The books below aim to celebrate individual differences and similarities, and promote acceptance of the self and others. Children learn about themselves, others and their environment through books and therefore it is important to embrace inclusive materials that demonstrate individual differences are appreciated, and all children are valued.
The books have been categorised by age for your convenience, however we encourage parents to be led by their child’s interests and note that most books can be enjoyed by all ages.
2 years and above
I Need a Hug 
Author and Illustrator: Aaron Blabey
Publisher: Scholastic
‘I need a hug. Will you cuddle me, Lou?’ ‘What? With those spikes? Get away from me! Shoo!’
This story helps young people understand their differences and shows that everyone is worthy of love.
Not your typical dragon 
Author: Dan Bar-el
Illustrator: Tim Bowers
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
This story follows a dragon who can breathe anything, it seems, than fire. Whist at first this was distressing, it turns out difference is something to be celebrates and the dragon’s difference saves the day.
For a recorded story telling please see Not Your Typical Dragon told by the author Dan Bar-el – YouTube.
First Place 
Author: Kate Gaynor
Illustrator: Eva Byrne
Publisher: Special Stories Publishing
This story explores speech and language development. Through the main character, children learn that they can overcome their speech problems by working closely with their speech therapist and not being afraid to try.
Preschool and Early Primary School
Mr Friend Isabelle 
Author: Eliza Woloson
Illustrator: Bryan Gough
Publisher: Woodbine House Inc.
Charlie’s friend Isabelle has Down syndrome, and this story explores the commonalities between the friends, whilst acknowledging that differences can make friendships special, and the world a more interesting place.
Smile with Simon 
Author: Patricia Ann Simon
Illustrator: Valerie McCord
Publisher: Patricia Ann Simon
This book follows the story of a bird and a girl who bond when they realize they both have facial scars. The characters empower each other and begin to teach their friends that everyone is special in their own way.
Primary School
Different is Awesome 
Author: Ryan Haack
Illustrator: Wes Molebash
Publisher: Mascot Books
This book tells the story of a boy with one hand, and explores how he can do everything others can do – he just does it differently. The story celebrates difference as something that makes us unique – and awesome!
Pit Bully: the mental ninja awakens 
Author: Edward P. Buchanan, MD
Illustrator: Matthew A. Buchanan
Publisher: Lulu Press Inc.
This story explores bullying and teasing in an accessible way. The characters control their emotions and use compassion when reacting to troubling situations to minimize its effects, with the aim of becoming a “Mental Ninja”.
The Tale of Fenny Fox: the mental ninja emerges 
Author: Edward P. Buchanan, MD
Illustrator: Matthew A. Buchanan
Publisher: Lulu Press Inc.
This story follows on from “Pit Bully: the mental ninja awakens”, and explores how our differences make us special and they should be appreciated – whether that is our physical appearance, personality or our background.
It’s Hard Not to Stare 
Author and Illustrator: Tim Huff
Publisher: Castle Quay Books
This story may be useful to bring into a classroom setting, as it explores questions children may ask about visible difference or disability, and encourages the use of compassion and understanding.