5 Picture Books About Being Different for Kids

Many children worry about fitting in — at school, in friendships, or even within their own families. Feeling “different” can show up in all sorts of ways: the way you learn, the way you behave, the things you love, or the mistakes you make. Picture books can be a powerful way to help children see that being different isn’t something to hide, but something to understand and celebrate.

Here are five picture books that gently explore difference, belonging and confidence in ways children genuinely connect with.

1. Elmer by David McKee

Elmer’s patchwork skin makes him stand out from the rest of the grey elephants, and for a while he believes this is something he needs to change. Children respond warmly to Elmer’s journey because it mirrors a very real feeling — the desire to blend in — and gently shows that individuality is something to be valued.

2. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

This humorous story gives voice to crayons who feel misunderstood, overlooked or used unfairly. It’s a brilliant way to explore difference through perspective, helping children understand that everyone experiences the world differently — even the ones we think we know well.

3. Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae

Gerald the giraffe wants to dance, but his attempts don’t look like anyone else’s. Children love the rhythm, humour and emotional payoff of this story, which gently reinforces the idea that confidence often comes from finding your own way of doing things.

4. The Smeds and the Smoos by Julia Donaldson

This story uses playful sci-fi characters to explore difference, division and acceptance. It works especially well for helping children understand that labels and groups don’t define who we should care about — kindness does.

5. The Klangaroo by Mark Bird

The Klangaroo is a joyful kangaroo story for kids that explores what it feels like to be different and how belonging often comes not from being perfect, but from being accepted. Through humour, rhyme and a wonderfully wobbling robot kangaroo, the story reassures children that clanging, failing and falling flat can still lead to friendship and confidence.

Children love the big, playful language and the warmth of the ending, while adults often notice how naturally the story opens up conversations about mistakes, empathy and kindness. The Klangaroo works particularly well for shared reading at home or in the classroom, where children can see themselves reflected in characters who don’t quite get things right straight away.

Why stories about difference matter

When children see characters who struggle, wobble and grow, it helps them feel less alone. Picture books like these show that being different isn’t a problem to be fixed — it’s part of being human. Over time, these stories can help children build empathy, resilience and a stronger sense of self.