10 picture books that teach kids compassion and inclusivity

It’s never too early to learn the values of compassion, kindness and inclusivity. Fortunately, there are books that teach these lessons in an enjoyable way, accompanied with joyful illustrations.

Pick up these picture books to read aloud with your children and help them navigate a potentially tough world by seeing beyond boundaries and embracing diversity.

Legend Of The Flute Player

By Noel Parent, Illustrated by Marina Minina

The author, Noel Parent, who is of US origin and lives in Auroville, has created a magical story about a poor boy called Avaiyyar, who creates beautiful music after he is enchanted by a piece of wood with holes, whistling with the wind. From facing ridicule for his humble instrument to becoming a virtuoso as he retreats into the forest to hone his craft, the book takes us on a journey within, accompanied by wondrous illustrations that reflect nature in all its glory.

Machher Jhol

By Richa Jha, Illustrated by Sumanta Dey

The city of Kolkata comes alive with all its smells and sounds as a young visually impaired Gopu negotiates the city, counting the steps to his grandmother’s house to get his unwell father some Machher Jhol or fish curry. The simple, evocative story is testimony to his courage as he navigates the bustling lanes of Kolkata, filled with people and chaotic traffic, with the readers for company. A delightful book for both kids and adults.

The Why Why Girl

By Mahasweta Devi, Illustrated by Kanyika Kini

In this true story, legendary author Mahashweta Devi writes about her encounter with tribal girl Moyna and her pet mongoose. Like all children, she has a healthy curiosity and incessantly asks questions, earning the moniker of ‘why-why girl’! The author guides her to find answers in books that she learns to read, alongside grazing goats and other chores. Her spirit of enquiry also leads to the village school making changes in timings so that children can continue to attend despite their many household duties.

Different Differenter

By Jyoti Gupta, Illustrated by Tarannum Pasricha

This fun activity book is a starting point for conversations on colourism and discrimination, touching upon ethnicity, media biases and self-awareness. It talks about issues of identity and diversity, through the vibrant world of a child, whether it’s a delicious dessert or the varying complexions of everyone in the family. The focus on diversity will help children learn to look past differences from an early age. It also introduces young readers to new vocabulary and some historical facts.

Dadaji’s Paintbrush

By Rashmi Sirdeshpande, Illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane

This is the story of a little village boy who learnt to paint from his grandfather, gleefully dipping his fingers into paint, learning to extract colour from marigold or coconut shells, and creating natural brushes from sticks and reeds. However, when the elderly man dies, the boy stops painting, an activity he cherished doing with his ‘Dadaji’. He doesn’t think he’ll paint again, despite discovering the gift of a paintbrush from his grandfather. One day, a little girl comes to his home and it looks like things may change! A wonderful story about grief and hope, to read aloud with kids.

The World Needs More Purple People

By Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart, Illustrated by Daniel Wiseman

Are you a purple person? If you’re not, it would be a good idea to surround yourself with a few, because they are funny and smart! Purple people ask lots of questions, they’re kind and never miss a chance for a few laughs. It sets the tone for kids to embrace diversity and find that special something in each person they encounter. The book on inclusivity, going beyond black and white, is meant to spark pure joy in its young readers.

The Rabbit Listened

By Cori Doerrfeld

Sometimes, all one needs is someone to listen. While parents will always try to shield children from bad news and grief, they can’t always be successful. It’s better to pay attention to their feelings instead of rushing in with well-meaning advice. Here, when Taylor’s block tower is knocked down by a flock of birds, several animals offer wise counsel, to scream or laugh it off. However, when he doesn’t heed their advice, they abandon him to his grief. Only the rabbit stays. And listens. A great lesson for children and adults in offering comfort in tough times.

The Seed of Compassion: Lessons from the Life and Teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Illustrated by Bao Luu

“Compassion is not a sign of weakness — it is a sign of strength. When you approach someone with true warmheartedness, they can feel it,” writes the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. Growing up in a small village in Tibet, as a child named Lhamo Thondup, his mother was his first great teacher of compassion. In this simple book with a strong message, the Dalai Lama shares lessons of peace and compassion, through stories of his own childhood.

Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?

By Dr Seuss

“You ought to be thankful a hole heaping lot, for The places and people you’re lucky you’re not!” This is the theme for the classic Dr Seuss story about a boy called Duckie who believes he is very unlucky, and an old man who recounts how he is so much better off than many other people. It teaches children the lesson of optimism, looking on the brighter side of things and being thankful for what they possess. Here’s another gem from the book: “Think they work you too hard? Think of poor Ali Sard. He has to mow grass in his uncle’s backyard and its quick growing grass and it grows as he mows it the faster he mows it the faster he grows it…”

How to Be a Lion

By Ed Vere

Leonard is not what you would expect in a lion. Instead of hunting prey, he likes to write poems and play with his best-friend Marianne, a duck. Everything is going well, till a pack of bullies questions their friendship. Who decides if a lion and duck can be friends? However, Leonard, the lion, is not one to back down as he finds his inner courage and models the values of empathy and kindness. As the two friends’ poem goes, “Let nobody say / just one way is true. / There are so many ways / that you can be you.”

Pick up these books and welcome your child to a world full of inclusivity!