Hello, beautiful humans! Dr. Nicole Julia, here. I wanted to share with you five of my favorite inclusive read-a-louds on YouTube. These inclusive books are perfect for kiddos age 3-8. Inclusive books are the perfect way to start early conversations with kiddos about diverse abilities, kindness, compassion, and diverse friendships! Let’s get right to it!
Number One: Gary’s Gigantic Dream, Book #1 of The Able Fables Series. Written by, me, Dr. Nicole Julia! Gary’s Gigantic Dream, the first book of The Able Fables™ series, is an upbeat, rhythmic tale of a young giraffe who gets evaluated for his very first wheelchair. Upon receiving his chair, Gary discovers newfound independence, zest for life, and a gigantic dream of his own. The Able Fables™ collection proudly represents characters with diverse abilities, empowering children to embrace inclusion and see first, ability. The Able Fables™ collection proudly represents characters with diverse abilities, empowering children to embrace inclusion and see first, ability. You can purchase Gary’s Gigantic Dream at theablefables.com, 20% of profits help build inclusive playgrounds!
Number Two: Ivy The Very Determined Dog by Maureen & Chris Harrington is a true story about their dog, Ivy. Ivy acquired a spinal cord injury as a result of a disease. With her new wheels, she is determined to live her life to the fullest. You can purchase a copy of Ivy The Very Determined Dog at https://www.ivysbook.com/
Number Three: When Charley Met Emma written by Amy Webb is a heartfelt story of a young boy Charley, and a young girl Emma, both unique in their very own way. Charley meets Emma and learns the value of diverse friendship and that we really are more alike than different. You can purchase this book on Amazon, here: https://www.amazon.com/When-Charley-Met-Emma-Webb/dp/1506448720
Number Four: Just Ask by Sonia Sotomayor, is an inclusive children’s book that truly celebrates diversity. In the same way that different types of plants and flowers make a garden more beautiful and enjoyable, different types of people make our world more vibrant and wonderful. You can purchase Just Ask, here: https://www.amazon.com/Just-Ask-Different-Brave-You/dp/0525514120
Number Five: Let’s Go Play, by Shelby McCarthy introduces kiddos to the world of assistive devices and technologies present to kiddos as “tools”. This books teaches children about all of the different types of tools that their peers might be using, and shows children that we can all play, together! You can purchase the book here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KAMsInspirations?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=768387567
If you enjoyed this blog post, please share it with your friends and spread the good word of inclusion. You can also download a FREE pdf of 25 of my favorite inclusive children’s books! Just click here!