Inclusive.Library
-our favourite books-
​Welcome to our Library!
This space was created for parents and educators who, like me, believe that stories have the power to open hearts and minds. Here, you’ll find suggestions of books that celebrate diversity, teach empathy, and help children see the beauty in differences. Many of these stories also give children the chance to recognize themselves in the characters—so every child feels represented and valued. My hope is that these books will spark conversations, nurture kindness, and make it easier for neurotypical children to grow up understanding and accepting others.
Grab a cup of tea, take a look around, and maybe you’ll find the perfect next read to share with your little ones.
For selected titles, we provide an adapted book or adapted visuals that complements the author’s original book, supporting inclusive learning and meaningful story interaction.
What are adapted books ?
Adapted Books are modified storybooks designed to increase accessibility and engagement for children with diverse learning profiles. These adaptations often feature simplified text, visual supports, interactive components, and are great opportunities to integrate Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) like core communication boards to facilitate modeling during story time. By following along with the story in a structured, visual way, children can strengthen comprehension, language and participation.
Eddie The Elephant Has Something To Say - Alison Johns
Eddie the Elephant Has Something to Say by Alison Johns is a heartwarming story that celebrates every child’s right to be heard. Through Eddie’s adventures with AAC, children learn that communication comes in many forms, and that expressing themselves is always valuable. This book is perfect for sparking conversations about inclusion, empathy, and confidence.
Alison Johns does a beautiful job of blending heart and education. The illustrations by Tara Put are engaging and accessible, helping children connect with Eddie’s feelings and experiences. One of the strengths of this book is that it doesn’t reduce Eddie to his communication method—it highlights his personality, independence, and the joy in his relationships. As an introduction to AAC, this book shines— it opens up empathy, understanding, and meaningful discussion for both children and adults.
Here is a selection of
our favourite books !
Where Oliver Fits - Cale Atkinson
Where Oliver Fits by Cale Atkinson is a heartwarming story about a little puzzle piece searching for where he belongs. With fun illustrations and a positive message about self-acceptance, it’s a wonderful book to spark conversations with children about inclusion, confidence, and celebrating what makes them unique.
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Cale Atkinson’s bright, playful art captures children’s attention instantly, and the message of celebrating uniqueness is powerful. However, some parents may find the metaphor a little abstract for very young children, so it works best with adult guidance and discussion. Overall, it’s an engaging read-aloud that opens up meaningful conversations about inclusion and self-worth.
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Included- Jayneen Sanders
Included by Jayneen Sanders introduces six children — Sam, Rishi, Jay, Audrey, Ty, and Zara — each with different disabilities. Through simple, clear writing and vivid illustrations by Camila Carrossine, the book shows that these children enjoy the same everyday things as others: playing, creating, reading, being silly. It emphasizes that everyone has things they’re good at and things they’re still learning, and underscores the universal desire to be safe, loved, and included. There are also discussion and reflective questions sprinkled through the text and at the end to prompt conversations about empathy, inclusion, and diversity.
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This book is an excellent tool for sparking conversations about diversity and belonging, though it gives only a brief glimpse into each child's experience rather than deep detail. Best used as a conversation starter with adult guidance.
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Max et Lili découvrent l'empathie -
Dominique de Saint-Mars & Serge Bloch
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Dans Max et Lili découvrent l’empathie, les célèbres héros de Dominique de Saint-Mars et Serge Bloch apprennent à se mettre à la place des autres et à comprendre leurs émotions. À travers une histoire simple, vivante et accessible, les auteurs montrent comment Max et Lili découvrent l’importance d’écouter, de respecter les sentiments d’autrui et de faire preuve de bienveillance au quotidien. Les illustrations expressives de Serge Bloch soutiennent parfaitement le texte, rendant les situations claires et parlantes pour les enfants.
Le livre met en avant des valeurs essentielles comme la compréhension, la tolérance et la solidarité. En fin d’ouvrage, des questions et pistes de réflexion invitent les lecteurs — enfants, parents ou enseignants — à discuter ensemble de ce qu’est l’empathie et comment la pratiquer.
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C’est un excellent support pour amorcer des discussions sur les émotions et les relations avec les autres, bien qu’il aborde le sujet de façon générale et sans approfondir les différentes situations émotionnelles. Idéal comme point de départ pour sensibiliser les enfants à la notion d’empathie, avec l’accompagnement d’un adulte.
Bienvenue! Un livre sur l'inclusion - Alexandra Penfold.
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Dans Bienvenue! Un livre sur l'inclusion d’Alexandra Penfold, illustré par Suzanne Kaufman, on découvre une école ouverte à tous, où chaque enfant est accueilli avec gentillesse et respect, peu importe son origine, sa religion, sa culture ou ses capacités. Le texte, à la fois simple et rythmé, s’accompagne d’illustrations lumineuses qui montrent des enfants différents partageant les mêmes joies : jouer, apprendre, rire et vivre ensemble. Le message central est fort et positif : la diversité est une richesse, et chacun a sa place.
