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41 of the Best Picture Books about Acceptance

41 of the Best Picture Books about Acceptance

These books about acceptance include scenarios of self-acceptance, acceptance of others, and acceptance of situations out of our control. They focus on the importance of being yourself, self-esteem and empathy for others.

41 of the Best Picture Books about Acceptance

Books about Acceptance

Teaching a culture of acceptance starts on the first day of the school year. Part of our role as educators is to foster an environment of acceptance. This involves creating a culture of daily acceptance of ourselves and others, building self-esteem and reducing bullying. No matter the makeup of your classroom, acceptance of appearance, culture and ideas is crucial for a welcoming environment.

In a world full of amazing people, we all encounter life differently. There is no ‘one size fits all’ experience. Feeling as if you don’t fit in is painful, especially for children. These books about acceptance illustrate

  • that it’s okay to be different and the importance of being yourself and focus on the self-esteem, confidence and courage to do this.
  • characters modelling empathy, compassion and acceptance of themselves and others.
  • characters accepting situations out of their control and learning how to cope during such events.

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Recommended Picture Books about Acceptance

10,000 Dresses by Marcus Ewert

10,000 Dresses by Marcus Ewert

Bailey identifies as a girl and every night dreams of wearing beautiful dresses. The reaction of her family is devastating. “Boys don’t wear dresses!” An older girl is inspired by Bailey’s courage to follow her dreams. They work together to make the dresses in Bailey’s dreams become a reality. Promotes resilience, identity, tolerance and gender roles.
AMAZON
AAAlligator! by Judith Henderson

AAAlligator! by Judith Henderson

A boy overcomes his fears to get to know and make friends with a lonely alligator. The townsfolk are not so accepting and the mayor insists it is driven out of town. Once the community sees the kind and helpful side of the alligator they help it hide from the mayor. Use to discuss social justice, empathy, kindness, loneliness, acceptance and inferring.
AMAZON
The Bad Seed by Jory John

The Bad Seed by Jory John

When a "bad seed' overhears negative comments he decides to change his ways. He doesn’t change his behaviour overnight but takes it one day at a time. Promotes a growth mindset, self-management, self-awareness and social awareness.
AMAZON
Beegu by Alexis Deacon

Beegu by Alexis Deacon

Beegu is lost on Earth. Despite her friendly nature, she finds the Earth unwelcoming, except for a litter of puppies and a group of children. Reinforces themes of acceptance, belonging, differences, friendship and loneliness.
AMAZON
Bob The Artist by Marion Deuchars

Bob The Artist by Marion Deuchars

Bob is made fun of because of his skinny legs. His lack of self-esteem leaves him deflated until he visits an art gallery and gets inspired! Promotes a growth mindset, relationship skills, creativity and appreciation.
AMAZON
The Boy Who Grew Flowers by Jen Wojtowicz

The Boy Who Grew Flowers by Jen Wojtowicz

Rink Bowagon is ignored by his teacher and classmates because he sprouts flowers from his body. He notices the new girl wears a flower in her hair and has one leg shorter than the other, so Rink makes her a special pair of shoes. Excited, she invited him to the school dance where he discovers the flower behind her ear is just his flowers. Use to teach inferring, self-acceptance, and identity.
AMAZON
Bug in a Vacuum by Mélanie Watt

Bug in a Vacuum by Mélanie Watt

A bug is sucked into a vacuum bag as it flies around a house. It goes through the five stages of grief as it tries to come to terms with its situation. Helps children understand the different emotions involved in unexpected and disappointing events.
AMAZON
Clancy the Courageous Cow by Lachie Hume

Clancy the Courageous Cow by Lachie Hume

Clancy the cow stands out in his herd. He is picked on because he looks different. When he wins against the enemy cows his own herd finally appreciate Clancy for who he is and not what he looks like. Promote resilience, identity, tolerance and open-mindedness.
AMAZON
A Color of His Own by Leo Lionni

A Color of His Own by Leo Lionn

A chameleon searches for his identity. He wants his own colour just like the other animals but soon realises this is not as important as friendship. Promotes belonging, growth mindset and acceptance.
AMAZON
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson Pinterest

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson

Chloe and her friends have been excluding the new girl Maya. When her teacher does a lesson on kindness Chloe reflects on her behaviour and regrets “each kindness I had never shown.” Promotes relationship skills, tolerance, kindness and reflection. Each Kindness is one of many books about acceptance from Jacqueline Woodson.
AMAZON
Elmer by David McKee

Elmer by David McKee

There was once a herd of elephants, all the same colour, except for Elmer who stood out from the herd. He changes his colour to fit in but discovers he enjoys being different. The other elephants accept Elmer for who he is and realise it is okay to be different. Promotes a sense of identity self-awareness, acceptance and open-mindedness.
AMAZON
From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea by Kai Cheng Thom & Kai Yun Ching

From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea by Kai Cheng Thom & Kai Yun Ching

