Over at ExpHand Prosthetics we are big fans of a good book, and inclusive children's books hold a special place in our hearts. Not only are these books a great way to spread knowledge about limb difference from an early age, and in a way that's more easily understood by children - they're also just a lot of fun. Illustrated inclusive children's books are colourful, full of character, often inspired by (and made with) love.
Inclusive children's books and the storylines within them can also be used to open dialogue about the limb different community, about embracing uniqueness, inclusion and the beauty of diversity, helping your child to feel accepted and realise just how special they are.
Without further ado then, here are out top ten...
1) ‘Different is Awesome’ by Ryan Haack
A lovely story about a little boy who brings his older brother, born with one hand, to show-and-tell. Classmates ask him lots of questions about how he does things with one hand and realise that he can do anything, he just does it differently.
Available at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Different-Awesome-Ryan-Haack/dp/1631772155
2) ‘Zippy and the Stripes of Courage’ by Candida Sullivan
A story that teaches self-love and acceptance. Zippy the zebra learns to accept himself for who he is, teaching readers to celebrate one another's differences and treat others how they themselves want to be treated.
Available at: https://www.waterstones.com/book/zippy-and-the-stripes-of-courage/candida-sullivan/jack-foster/9781937331085
3) ‘What happened to you?’ by James Catchpole
Described as the first ever picture book to address how a disabled child might want to be spoken to, this is a personal favourite of ours.
It is a fun and humorous story with some helpful suggestions for children and their parents about dealing with people who may be differently abled.
Available at: https://www.waterstones.com/book/what-happened-to-you/james-catchpole/karen-george/9780571358311
4) ‘Splash’ by Claire Cashmore
This book follows the story of a differently-abled little girl who conquers her fear of swimming to chase her dreams. We think this story deserves a Gold medal too.
5) ‘The Roller-Coaster Ride’ by David Broadbent
In collaboration with Reach charity, this story authentically represents the experience of a child with an upper limb difference on a day out to the beach.
Available at: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-roller-coaster-ride/david-broadbent/david-broadbent/9781786285607
6) ‘I Am Not a Label’ by Cerrie Burnell
Meet 30 artists, thinkers, scientists, athletes and activists with disabilities, from past and present. This fantastic book shares how people such as Frida Kahlo and Stephen Hawking overcame obstacles and owned their differences by making their bodies and minds work for them.
7) ‘I am Sheriauna’ by Sherylee Honeyghan
Sheriauna is a social butterfly who loves to be active and play sports, but her favourite thing to do is dance. When she's not dancing or playing with her friends and family, Sheriauna brings awareness about child amputees and their abilities.
8) ‘Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Too’ by Nikki Zelin
A light-hearted story about a little girl with a prosthetic arm who shows her able-bodied friend that she is able to do anything he can do. A great story to spread awareness about limb differences to young children and families among peers.
Available at: https://www.amazon.com/Anything-You-Can-Do-Too/dp/B08RR9KQNM/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
9) ‘I Have A Doll Just Like You!’ by Julie Ann Zitterkopf Larson MD
People come in all shapes, sizes, colours and abilities, shown in this story that follows a little boy with a congenital amputation to his left arm. It also includes a glossary of amputee terminology, a letter to parents and teachers, and a series of discussion starters for families and classrooms.
And as if that wasn't enough, all proceeds of the book are donated to send children with limb differences to amputee camp.
10) ‘Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus’ by Dusti Bowling
One for the older kids, this novel is about a girl born without arms and a boy with Tourette's syndrome. Together they navigate the challenges of secondary school, disability and friendship, all whilst solving a mystery and facing their fears.
Available at: https://www.waterstones.com/book/insignificant-events-in-the-life-of-a-cactus/dusti-bowling/9781454932994
Have you found any other great inclusive children's books? Have inclusive children's books helped you to Have you read any of the published inclusive children's books that we've talked about today (and if you have, what did you think)? Use the comments section below to let us know, and if you're looking for more great, informative news and insight relating to limb difference why not head on back to the ExpHand blog archive, and read another piece by our team?