NEW! 10 books for a diverse bookshelf (3-7)

Effortlessly diversify your home or school library with this list of the best inclusive picture books for children aged 3 years old and up.
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⁠Our list ‘10 books for a diverse bookshelf’ is available in every age category and refreshed twice a year, bringing you a wonderful selection of current favourites and older gems.

Each list includes as many forms of diversity, inclusion and representation as possible, making it easy to offer children a rounded reading experience that introduces them to characters of different ethnicities, disabilities, identities and family structures.

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3+years

Bessie’s Bees

Author: George KirkIllustrator: Ana Gómez

Bessie is buzzing! She’s starting nursery, but what will she do with her bees? Take them with her, of course!

Own Voice
Neurodivergent representation
Diverse cast
South Asian representation
Black/brown representation

5+years

Noah’s New Home

Author: Zeshan AkhterIllustrator: Nabila Adani

A beautifully illustrated book brimming with empathy for refugees and showing how communities can support those in need.

Own Voice
Middle Eastern representation
Muslim representation
Diverse cast
Black representation

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3+years

A Taste of Home

Author: Maryam HassanIllustrator: Anna Wilson

This charming picture book whisks you away with a scrumptious story for each favourite meal or dessert.

Own Voice
South Asian representation
Diverse cast
Challenges gender stereotypes

2+years

Mama Car

Authors: James and Lucy CatchpoleIllustrator: Karen George

A wonderful, cosy book about going on expeditions with Mummy in her wheelchair.

Own Voice
Disabled representation
Challenges gender stereotypes
Female lead

3+years

Mama’s Special Wonton Soup

Author: Wai Mei WongIllustrator: Xin Yue Zhu

Gorgeous tale of family, food and community. This dreamy picture book might become a household favourite!

East and Southeast Asian representation
Diverse cast
Single parent
Female lead
Class/socio-economic diversity

3+years

The Tour at School (Because You’re the New Kid!)

Author: Katie ClaphamIllustrator: Nadia Shireen

Bright, bold storytelling, characters and illustration build a sense of excitement around starting at a new school in this fantastically fun story!

Own Voice
South Asian representation
Diverse cast
Muslim representation
Mixed-heritage representation

The Tour: Because You're the New Kid at School! - Cover

3+years

The Silver Shadow

Author: Mariesa DulakIllustrator: Alea Marley

A visually stunning story about a little girl, a stranded baby shark and the importance of caring for the natural world.

Own Voice
Black representation
Diverse cast
Challenges gender stereotypes
Female lead

3+years

These Olive Trees

Author and illustrator: Aya Ghanameh

Olive trees are used to root this story of a Palestinian family’s experiences to the past, and to branch into the future. A sensitive exploration of the sophisticated topic of the coming of war and the forced migration of a people.