauty.
Discover the magical relationship between the Monarch butterfly and milkweed in this charming story about a misunderstood 'wild' flower. Through being brave and simply being herself, she teaches acceptance of others who are unique and different.
Words Take Flight
by Etaine Raphael
When twins Chloe and Zoey get teased at their new school for speaking only in rhyme, their mom takes them to play at their favorite park. There, the twins meet a toddler who is also having a hard day. They decide to help cheer him up by including him in their favorite activity: storytelling. Little by little, the whole park becomes their audience!
Through their gift of storytelling, Chloe and Zoey share what kindness and friendship mean to them. They also realize how their words bring both comfort and inspiration to those around them. Join Chloe and Zoey as they learn that sometimes the things that set us apart from our peers are actually our greatest gifts!
Rosie the Farm Truck
by Victoria Scudder
In this award-winning book, Rosie is a beat old red farm truck who sometimes lacks confidence. Rosie and her friends are called to help a group of reindeer stranded in Le Grand County on the eve of a winter blizzard. She's tasked to teach a group with learning disabilities, even though she has dyslexia herself. Through teamwork, trust and tenacity, Rosie and her friends, including a lame goat, accomplish their mission while discovering their own inner strengths. And little do they know that their new friends are on an important mission of their own!
Beautifully illustrated in hand-painted watercolours, see Rosie and her friends come to life through the eyes of your younger ones.
Positopia World: The Hidden Portal
by Linda J. Cronin
This story addresses emotional intelligence and calming techniques in a fun imaginative world where the animals talk and the scenery is fun!
Jack is just like most other kids. He loves riding his bike and making mud pies. Jack also has an engine that can turn green, yellow, or red. When he is very upset, his engine is red; when he is nervous or worried, his engine is yellow; and when he is calm and happy, his engine is green. Sometimes, Jack has trouble controlling how he reacts to his engine.
One day, while playing in the backyard, Jack accidentally opens a portal into another world. Positopia World is full of amazing colors, stunning landscapes, and talking animals. The adorable woodland creatures help Jack learn how to bring his engine back into the green.