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Top 10 books for a balanced bookshelf: ages 5-7

Scroll down for an instant inclusive bookshelf!

Diversify your home or school library with these highly illustrated, inclusive books, perfect for newly independent readers, or to read together.

⁠Our 'Top 10 books for a balanced bookshelf', compiled by experts for each age category, make it easy to update children's early reader collections, laying the foundations for reading success.

The list offers broad representation, centring characters with diverse ethnicities, disabilities and family structures, and the books are refreshed twice a year.

6+years

Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister

Author: Chitra SoundarIllustrator: Jen Khatun

As the family prepares for an exciting new arrival, can Sona adjust to being a big sister for the first time?

Own Voice
South Asian representation
Diverse cast
Female lead

5+years

Maggie Sparks and the Monster Baby

Author: Steve SmallmanIllustrator: Esther Hernando

When Maggie the witch gets jealous of her new baby brother, some warm-and-fuzzy magic soon brings the family back together.

Black representation
Mixed-heritage representation
Diverse cast
Female lead

5+years

Magic Faces: Superhero Mega Mission

Author: Esi MerlehIllustrator: Abeeha Tariq

Art and magic combine in an enchanting way in this story of friendship and superheroes battling against villainy.

Own Voice
Black representation
Under-represented voice
Diverse cast

4+years

Henry, Like Always

Author: Jenn BaileyIllustrator: Mika Song

Henry’s class is having a parade on Friday, but Fridays are for Share Time. This week will not be like always.

Black representation
Diverse cast
Neurodiverse representation
Own Voice

4+years

Free Kid to a Good Home

Author: Hiroshi Itō (translator: Cathy Hirano)

A quirky, hilarious chapter book. Jealous of her potato-faced baby brother, a little girl decides to find a new home for herself!

Own Voice
East and Southeast Asian representation

5+years

Halle Had a Hammer

Authors: Richard O'Neill and Michelle RussellIllustrator: Elijah Vardo

Talented Halle comes from a Romani Traveller family. She loves moving around and creating things in the workshop.

Challenges gender stereotypes
Female lead
Own Voice

5+years

The Snotty Dribbler

Author: Effua GleedIllustrator: Kamala Nair

Blay’s baby sister annoys him sometimes! But when she gets poorly, Blay learns just how much he cares for her.

Own Voice
Black representation
Diverse cast
Single parent

5+years

Princess Minna: The Unicorn Mix-Up

Author: Kirsty ApplebaumIllustrator: Sahar Haghgoo

Minna must sort out unicorn, frog and dragon emergencies! A fun play on fairy tale princess tropes, with colourful illustrations.

Black/brown representation
Challenges gender stereotypes
Female lead
Diverse cast

5+years

The Faber Book of Bedtime Stories

Authors: Ann Jungman, Emma Carroll, Kieran Larwood, Claire Barker, Natasha Farrant, Pip Jones, Martyn Ford, Lou Kuenzler, Ingrid Persaud, Lucy Farfort, Reba Khatun, Aisha Bushby, Ayesha Braganza, Rashmi Sirdeshpande, Michael Mann, Hannah Lee, and Kate SaundersIllustrator: Sarah McIntyre

A varied collection of stories for sharing at bedtimes, with high production values and well-pitched words and illustrations.

Own Voice
Black representation
South Asian representation
Diverse cast
Female lead

5+years

Budgie

Author: Joseph CoelhoIllustrator: David Barrow

When Miles rescues a lost little budgie outside his tower block, he also finds an unexpected friendship.

Own Voice
Black/brown representation
LGBTQIA+ representation
Single parent
Class/socio-economic diversity

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