Miu Lan has the ability to change into anything they can imagine. At school, they must endure inquisitive looks and difficult questions from the other children. But they find true acceptance in the arms of their mother. Reinforces themes of acceptance, identity and love.
AMAZON

A Funny Little Bird by Jennifer Yerkes

A little bird feels invisible so covers itself with coloured flowers and feathers. It attracts the attention of a fox and loses its decorations trying to escape. It feels invisible once more but finds being camouflaged an asset. Translated from French. Promotes acceptance and identity.
AMAZON
Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae

Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae

Giraffes Can’t Dance? Or can they? Gerald is determined to take part in the annual Jungle dance. While the other animals laugh he shows perseverance, determination, and confidence to follow his dream.
AMAZON
The Good Egg by Jory John

The Good Egg by John Jory

A virtuous egg spends his time helping people out, whether it’s needed or wanted! One day The Good Egg cracks (literally) from the pressure of perfection. He takes a much needed break where he learns to live a more balanced life. Promotes acceptance, balance, wellbeing and self-management.
AMAZON
Guji Guji by Chih-Yuan Chen

Guji Guji by Chih-Yuan Chen

Guji Guji was raised as a duck but discovers he is actually a crocodile. Other crocodiles want Guji Guji to help them eat his duck family but he instead formulates a plan to save them. Promotes acceptance, identity, problem-solving and a sense of belonging.
AMAZON
I am Enough by Grace Byers

I Am Enough by Grace Byers

I am Enough follows a girl as she makes positive affirmations for those who lack self-esteem and self-acceptance. This book celebrates children for who they are and reinforces themes of acceptance, self-esteem and poetry. Part of a series of books about acceptance from Grace Byers.
AMAZON
I Don’t Want to be a Frog by Dev Petty

I Don’t Want to be a Frog by Dev Petty

A young frog doesn’t want to be slimy, he wants to be cute and warm like cat, rabbit or owl. He discusses the unique qualities of being a frog with his dad and realises being wet and slimy may not be so bad after all. promotes themes of self-acceptance, identity and self-esteem.
AMAZON
It's Okay to be Different by Todd Parr

It's Okay to be Different by Todd Parr

Todd Parr spreads a message acceptance, self-confidence and individuality while celebrating diversity. Sometimes the advice is practical, while others are more fun. Part of a large series of books about acceptance and tolerance from Todd Parr.
AMAZON

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

Diverse children embrace their differences. They deal with allergies, dyslexia, asthma, Down syndrome and ADHA. The book’s message says it is okay to ask questions to find out why someone is different. Promotes themes of identity, adversity, inclusion and acceptance.
AMAZON
Leila in Saffron by Rukhsanna Guidroz

Leila in Saffron by Rukhsanna Guidroz

Leila learns self-acceptance from her grandmother and an understanding of her heritage. Her grandmother complements the saffron beads on her scarf, leading Leila to seek out characteristics that make up her unique identity as a Pakistani American.
AMAZON

Lila and the Crow by Gabrielle Grimard

Lila's dark skin, hair and eyes make her stand out at her new school. She is bullied and likened to a crow. At the autumn festival costume party, she embraces who she is and dresses as a crow. Promotes self-acceptance, self-awareness, discrimination, resilience, and loneliness.
AMAZON
The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh by Supriya Kelkar

The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh by Supriya Kelkar

Harpreet Singh expresses himself with colours, particularly through his patka, Sikh headwear. When he moves from California to a town with snow, Harpreet has trouble settling in. He only wears white so he can feel invisible. When he finds his first new friend, the colour returns. Use to promote acceptance, kindness, courage and coping in new situations.
AMAZON
My Mei Mei by Ed Young

My Mei Mei by Ed Young

Antonia tells the story of her adoption from China and her formative years with her parents. As she gets older, Antonia asks her parents for a Mei Mei, a little sister. Her wish comes true when she flies to China to get her baby sister. Reinforces themes of belonging, caring and jealousy
AMAZON
My Name is Bilal by Asma Mobin-Uddin

My Name is Bilal by Asma Mobin-Uddin

When Bilal moves he worries about being teased for being Muslim. He thinks about telling his new classmates he is called Bill and not telling them about his religion. A Muslim teacher helps Bilal and his sister settle in by giving them a book about Bilal Ibn Rabah, another Bilal who struggled with his identity.
AMAZON
Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed by Mo Willems

Wilbur, a naked mole rat, love to wear clothes but he worries the rest of the colony won’t accept him. The leader, Grand-pah, proclaims they should show him tolerance and the other naked mole rats experiment with clothing. Promotes acceptance, individuality, open-mindedness, and self-awareness.
AMAZON
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

When Unhei moves from Korea to America her classmates can’t pronounce her name. She wants to choose a new name that is easier to pronounce but decides she likes her name just the way it is. Reinforces the themes of acceptance, identity, integrity, open-minded, principled and tolerance.
AMAZON
Neither by Airlie Anderson

