Disability Inclusion Storytime: 5 Picture Books that Celebrate Disability Inclusion
In honor of Disability Pride Month, my local library partnered with our local chapter of The Arc to present a storytime celebrating disability inclusion. An Arc advocate served as a guest reader during the library’s regularly scheduled Family Storytime, sharing five fun and engaging stories that featured characters with disabilities and promoted the beauty of uniqueness. Learn more about the books below and consider sharing them with your patrons!
You Are Enough: A Book About Inclusion
By Margaret O’Hair and Sofia Sanchez, and illustrated by Sofia Cardoso
For Ages 4-8
Sofia Sanchez, a young actress with Down Syndrome, inspired this beautiful picture book. It highlights how being different can be challenging and the importance of letting your unique light shine because “you are just right exactly as you are.”
Amazon | Goodreads
My Ability Book: Sports & Recreation
By Kacie Short and illustrated by Debraj Saha
For Ages 3-7
This rhyming picture book features diverse characters enjoying a variety of fun adaptive sports. Storytime audiences will enjoy participating in the sound effects throughout, such as the “BAM!” of a drum and “GOOAAAL!” of a power soccer player. *Please note this book is from an independent publisher, and the cover may have changed.
Amazon | Goodreads
Don’t Hug Doug (He Doesn’t Like It)
By Carrie Finison and drawings by Daniel Wiseman
For Ages 3-8
Not everyone loves hugs, so ask before giving them! This cheerful picture book is a storytime gem that explores boundaries and consent, with lots of audience participation. Storytime attendees will love yelling numerous “No!”s when asked if it’s ok to hug Doug. Plus, be sure to walk the book around for attendees to high-five the illustration of an open hand. My 2-year-old loved high-fiving the book as much as the 6-year-olds.
Amazon | Goodreads
Awesomely Emma
By Amy Webb and illustrated by Merrilee Liddiard
For Ages 5-8
Emma has limb differences, which isn’t sad, it’s just different! On a class trip to an art museum, Emma overcomes the museum’s lack of a ramp out front, but when her friend tries to help her unnecessarily later in the day, she can’t help but stand up for herself and help her classmates feel good in their own skin, too. This picture book is an excellent choice for elementary classrooms.
Amazon | Goodreads
There’s Only One You
By Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook, and illustrated by Rosie Butcher
For Ages 3-7
“In all the world over, this much is true:
You’re somebody special. There’s only one you!”
This beautiful picture book features a diverse range of kids and families, encouraging the embrace of all physical types, personalities, and abilities. This book will leave attendees feeling seen and proud of their unique qualities.
Amazon | Goodreads
Visit The Youth Desk’s Sensory Storytime and Outreach pages for more great read-alouds!
