Theme: Celebrating Kindness, Acceptance, and Seeing Beyond Differences
This month, we’re shining a light on stories that help children understand the beauty of diversity — whether it’s how someone looks, learns, or moves through the world. These three thoughtful, engaging books open the door to conversations about empathy, inclusion, and what it really means to be kind.
Each title is chosen with a specific age group in mind — from toddlers to tweens — so you can find the right starting point for your family. Whether you’re cuddling up with a picture book or diving into a powerful novel, these stories will spark reflection and encourage children to see the person behind the difference.
Book of the Month (Ages 3–6): All of Us: The Magic of Diversity by Olivia Merritt
Our pick for the youngest age group this month is the beautifully inclusive picture book All of Us: The Magic of Diversity. With cheerful illustrations and gentle, rhyming text, this book introduces little ones to the idea that we’re all different — and that’s something to be celebrated.
Through colourful pages filled with children of all backgrounds, abilities, and appearances, All of Us teaches kindness, empathy, and acceptance in a way that’s simple enough for even toddlers to understand. It’s a lovely way to open conversations about visible differences, inclusion, and friendship — and to help children see beauty in what makes us unique.
Whether shared at bedtime or in a classroom, this book reminds us that the magic of diversity is something worth cherishing — and that every child belongs.
Book of the Month (Ages 6–8): All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
This joyful, inclusive picture book is a celebration of diversity and belonging — perfect for children aged 6–8. Set in a bright, welcoming school, All Are Welcome follows a group of children from different backgrounds as they learn, play, and grow together.
With its rhythmic text and vibrant illustrations by Suzanne Kaufman, the book sends a clear message: no matter where you come from, what you look like, or what you believe, you belong.
All Are Welcome is an ideal springboard for conversations about inclusion, respect, and community — whether in the classroom or at home. It’s a warm, reassuring reminder that kindness and acceptance can make all the difference.
Book of the Month (Ages 9+): Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Wonder is a powerful and uplifting story about acceptance, empathy, and finding courage in the face of difference. It follows August Pullman, a boy born with a facial difference, as he navigates his first year at a mainstream school — facing both unkindness and unexpected friendship.
Told from multiple perspectives, Wonder invites readers into Auggie’s world and challenges them to consider how their actions affect others. It’s an inspiring read that gently encourages children to choose kindness and to see the person beyond appearances.
A modern classic, Wonder is perfect for children aged 9 and up — and an excellent way to spark thoughtful conversations at home or in school about compassion, inclusion, and being brave enough to be yourself.
These three books were chosen not only for their beautiful storytelling, but because they all open the door to important conversations about kindness, empathy, and acceptance. If you’d like to explore this topic further, you might enjoy our companion article: Teaching Children About Visible Differences. It shares a moving real-life story and offers guidance on how to talk to children about the people they meet who may look or act differently — and why those conversations matter.