Eugene The Unicorn: And the road to self-acceptance

 

Eugene The Unicorn: And the road to self-acceptance 

written and illustrated by T. Wheeler

Language: English 

Independently published, 2020. 

33 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 

ISBN: 9798580667522 

Summary: A book about the unique friendship between a lonely unicorn and an out of place donkey who explore diversity and decide to share their new found confidence with everyone around them. Sharing is caring, and they hope to help anyone else who feels out of place with their new found knowledge of the beauty of diversity. The intent behind this book, although subtle, is to allow questions and conversations about the LGBT+ community to be raised naturally. It’s often difficult finding the right words to start a conversation about LGBT+ issues and identities, especially when there is little experience to be had with this dialogue on a personal level. Where to begin? When to begin? Hopefully, this will inspire further research into the details and intricacies of the LGBT+ community for anyone that is responsible for guiding youth. Most importantly, this is a tool to help strengthen ideas about self-acceptance and embracing the differences, that when unspoken, may be perceived as disadvantages. Wouldn’t it be better to embrace one’s identity rather than maintain a secret through childhood and into adulthood? 

Available: https://www.amazon.com/Eugene-Unicorn-self-acceptance-T-Wheeler/dp/B08QDWNMYJ/

Toby Wears a Tutu

 

Toby Wears a Tutu 

by Lori Starling 

illus. by Anita Dufalla

Language: English 

Brandylane Publishers, 2021. 

32 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 

ISBN: 1951565398 ; 9781951565398 

Summary: It's the first day of school, and Toby is dressed in their best and ready to make new friends! But first, Toby's new classmates want to know: Is Toby a boy or a girl? Toby isn't sure how to answer. Toby likes to wear basketball shorts and tutus. Toby plays ninjas and dances ballet. Finally, after a little thought and some encouragement from Mom, Toby has a declaration to make: they can eat, wear, do, or be anything they want! Toby isn't a boy or a girl--Toby is just Toby! 

Available: https://www.amazon.com/Toby-Wears-Tutu-Lori-Starling/dp/1951565398/

My Friend J.T.

 

My Friend J.T. 

by Savannah Riestenberg 

illus. by Taryn Pepping 

Language: English 

Independently published, 2020. 

28 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 

ISBN: 9798664998528 

Summary: J.T. loves school and his friends, but sometimes people are mean to him because of who he is. Some people think he’s “different”, but to me he’s just J.T.! Luckily, J.T. has awesome friends (like me!) who stand up for him and make him feel better. 

Available: https://www.amazon.com/My-Friend-J-T-Savannah-Riestenberg/dp/B08L48TGBV/

Tyrone O’Saurus Dreams

 

Tyrone O’Saurus Dreams 

by James Howe 

illus. by Randy Cecil 

Language: English 

Candlewick, 2021. 

32 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 

ISBN: 1536210870 ; 9781536210873 

Summary: Tyrone has a dream. But it seems like everyone else has their own dream for Tyrone. Should he be a dentist? A lawyer? A football player like his brother Johnny? None of these things make Tyrone happy. But then he meets the strongest dinosaur he’s ever seen, who inspires him to follow his own heart and become a dancer—like her. The creators of Brontorina reunite for a captivating companion story about a young dinosaur who, with a little love and encouragement, finds the courage to dance his way into his dreams. 

Available: https://www.amazon.com/Tyrone-OSaurus-Dreams-James-Howe/dp/1536210870/

A Fox Called Herbert

 

A Fox Called Herbert 

written and illustrated by Margaret Sturton 

Language: English 

Andersen Press USA, 2021. 

32 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 

ISBN: 1728424119 ; 9781728424118 

Summary: Meet Herbert, the rabbit who knows he was born to be a fox. When his mommy isn't looking, he puts on pointy fox ears, makes himself a bushy tail, and asks his sister to paint him orange, just like a fox. But Mommy doesn't understand; why can't he just be a good rabbit? This delightful picture book is a true celebration of being ourselves and supporting our loved ones. Let this joyful tale inspire you to be who you are and follow your dreams. 

Available: https://www.amazon.com/Fox-Called-Herbert-Margaret-Sturton/dp/1728424119/

The Moose Fairy

 

The Moose Fairy 

written and illustrated by Steve Smallman 

Language: English 

words & pictures, 2021. 

32 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 

ISBN: 071125883X ; 9780711258839 

Summary: A funny and touching picture book, with a positive message about being kind and accepting those who are different from ourselves. Includes discussion points for parents and teachers to build understanding and enjoyment of the story and the morals behind it. 

