Celebrate World Book Day with Team UnLimbited’s 2022 Favourite Reads
In honour of the event's 25th anniversary, we are looking back at seven well-loved children's books.
The most influential books you will read in your lifetime are usually the ones read to you during your childhood.
Although there are countless children's books available, there are a select few that remain dear to Team UnLimbited’s hearts.
With so many choices available, a book that perfectly captures a child's thoughts and feelings can be difficult to find.
As World Book Day is fast approaching (this year it falls on Thursday 3rd March), we thought it would be fitting to celebrate the event's 25th anniversary by sharing some of our favourite children’s stories.
Our goal is to help you find a book that will inspire and educate your little ones.
Below, you will find a list of books of inclusive books that intend to capture differences accurately and responsibly. We hope you find them useful or that they simply spark some joy, as they have done for us.
Splash by Claire Cashmore
Source: Waterstones
Claire Cashmore, MBE, a Paralympic gold medallist, never let being different hold her back. The story of Splash is based on Claire's life: “this gold-medal-winning swimmer really was scared of water … until one day, everything changed!”
With a story based on the real-life of Paralympian Claire Cashmore, a Paralympic gold medallist with a limb difference, this heart-warming story shows you that no obstacle can stand in your way.
Clare overcame her fear of the water and proved to herself that she could accomplish anything she puts her mind to. Claire hopes her story will inspire others to never give up on their dreams.
The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be by Joanna Gaines
Source: Blackwells
The #1 New York Times bestselling book, ‘The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be’, celebrates how creativity and acceptance can make for a bright and beautiful journey. As illustrated by Julianna Swaney, the book follows a group of kids who build their own hot-air balloons. Seeing how the children interact and lean into their own skills and processes, we discover that the same is true for life: our differences make us more beautiful and vibrant.
A beautifully bright and colourful book that urges every child to be proud of who they are. This positive and uplifting book encourages us to embrace our differences and acts as a reminder that teamwork thrives on us all being different.
Rae’s First Day by Danny Jordan
Source: The Capables
‘‘Rae is like many five-year-olds with one BIG exception: she has a super-secret superpower. Unlike her limb difference, which is visible for all to see, her superpower is something she has never shown anyone before. But it’s her first day of school and her classmates are in need. Will she keep her power to herself…or use it to help her new friends?’’
This story is about Rae, a brave little girl with a superpower that is hidden from everyone. Whilst Rae has a limb difference, but that is not what this action-packed story is about - Rae is courageous, kind, and will always help a friend in need.
It’s Okay to be Different by Sharon Purtill
Source: Goodreads
By highlighting the ways kids are different from one another it helps children to accept themselves and others as the beautifully unique individuals that they are. “It’s Okay to be Different” encourages kids to be kind and befriend those who are different from themselves, showing young children that they do not have to look alike or enjoy doing the same activities to be kind to one another.
I Am Not a Label by Cerrie Burnell
Source: Blackwells
Discover 34 artists, thinkers, athletes, and activists with disabilities, both past and present, in this beautifully illustrated biography anthology. From Frida Kahlo to Stephen Hawking, find out how these iconic figures have overcome obstacles, owned their differences, and pave the way for others.
When Charley Met Emma by Amy Webb
Source: Good Reads
When Charley goes to the playground and sees Emma, a girl with limb differences who uses a wheelchair, he's unsure how to react. He discovers, however, that different is not bad, sad, or weird--different is just different, and different is great!
This delightful book will encourage kids to think about disability, kindness, and how to behave when they meet someone who is different from them.
What Happened to you? By James Catchpole & Karen George
Source: Amazon
This is the first picture book to address how a disabled child might want to be addressed.
What happened to you? Was it a shark? A burglar? A lion? Did it fall off?
These questions follow Joe wherever he goes...what happened to his leg? But does Joe even have to answer this question?
This ground-breaking story enables children to understand what it is like to be viewed as different.
Happy reading and happy sharing!
Find a bookstore
World Book Day is celebrated by thousands of bookshops and supermarkets.
Here you can find your participating booksellers near you.
Find your local library
For books to borrow for free, reading recommendations and family reading events view your local library services.