By Camryn Vodden, Charlotte Harper, Alison Crowley and Ekta Rajagopalan
Disability awareness is crucial for young children to be taught from a young age, as it encourages inclusivity in educational environments. This article will focus on exemplary reads that help children comprehend various disabilities and the impacts these can have on families.
My Mummy is Autistic: A Picture Book and Guide about Recognising and Understanding Difference by Heath Grace and Joanna Grace
Published by Speechmark Publishing in 2020, My Mummy is Autistic: A Picture Book and Guide about Recognising and Understanding Difference helps younger readers develop an understanding of autism through a vibrant picture book for children aged six to twelve years. The story follows Heath, a young boy who explains in simple, child-friendly vocabulary what his mother’s autism involves and how it impacts daily life in their household.
Heath tackles the sensitive topic of neurodivergent communication, showing how he and his mother make things work in their own unique way. With child-accessible language alongside colourful and playful illustrations, the book is ideal for children and parents who wish to read and learn visually together. Notes at the end of the book from Heath’s mother, Joanna, add an adult’s perspective on her child’s narration.
The Girl Who Figured It Out by Minda Dentler
Published in 2024, The Girl Who Figured It Out tells the uplifting story of Minda, who became the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the Ironman World Championship, one of the most challenging triathlons. Exploring the realities of living with leg braces and crutches from a young age, Minda’s story inspires young children with physical disabilities to never settle for anything less than what they want to achieve. Based on a true story, Minda Dentler uses her life trajectory as a prime example of where resilience and self-belief can help you reach your dreams.
I’m Not a Label: 34 disabled artists, thinkers, athletes and activists from past and present by Cerrie Burnell
Cerrie Burnell’s first foray into children’s non-fiction, I’m Not a Label, curates stories of notable people with disabilities from historical figures like Ludwig van Beethoven and Stephen Hawking to modern icons like Lady Gaga. Published in 2020 by Wide Eyed Editions, an imprint of Quarto, Burnell’s book details the stories of thirty-four people who have made significant contributions, inspiring readers six years and up. Alongside her work writing and advocating for people with disabilities, children and parents alike will be familiar with Cerrie Burnell from her eight years of presenting on BBC’s CBeebies. Complimented by the bright and joyful illustrations of Philippines-based artist Lauren Mark Baldo, I’m Not a Label is both educational and entertaining for a young demographic.
The Visible Sounds by Yin Jianling and illustrated by Yu Rong
Published in 2021, The Visible Sounds follows the life of MiLi as she navigates her life after losing her hearing at the age of two. At first, she felt frustrated and upset, feeling as though she was missing out on the world (her sombre feelings are reflected in the book’s use of colour – monochrome and dull). As MiLi learns to feel sounds as opposed to hearing them, her life blooms into colour – a metaphor beautifully illustrated in the book – as she learns to accept her situation. The Visible Sounds is based on the real-life story of Chinese dancer Lihua Tai.
A Day with No Words by Tiffany Hammond and illustrated by Kate Cosgrove
Tiffany Hammond, an autistic mother of two autistic boys, writes from a place of authenticity and lived experience in A Day with No Words. Through the first-person perspective of Aidan, the book depicts the reality of nonverbal autism. Hammond explores Aidan’s daily life showcasing the reality of non-verbal autism and revealing how those with this particular autism experience the world.
Kate Cosgrove’s illustrations are particularly important in giving an insight into Aidan’s inner world, bringing his lived experiences to the forefront. Her illustrations make it accessible to neurotypical readers to engage with the character on a deeper level. Although those with nonverbal autism may not explicitly express themselves, they can still find ways to connect and communicate with others.
Giraffe and a Half written and illustrated by Nicola Kent
In Giraffe and a Half, a giraffe with six legs and three ears, which is great for dancing and listening, struggles to make friends, until she meets Bird and a Third. Due to the courtesy of her newfound friend, Bird and a Third, Giraffe and a Half realises that sometimes it’s our insecurities that hold us back the most.
Inspired by her own childhood experience as a young person with disabilities, Nicola Kent understands that, while it comes with challenges of its own, finding lovely friends doesn’t need to be one of them. Through Giraffe and a Half, Kent wants children to try and embrace their differences and slowly come to terms with their insecurities.
The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh by Helen Rutter
Billy Plimpton, an eleven-year-old boy with a stammer, dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian, performing live shows, delivering punch lines and making his audience laugh until their tummies hurt. This is no easy feat, especially for Billy and his stammer. Will he be able to fulfil his dream and give punchlines with confidence?
Encouraged by her son’s own stammer, Helen Rutter created The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh to show children that a good sense of humour and making everyone laugh is always appreciated. As well as being appreciated, humour and confidence can help overcome challenges, and that success comes from embracing who you are, stammer or no stammer.