Available: https://www.amazon.com/Moose-Fairy-Storytime-Steve-Smallman/dp/071125883X/

Dracula Spectacular

Dracula Spectacular 
by Lucy Rowland 
illus. by Ben Mantle 
Language: English 
Macmillan Children's Books, 2019. 
32 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1509845976 ; 9781509845972 
Summary: t’s tough being a vampire when you’re more giggles and glitter than beastly and bitter. But will Dracula Boy dare to follow his heart and live life in technicolour? Full of spooks and sparkles, Dracula Spectacular is a heart-warming story about learning to be brave, kind and above all, proud to be yourself. 
Available: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dracula-Spectacular-Lucy-Rowland/dp/1509845976

Someday for Lucas

Someday for Lucas 
written and illustrated by Andres Antunez 
Language: English 
Independently published, 2020. 
26 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 9798637036035 
Summary: This is the story of a child's loss and struggles to find acceptance. When Lucas' mother is taken from him suddenly, he must learn to be brave and fend for himself in the school yard. Will his love of the color pink, books, and art help him find a friend? Will his schoolmates accept his special, sparkly scarf? 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Someday-Lucas-Andres-Antunez/dp/B0873VGLTX/

The Butterfly Inside: A Story of Courage, Determination, Self-esteem and Friendship

The Butterfly Inside: A Story of Courage, Determination, Self-esteem, and Friendship 
by Serena Lane Ferrari 
illus. by Giorgia Vallicelli
Language: English 
Serena Ferrari, 2020. 
39 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 9791220061612 
Summary: Every night Oliver dreams of becoming a butterfly. He wants to fly and flutter around the forest with all the other butterflies. The butterfly within him, trapped in the prison of his elf body, is battling to come out. Despite Crow’s laughing, Oliver has many friends that support him in finding his power and path to transformation. Can Oliver hold onto his dream and become a Butterfly? 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Butterfly-Inside-Determination-Self-esteem-Friendship/dp/B087RGBVPP

Foot-Foot Meets Riff-Raff

Foot-Foot Meets Riff-Raff 
by Cindy Hickox 
illus. by Indigo Chapman Language: English 
Independently published, 2020. 
40 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 9798642002834 
Summary: Foot-Foot's friend Roxy see's herself differently than others. As a result, sometimes others see her differently and do not respond well. This is a story of friendship, conflict resolution, and overcoming differences. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Foot-Foot-Meets-Riff-Raff-Foots-Feats/dp/B0882LBL89

Sheep'ingly Different: Let a sheep family inspire you to be YOU!

Sheep'ingly Different: Let a sheep family inspire you to be YOU! 
by Aunt Cherry 
illus. by Kseniya Shagieva 
Language: English 
Aunt Cherry, 2020. 
48 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 8194482674 ; 9788194482673 
Summary: A “Baa-Baa” family book about celebrating who you are; No matter how different you may seem to the world. Let a sheep family inspire you to be YOU! 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Sheepingly-Different-sheep-family-inspire/dp/8194482674

The Purple Grasshopper

The Purple Grasshopper 
by Hannah Qizilbash 
 illus. by Katie Blakeslee 
Language: English 
Nodhi Stories, 2020. 
16 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1734905107 ; 9781734905106 
Summary: The Purple Grasshopper follows the journey of a quirky grasshopper who struggles with accepting that she is different. She tries to be like the other grasshoppers at first, but quickly learns the power of self-love and that friendship is abundant. Celebrating your uniqueness is not as difficult as it might seem! 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/The-Purple-Grasshopper/dp/1734905107/

I Am Fabulous

I Am Fabulous 
by Miss Nicola Louise Bedenham 
Language: English 
Independently published, 2020. 
31 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 9798663403252 
Summary: This book champions children who feel different and encourages them to be proud of the amazing wonderful individuals they are. I am fabulous is the heartfelt story inspired by the author's transgender brother and their childhood growing up. Christopher is a small boy loving life following his dreams and passions. Singing, dancing and making the most fabulous glittery costumes, but not everyone around him shares the same enthusiasm and pokes fun at him. His sister decides to help him in the only way she knows how, by making a piece of artwork celebrating who he is. This book includes an art project so the reader can celebrate their own fabulous individual story. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/fabulous-Miss-Nicola-Louise-Bedenham/dp/B08CPG3B15

A Different Dolphin

A Different Dolphin 
by Aaron Clippinger 
illus. by Mike Shea 
Language: English 
Meadows Metropolis, 2016. 
50 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 0692751521 ; 9780692751527
Summary: "A Different Dolphin" is a rhyming tale that showcases the sweetest and kindest mammal in all the seas. A finned friend with a kind heart, this dolphin is an individual who yearns for acceptance. However, because of his differences, because of who he is deep down inside, his community rejects him and casts him into loneliness and isolation. Stranded and in a state of despair, he even begins to question the value of his life. In his darkest hour and when all hope seems lost, loving ethereal sea creatures rise from the deep abyss and save him with their words of encouragement. With such genuine kindness expressed from these peculiar yet graceful monsters of the deep, our friendly dolphin soars with a newly discovered ray of inner strength and fortitude, and he bathes in a new light of self-compassion, acceptance, and appreciation….and it’s just in the nick of time. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0692751521

