Children’s Books about Acceptance — Of Others and Yourself

Want to teach your child the importance of diversity? Check out these children’s books about acceptance and embracing our unique traits.

Children's Books about AcceptanceKids notice the slightest details about others. From the way a person looks, walks, talks and acts, they learn the differences that separate them. They also mention the obvious, even things that may seem socially inappropriate.

But rather than see these traits as divisions, we should celebrate them instead, both in others and in ourselves. Answer with the truth when they ask about other people’s differences, speaking to their level.

For instance, if your child notices her classmate’s different-colored skin, don’t shush her. (That can make it seem like a bad thing, a taboo.) Instead, say, “I know, isn’t she beautiful?”

And sometimes it’s our kids who are different. Maybe your child longs to fit in with her friends, but for whatever reason struggles to do so. Perhaps she isn’t into the same things as other kids her age and you wonder if that’s okay. Or she might even have different abilities that stand out from the crowd.

From social justice to tolerance, reading these picture books can help you discuss this important message on a level she can understand.

Pink Is for Boys reminds us that boys can like pink and princesses and girls can like race cars and trucks. Giraffes Can’t Dance and Perfectly Norman introduce us to characters who don’t fit in yet have their own strengths, courage, and uniqueness.

And Whoever You Are reminds us that, despite our different upbringings, we share the same sentiments and emotions.

These children’s books about acceptance of others and ourselves remind us to show empathy and compassion to all people. And that self-acceptance is a gift for all younger children to have. Here are my top recommendations for young readers:

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Children’s books about acceptance

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman

The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates

The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates

Pink Is for Boys by Robb Pearlman and Eda Kaban

Pink Is for Boys by Robb Pearlman and Eda Kaban

The World Needs More Purple People by Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart

The World Needs More Purple People by Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart

Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

An ABC of Equality by Chana Ginelle Ewing and Paulina Morgan

An ABC of Equality by Chana Ginelle Ewing and Paulina Morgan

Free to Be Elephant Me by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees

Free to Be Elephant Me by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees

Our Skin by Megan Madison, Jessica Ralli, and Isabel Roxas

Our Skin by Megan Madison, Jessica Ralli, and Isabel Roxas

Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham

Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham

We Are All Equal by P. Crumble

We Are All Equal by P. Crumble

A Normal Pig by K-Fai Steele

A Normal Pig by K-Fai Steele

Perfectly Norman by Tom Percival

Perfectly Norman by Tom Percival

Elsie by Nadine Robert

Elsie by Nadine Robert

Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor

Just Ask! by Sonia Sotomayor

Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae

Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae

Calvin Can't Fly by Jennifer Berne

Calvin Can’t Fly by Jennifer Berne

The Cow That Laid an Egg by Andy Cutbill

The Cow That Laid an Egg by Andy Cutbill

Beegu by Alexis Deacon

Beegu by Alexis Deacon

The Sissy Duckling by Harvey Fierstein

The Sissy Duckling by Harvey Fierstein

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox

Whoever You Are by Mem Fox

Whoever You Are by Mem Fox

Elmer by David McKee

Elmer by David McKee

Freckleface Strawberry by Julianne Moore

Freckleface Strawberry by Julianne Moore

Willow by Denise Brennan Nelson

Willow by Denise Brennan Nelson

It's Okay To Be Different by Todd Parr

It’s Okay To Be Different by Todd Parr

Suki’s Kimono by Chieri Uegaki

Suki’s Kimono by Chieri Uegaki

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems

The Boy Who Grew Flowers by Jennifer Wojtowicz

The Boy Who Grew Flowers by Jennifer Wojtowicz

Odd Velvet by Mary Whitcomb

Odd Velvet by Mary Whitcomb

  • I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont
  • Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun by Maria Dismondy
  • My Camel Wants To Be a Unicorn by Julia Inserro
  • I Am Enough by Grace Byers
  • The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson

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