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L’inclusion, le respect et le sentiment d’appartenance sont mis en avant. C'est un livre qui ouvre naturellement la porte à des échanges autour de la tolérance et de l’acceptation des différences, sans tomber dans la leçon de morale.
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Outil parfait pour initier les plus jeunes à ces valeurs essentielles, Bienvenue ! reste volontairement simple, privilégiant l’émotion et la clarté plutôt qu’une exploration en profondeur des parcours individuels. Sa douceur et son message universel en font une belle ressource à partager à la maison ou en classe.
Être différent, c'est merveilleux - Sharon Purtill.
Dans cet album doux et coloré, Sharon Purtill invite les enfants à célébrer ce qui rend chacun unique. À travers des illustrations joyeuses et un texte simple, elle montre que nos différences — de culture, d’apparence ou de capacités — sont ce qui rend le monde plus beau.
Le message est clair : chacun mérite d’être accepté et aimé tel qu’il est.
Accessible dès la maternelle, ce livre transmet une belle leçon de respect et de confiance en soi. S’il reste plutôt général dans son approche, il constitue une porte d’entrée idéale pour discuter de diversité et d’inclusion avec les enfants.
Just Ask! Be different, be brave, be you - Sonia Sotomayor
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Just Ask! Be different, be brave, be you by Sonia Sotomayor introduces a group of children, each with unique abilities and ways of experiencing the world—some have diabetes, dyslexia, autism, or use a wheelchair. Through bright, inclusive illustrations by Rafael López, the children work together to plant a garden, showing that differences make the world more vibrant. The story encourages curiosity, empathy, and acceptance by reminding readers that it’s okay to ask questions rather than make assumptions.
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This book is a wonderful tool to spark conversations about diversity and inclusion. While it only briefly touches on each child’s experience, its positive tone and vivid visuals make it an excellent starting point for discussions about understanding and celebrating differences.
My Brain is a Racecar - Nell Harris
My Brain is a RaceCar by Nell Harris uses the metaphor of a brain as a racing car on a track to explain neurodivergence (particularly ADHD and autism) in simple, child-friendly language. The author, inspired by her daughter’s diagnosis and her own, avoids heavy jargon and acronyms and instead invites children (and adults) to see how “race-car brains” may zoom ahead, pick up lots of info, and sometimes struggle to slow down or finish tasks. (nellharris.com+2target.com+2)
The book also introduces self-regulation ideas—“servicing” or “maintaining” the brain track—so the brain-car doesn’t overheat or crash. (yardstickalgoma.com) It is designed as a “conversation starter” between adult and child to talk about how the child thinks, learns, and can ask for supports. (nellharris.com+1)
This book is a strong tool for introducing younger children (and their families) to the concept of neurodivergent brains in an affirming, accessible way. Its metaphor is vivid and relatable.
I recommend this book, especially for parents, educators, or therapists working with younger children (around ages 3-10) to help them feel seen and understood, and to start the discussion about how their brain works differently.
Masterpiece - Alexandra Hoffman.
Masterpiece by Alexandra Hoffman tells the story of Samuel, a young boy on the autism spectrum who expresses himself through art. When his class is asked to draw their families, Samuel uses only shades of blue while others use many colors. His teacher celebrates his unique perspective, showing that every piece of art—and every person—is special in their own way. Beautifully illustrated by Beatriz Mello, the book highlights inclusion, sensory awareness, and the value of seeing the world differently.
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This book is a gentle, affirming introduction to autism and neurodiversity for young readers. Its simple story and vivid artwork make complex ideas about difference and acceptance easy to grasp. While it doesn’t explore autism in depth, Masterpiece is a wonderful conversation starter for classrooms and families, encouraging empathy, understanding, and pride in being yourself.
La bulle de Miro - Rhéa Dufresne, Geneviève Després.
La bulle de Miro aborde avec délicatesse la notion des limites personnelles et de l’intimité. Miro vit une “mauvaise journée” : partout où il va — à la garderie, à la sieste, même à la maison — des câlins, des bisous ou des gestes d’affection lui sont imposés sans qu’il n’en ait envie. Il sent sa colère grandir, mais il ne sait pas comment exprimer qu’il veut garder son espace. Finalement, avec l’aide de son père, il apprend non seulement à poser des limites claires, mais aussi qu’il a le droit de dire “non”, même à des personnes qu’il aime.
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C'est un livre excellent pour commencer une discussion sur le consentement et le respect de l'intimité avec les plus jeunes. Les illustrations sont simples et expressives. Les enfants peuvent alors facilement s'identifier au personnage de Miro et comprendre ses émotions.
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Je trouve ce livre très intéressant à utiliser dès la maternelle, le préscolaire ou à la maison car il donne aux enfants des outils concrets pour affirmer leur “bulle”, mais il donne aussi aux adultes un cadre bienveillant pour aborder ce sujet avec eux. Je le recommande fortement comme point de départ pour des conversations sur le respect, l’intimité et le consentement.
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