Neither by Airlie Anderson

Neither lives in the Land of This and That, and it doesn’t quite fit it. Each creature is a blue bunny or a yellow bird but Neither is not quite a bird or a bunny. It finds a new home full of colour, shapes and different creatures. Neither is welcomed with open arms as the differences unite the community.
AMAZON
The Only Way is Badger by Stella J Jones

The Only Way is Badger by Stella J Jones

Badger thinks badgers are the best and expects everyone to be just like him. He soon learns a lesson in acceptance and that being best is not always important. Reinforces balance, open-mindedness, responsible-decision making, relationship skills and forgiveness.
AMAZON
Perfectly Norman by Tom Percival

Perfectly Norman by Tom Percival

Norman was a perfectly normal boy until he grew a pair of wings. He loves flying but thinks no-one will understand his new wings so hide them under a large, yellow coat. When he finds the courage to show off his wings, he gets a surprising reaction. Promotes identity, self-awareness, self-esteem and acceptance.
AMAZON
The Pond by Nicola Davies

The Pond by Nicola Davies

A young boy describes the loss of his father and how family members experience grief in different ways. They try to cope by rebuilding the pond he created when he was alive. Reinforces themes of acceptance, bereavement, relationship skills and self-management.
AMAZON
Red: A Crayon's Story by Michael Hall

Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall

Red’s label says red but no matter how hard he tries he can only create blue. Red’s new friend, Berry, suggests he casts aside his label, opening a whole new world to Red. Deals with adaptability, identity, self-awareness and acceptance.
AMAZON
Stephanie’s Ponytail by Robert Munsch

Stephanie’s Ponytail by Robert Munsch

When everyone copies Stephanie’s unique ponytail she decides to make more and more outrageous styles. Everyone questions her decisions but she is determined to her herself. Promotes self-esteem, individuality, self-awareness and peer pressure.
AMAZON
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o

Sulwe’s skin is darker than everyone in her family and at school. She wants to lighten her skin, the colour of midnight, so she is no longer teased. Her mama empowers Sulwe by telling her a story that helps her love who she is and dismisses the negative opinions of others.
AMAZON
This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman

This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman

This Day In June is a colourful illustration of a Pride celebration. Children can take onboard different levels of meaning depending on their age and understanding of LGBT history and culture. The book includes notes for parents and caregivers with ideas of how to talk to children about issues that may arise while reading.
AMAZON
The Ugly Duckling by Jerry Pinkney

The Ugly Duckling by Jerry Pinkney

An ugly duckling faces many difficult situations. and longs to fly away with other birds. It grows into a beautiful swan, discovering happiness and its true identity. Promotes resilience, identity, self-awareness, and acceptance.
AMAZON
Visiting Feelings by Lauren Rubenstein

Visiting Feelings by Lauren Rubenstei

An exploration of how visiting feelings can help children embrace their emotions and get to know them. Bonus material provides information on introducing mindfulness into a daily schedule.
AMAZON
We're All Wonders by R J Palacio

We’re All Wonders by R J Palacio

Auggie shares how he likes to do ordinary things, but he just doesn’t look ordinary. He wants to believe someone will accept him for who he is. Promotes self-esteem, identity, friendship and open-mindedness.
AMAZON
Where Are You From? by Yamile Saied Méndez

Where Are You From? by Yamile Saied Méndez

When someone asks a girl where she’s from she doesn’t have a simple answer. Her Abuelo gives her an answer, but not one she expects. Promotes acceptance, identity and a sense of belonging.
AMAZON
Whoever You Are by Mem Fox

Whoever You Are by Mem Fox

An internationally-minded picture book that celebrates how children all over the world are different yet similar and how this brings us together. Promotes open-mindedness, self-awareness, identity and tolerance.
AMAZON
Yoko by Rosemary Wells

Yoko by Rosemary Wells

Yoko's classmates make fun of her Japanese lunch until her teacher shows them they all have special cultural food. Promotes internationalism, identity, friendship and self-awareness.
AMAZON

Questions to Use With Books about Acceptance

  • How did [character] show acceptance for their situation?
  • How did acceptance affect [character]? Why?
  • Why was [character’s] reaction to [someone’s appearance, culture and choice] negative? How could they have reacted more positively?
  • How did [character] go about achieving self-acceptance?
  • Why did [character] find it hard to cope with [situation]? What coping strategies could they use?
  • How did [character] show acceptance of others?
  • Why did [character] think before they spoke?
  • Why did [character] treat someone different because of how they looked/thought? What should they have done?
  • Why did [character] choose not to help [character] What should they have done?
  • How should we treat people different from us?
  • Why do you think [character] excluded [character]? What would you have done in the same situation?
  • How can racism, bullying, teasing, picking on others, being mean, etc affect others?
  • Why is it important for us to show acceptance for others?
  • How do we show acceptance for other people?

Further Reading

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