3 picture books for encouraging inclusion and kindness

A Home Full of Friends by Peter Bently (Hodder Children’s Books, £6.99)
One of my favourite recent picture book discoveries is the delightful book A Home Full of Friends by Peter Bently, illustrated by Charles Fuge, which we received to review. The rhyming story is about a badger who opens up his home to animals in need despite his initial concerns about lack of space and limited food. I think this story is touching because it teaches readers about being a good friend, being welcoming and helping others – and also having fun in the process.

Welcome by Barroux (Egmont, £6.99)
One of my now long-term favourite picture books is the sweet Welcome book by Barroux, which we received to review. The colourful book tells the story of polar bears looking for a new home and other animals they meet turning them away, coming up with different excuses to exclude them. In addition to introducing children to a major current environmental problem, I adore the book because it highlights the importance of being inclusive, kind and considerate – all things I want to teach my children.

Dino Duckling by Alison Murray (Orchard Books, £12.99)
The charming and funny picture book Dino Duckling tells the story about a dinosaur who is the odd one out in a duck family, and although he can do many of the same things as his siblings he realises he can’t fly and therefore can’t join them on their journey south. The book, inspired by HC Andersen’s Ugly Duckling and aimed at under 5s, has become one of my favourite picture books after I received it to review. I like the story because it is about sticking together and looking after each other, promoting kindness and compassion.