Choosing High Quality Picture Books for Your Child

There are many creative, empathetic, humorous, and well-written picture books for children (ages 4-8) about characters with limb differences! In some, a character has a limb difference but it’s not central to the story, while in others, the limb difference is front and center. Some of the authors of these books are adults with limb differences while others are allies and supporters.

Most parents are choosy about which books they read to their children, and for good reason! As a parent, you want to choose high quality books that align with and reinforce your values and steer clear of books that teach messages that you prefer to avoid. That’s being a savvy parent! The same is true of the growing library of books for children with limb differences. I encourage you to watch read alouds on YouTube of any books you consider purchasing.

It is vitally important that children see themselves represented in books. While some children with limb differences are confident, outgoing extroverts, others are shy, studious, and quiet introverts. There can’t be a one-size-fits-all approach to representing children who have different personalities and differences.

In addition, it is important to watch for ableist and “you can do anything” messages. While these can be well-intentioned, they also can lead to pressure to achieve/perform/prove competency. A quick caveat that focusing one’s praise too much on accomplishments can lead to issues such as the Overachiever Trap.

Questions to consider about books for children with limb differences:

Does the book imply or explicitly state that children with limb differences are required to work extra hard to make up for their difference?
Are children with limb differences required or encouraged to prove their competence?
Are children with limb differences portrayed as having a range of feelings? Do the adults and/or peers validate these feelings? For example, is the child allowed to feel sad about not being able to do something or not having the same body parts as everyone else?
Are children with limb differences expected to do everything independently and without help, or are they offered appropriate and needed accommodations and support?
Does the book share ableist messages such as children with limb differences are superheros whose skills surpass those of their peers?
Put yourself in your child’s shoes; does the story inspire you? Comfort you? Answer your questions? Share a valuable life lesson?

Here are the books I recommend

Awesomely Emma: A Charley and Emma Story (Charley and Emma Stories Book 2)
Baking Up a Storm by Jessica Parham
Different is Awesome by Ryan Hack
Goldie’s Tasty Tacos (The Able Fables) by Dr. Nicole Julia
Uniquely Me by Trace Wilson
What Happened to You? by James Catchpole, Karen George (Illustrator)
You’re So Amazing! by James Catchpole (Author), Lucy Catchpole (Author), Karen George (Illustrator)

I would love to hear what books resonate for your child. Let me know here.

Posted in Early Years