Just as you are

A quirky, warm-hearted story about a green monster who hides underground because he feels too different, until he learns that no one really minds. A gentle fable about belonging, hand-illustrated by its Criminal Minds actor-author.

Tad is the smallest tadpole in the pond. She has to grow up quickly, because the pond is full of things that eat small tadpoles. A gripping, funny, genuinely educational picture book about the frog life cycle that also works as a story about courage and becoming yourself.

Lena looks like a chicken, but she knows in her bones she's a dinosaur, and when a weasel threatens the coop, it's up to her to unleash her inner dino. A funny, empowering picture book about being fiercely, unapologetically yourself.

A witty, tender picture-book fable about a little utensil who is neither spoon nor fork and has to find his own place at the table. A lovely, child-friendly story about mixed identity and belonging.

A warm rhyming story about a little bat who does not believe he can fly until a friend needs him. Strong for children who struggle with confidence, bravery or trying something difficult.

A bright, tender and visually distinctive picture book about a shy ghost finding the courage to be seen. It is especially strong for children who struggle with shyness, making friends or joining in.

A quirky fable about five odd, imperfect characters who learn that being misfit is not the same as being worthless. It is one of Alemagna's best books for self-acceptance, difference and resisting perfectionism.

Blu is the only blue tomato in a town full of red ones, and he'll do anything to fit in, until he learns to love the colour he is. A quietly beautiful debut picture book about self-acceptance.

Molly the monkey has a secret: she's actually a pig. When a suspicious monkey sets tests to root out the imposter, this deadpan, slapstick picture book turns out to be a hearty salute to being different.

A warm, funny rhyming picture book about a dachshund who feels like the odd one out and goes searching for somewhere she fits. Excellent for difference, belonging, self-acceptance and children who love stylish dog-filled pages.

A luminous, emotionally direct picture book about a penguin rejected for being different and finding friendship. Excellent for belonging, difference, loneliness and children who respond to bold, beautiful art.

Leonard the lion loves writing poems with his best friend Marianne the duck, until bullies insist lions should roar and gobble ducks. A gentle, empowering picture book about being true to yourself and finding words that change the world.

A witty, postcard-filled adventure about a meerkat who leaves home and slowly realises what home gives him. A near-perfect early-years read-aloud for family belonging, travel, humour and interactive page design.

A witty, visually clever picture book about a moose who is simply too large to fit on the page. It works beautifully as a funny-but-gentle story about difference, belonging and finding a creative solution.

A tiny mouse finds his voice by visiting the biggest, loudest lion in the land, and discovers that big doesn't always mean brave. The first and most-loved of Rachel Bright and Jim Field's series: the book to reach for when a child needs to know that courage lives in small hearts.

A modern picture-book staple about Gerald the giraffe finding his own rhythm after the other animals laugh at him. A highly reliable read-aloud for confidence, difference and gentle anti-bullying themes.

A bright, funny and very preschool-friendly story about a glowing chameleon who wants to find somewhere he fits. Best for younger children who like colour, repetition, visual humour and gentle belonging stories.

All the Hueys look the same, until one wears a new jumper. A masterclass in doing a lot with almost nothing: Oliver Jeffers explores conformity, envy, and the price of individuality using barely any words and a cast of identical blobs.