Being Proud of Yourself!

June is Pride month here in the U.K., which means we’re thinking about acceptance, inclusion and equality. It is a month to celebrate love, in all it’s forms, and to be proud of who we are as individuals.

Celebrating and being proud of ourselves is an important part of learning acceptance and tolerance. When we are proud of ourselves, valuing our individualities, choices and personalities, then we have greater understanding of those around us too. Books that have positive affirmations, accurate representations and authentic stories really help children with this. They get to see themselves and those around them as important and worthy of love.

So to celebrate this Pride month, we’ve put together some of our favourite books that champion being YOU!

Someone Just Like You by Helen Docherty and David Roberts.

Age range: EYFS

A bouncy and lyrically engaging book that helps children to understand our differences and similarities. A joy to read and a great option for talking about what makes you ‘you’!

Nen and the Lonely Fisherman by Ian Eagleton and James Mayhew.

Age Range: EYFS and KS1

A story of acceptance, love and faith; with a touch of magic! Written by Ian Eagleton, whose story Glitter Boy is a firm favourite of ours, we highly recommend this picture book for younger readers.

Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love.

Age Range: KS1

An almost wordless picture book that delights with it’s detailed illustrations and mesmerizing colours.  Julian is dazzled by the sight of three women on the train, dressed for the carnival. After seeing how enticed he is by their magic, Julian’s Nana helps him dress up just like the women so that he can enjoy the festivities himself.

Out of the Blue by Robert Tregoning and Stef Murphy

Age Range: KS1

All colours have been banned, except the colour blue. Everything must be blue. But for one little boy, whose favourite colour is yellow, will he be brave enough to stand up and be himself? With the help of his Dad, they are about to celebrate all the colours of the rainbow!

The Accidental Diary of B.U.G. a book by Jen Carney. (bookshop.org)

Age Range:KS2

A laugh-out-loud story about a young girl called Billie. She loves biscuits but hates spelling; and she has two mums who are getting married.