Rain Boy

Rain Boy 
written and illustrated by Dylan Glynn 
Language: English 
Chronicle Books, 2020. 
40 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1452172803 ; 9781452172804 
Summary: Wherever he goes, Rain Boy brings wet—which means he's not very popular. Sun Kidd brings sunshine everywhere she goes, so everyone loves her. Only Sun Kidd sees what's special about Rain Boy. But when she invites him to her birthday party, disaster strikes, and Rain Boy storms. Now the world is nothing but rain. Will the other kids ever love Rain Boy for being himself? And. more importantly, can Rain Boy learn to love his rain? Debut author and illustrator Dylan Glynn's colorful and evocative illustrations color this story with all the emotions of the rainbow in this universal story of reaching out to those who look different from you, making new friends, and learning to love yourself. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1452172803

Llama Glamarama

Llama Glamarama 
by Simon James Green 
illus. by Garry Parsons 
Language: English 
Scholastic, 2020. 
32 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1407197037; 9781407197036 
Summary: Larry loves to groove and mooooove ... but will the others disapprove? Larry the llama's big secret is that late at night, when no one is watching, he loves to DANCE. Then, one day, he stumbles upon the Llama Glamarama! Will this raucous celebration give Larry the pride he needs to bring his dance back home? A hilarious, rhyming story with a powerful message about celebrating differences. 
Available: https://www.amazon.de/dp/1407197037/

Ang bonggang bonggang batang beki = The fierce and fabulous boy in pink

Ang bonggang bonggang batang beki = The fierce and fabulous boy in pink 
by Rhandee Garlítos 
illus. by Tokwa Salazar Peñaflorida 
Language: Tagalog and English 
[Quezon City LG&M Corporation, 2013] ©2013.
30 pages : color illustrations ; 25 cm. 
ISBN: 9789710151394 
Summary: Adel seems to be different from the other boys his age. He is very fond of the color pink which brings meaning to his life. But for his family and friends, Adel is a son, sibling, and friend that you will surely adore. Still, there are people who cannot easily accept Adel's identity and those like him. In one surprising instance, Adel proves to everyone that true bravery and greatness do not lie in how one acts or looks, but in courage and self-acceptance. 
Available: https://pumplepie.com/products/ang-bonggang-bonggang-batang-beki-the-fierce-and-fabulous-boy-in-pink?fbclid=IwAR0ucQwje5TrhpIjatBqh9TXlT99H4LaGpSwWE_YGDoXooP2YLOp3_FzA1g

Free to be Me

Free to be Me 
by Nancy Zarriello 
illus. by Blueberry Illustrations 
Language: English 
Independently published, 2019. 
30 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1086295544; 9781086295542 
Summary: “Free to be ME” takes you on a journey through a little boy’s life living authentically through his difficult school years, standing out and not fitting in with other boys and societal norms. Oliver embraces who he is from a young age, which subjects him to years of bullying and being left out simply because he was different. It’s an adorable and honest story told through Oliver’s voice that will help parents, teachers and guardians facilitate positive conversations around sexuality, love and stressing the importance of embracing what makes someone different and unique. Families are supposed to be a mom, dad, sisters and brothers, right? In this story, families are created differently. The main ingredient is LOVE and that is what ultimately makes a family. Oliver is lucky enough to be a part of two families created differently, but both made equally from LOVE. This book is dedicated to all those living their truths. The most powerful question ever posed to me by my then ten-year-old son was, “Why would you keep me from being who I am?” 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Free-be-Me-Nancy-Zarriello/dp/1086295544

Tyler the Moth

Tyler the Moth 
by Sebastian Lee Shields 
illus. by Megan Leigh Shields 
Language: English 
Independently published, 2017. 
26 p. : col. ill. ; cm. 
ISBN: 1521759952; 9781521759950 
Summary: A children's book that opens up the discussion of social differences. A developmentally appropriate way of introducing the topic of social norms and the challenges many face in today society. Explore the life of Tyler, a moth that feels out of place among his fellow moths. Watch Tyler explore self-acceptance and challenge the social norm. Many people are born into societies and bodies that do not feel right. Tyler explores these concepts in the journey of self-acceptance. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Tyler-Moth-Sebastian-Lee-Shields/dp/1521759952/

Wish upon a lantern

Wish upon a lantern 
by Lindy Lorenz 
illus. by Beth Kruziki 
Language: English 
Roswell, New Mexico: Michelkin Publishing, [2017] ©2017. 
26 pages : color illustrations ; 22 cm.
ISBN: 9780999522202; 0999522205 
Summary: "When a child struggles with feeling out of place, Papa lights a sky lantern to dance among the stars. The child wishes upon the lantern's soft light as Papa teaches about serving as a lantern for others who need it most. When it's time for the child to light their own lantern, it's finally clear what it means to be an ally for others. Wish Upon A Lantern is a heartwarming story of courage, fellowship, and virtue in a world where being different is often met with adversity."--provided by Amazon.com. 
Available: https://www.amazon.com/Wish-Upon-Lantern-Lindy-Lorenz/dp/0999522205/