Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

We recognise the key role that children’s literature plays across the curriculum in supporting children’s progress as readers and writers. That’s why we selected these diverse and inclusive books for children in nursery, preschool and reception (ages 2-5), which feature characters that are traditionally under-represented. 

​You can find more diverse and inclusive lists for other primary year groups here.

This list will be updated as more books are released. If you have any suggestions to add to this list, please email SST.education@southwark.gov.uk. 

Cultural Diversity 

1. Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed

Inspired by the life of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel in space, Mae Among the Stars will inspire other young girls to reach for the stars, to aspire for the impossible, and to persist with childlike imagination.

2. Hair Love by Matthew Cherry

Hair Love is an ode to loving your natural hair - and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere. Zuri knows her hair is beautiful, but it has a mind of its own! It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Mum always does Zuri's hair just the way she likes it - so when Daddy steps in to style it for an extra special occasion, he has a lot to learn.

3. The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad 

With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It's the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it's her older sister Asiya's first day of hijab - a hijab of beautiful blue fabric. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.

4. The Best Diwali Ever by Sonali Shah 

Peek into the magic of Diwali in this heart-warming book about Diwali, siblings and how very special this celebration can be.

5. Hats of Faith by Medeia Cohan-Petrolino 

Hats of Faith is a simple and striking introduction to the shared custom of religious head coverings. The book celebrates head coverings from faiths including: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Rastafarianism and Sikhism. 

6. Fruits by Valerie Bloom

How much fruit do you think one small girl can manage to eat in one day? In the case of the narrator of this counting poem, the answer is a lot! Count from one to ten and learn the names of some Caribbean fruits, and find out what happens after eating a cocktail of mangoes, bananas and more.

7. Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors by Hena Khan

Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns magnificently captures the world of Islam, celebrating its beauty and traditions for even the youngest readers.

8. The Can Caravan (Travellers Tales) by Richard O'Neil

The Can Caravan celebrates Traveller culture. When Janie’s neighbour Mrs Tolen goes into hospital with a broken hip, it looks as though she will have to move out of her old caravan and into a house. Janie is desperate to help, but all seems lost until her school visits a local recycling plant. All it takes from there is imagination, a supportive community, and lots and lots of hard work to transform Mrs Tolen’s old caravan into a safe and secure new home

9. The Katha Chest by Radhiah Chowdhury 

Six-year-old Asiya loves to go to Nanu's house. Best among all of Nanu's treasures is the big old chest filled with quilts that tell the stories of the women in Asyia's family. With beautifully colourful illustrations inspired by Bangladeshi katha quilts and traditional West Bengali pattachitra panel illustrations.

10. In My Mosque by M. O. Yuksel  

Do you go regularly to a mosque? Or perhaps you've never been inside one? This joyful book invites everyone – worshippers and newcomers alike – to step inside and meet warm, welcoming mosque communities all across the world. Join young Muslim children, their families and friends, as they learn, pray, eat, help others, and play!

 

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Main Characters 

1. Spreading My Wings by Nadiya Hussain.  

A touching story about being proud of who we are and embracing our differences. On his first day of holiday camp, a little boy arrives with his bird best friend perched proudly on his shoulder, but he soon discovers that he is different from everyone else - no one else has a bird. He hides Rayf away to try and fit in but it's hard to pretend to be someone else for long.

2. New Baby by Isabel Otter

Sofia and Bilal are twins, and they love making mischief together! When their family of four becomes five, the twins realise that sharing is harder than they had ever imagined. This book perfect for children who are about to become older siblings for the first time.

3. I Love Me! by Marvyn Harrison

Brimming with positivity, I Love Me! is a fun and empowering book of affirmations to help little ones stand tall. 

4. Eyes That Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho 

A young boy comes to recognise his own power and ability to change the future. When a friend at school creates a hurtful drawing, the boy turns to his family for comfort. Inspired by the men in his family, he recognises his own power and strength from within. This book redefines what it means to be truly you.

5. Astro Girl by Ken Wilson-Max 

Astrid has always loved the stars and space. "I want to be an astronaut!" she says. While Mama is away, Papa and Astrid have fun acting out the challenges an astronaut faces on a space mission - eating food from a tube, doing science experiments, living and sleeping in near-zero gravity.

6. Jabari Tries by Gaia Cornwal

Jabari is making a flying machine in his backyard! “It’ll be easy. I don’t need any help,” he declares. But it doesn’t work! Jabari is frustrated. Good thing Dad is there for a pep talk and his little sister, Nika, is there to assist, fairy wings and all.

7. Dadaji's Paintbrush by Rashmi Sirdeshpande

Dadaji loves to teach others to paint, especially his grandson. But after Dadaji passes away, the boy can’t bear to use the favourite paintbrush his grandfather left for him. When a little girl knocks on the door, the boy discovers how many lives Dadaji touched with his art, and finds a way to continue his legacy. 

8. So Much by Trish Cooke 

Mum and baby are home alone when – DING DONG! – Auntie and then Uncle and Nannie and Gran-Gran and the cousins come to visit. And they all want to hug and kiss and squeeze the baby because everybody loves him SO MUCH!
 

Celebrating Everyone

1. The Perfect Fit  by Naomi Jones

No matter how hard she tries, Triangle doesn't roll like the circles, or stack like the squares...so she sets off to find friends that look exactly like her. But when she finds the other triangles, playtime isn't as fun. She misses the shapes that roll and stack; she misses being different. So she starts a new quest, one that gets all of the different shapes playing and having fun together!

2. All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold 

All Are Welcome lets young children know that no matter what, they have a place, they have a space, and they are welcome in their school.

3. The Same but Different by Molly Potter

This book covers lots of ways in which we're different, including how we look, where we live, the languages we speak, what our families are like and what we believe in. It's a good resource for starting important conversations with children about diversity and inclusion.