Children’s

I Am Not a Label: 34 disabled artists, thinkers, athletes and activists from past and present

In this stylishly illustrated biography anthology, meet 34 artists, thinkers, athletes and activists with disabilities, from past and present. From Frida Kahlo to Stephen Hawking, find out how these iconic figures have overcome obstacles, owned their differences and paved the way for others by making their bodies and minds work for them.

These short biographies tell the stories of people who have faced unique challenges which have not stopped them from becoming trailblazers, innovators, advocates and makers. Each person is a leading figure in their field, be it sport, science, maths, art, breakdance or the world of pop.

Challenge your preconceptions of disability and mental health with the eye-opening stories of these remarkable people:

Ludwig van Beethoven, Gustav Kirchoff, Henri Matisse, Eliza Suggs, Helen Keller,
Frida Kahlo, John Nash, Stephen Hawking, Temple Grandin, Stevie Wonder, Nabil Shaban, Terry Fox,
Peter Dinklage, Wanda Diaz Merced, Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, Dr Victor Pineda, Farida Bedwei, Stella Young, Lady Gaga, Arunima Sinha, Naoki Higashida, Isabella Spingmuhl Tejada, Aaron Philip, Catalina Devandas Aguilar, Redouan Ait Chitt, Jonas Jacobsson, Trischa Zorn, Ade Adepitan, and Dynamo.


I Have the Right

A BOOKSTAGANG FUTURE CLASSIC, 2023

A stunningly illustrated and essential volume on children's rights: an introduction for kids and a reminder for adults.

I have the right to have a name and a nationality.

I have the right to the best healthcare.

I have the right to an education.

I have the right to a home where I can thrive.

With poetic text and exceptional art, internationally acclaimed Iranan illustrator Reza Dalvand introduces children to the universal rights they are entitled to under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Adopted in 1989 and ratified by 140 countries, the convention promises to defend the rights of children and to keep them safe, respected, and valued. Dalvand's stunning illustrations speak to children all around the world, some of whose rights are often challenged and must be protected every day.

The afterword, by renowned pediatrician Dr Catherine Gueguen, links these rights to the fundamental building blocks of a stable, safe, and fulfilling life.

Perfect for:

  • Educators and librarian looking for conversation starters around human rights and lived experience;
  • Parents and carers looking for books that will introduce their kids to to the experiences of children growing up in countries and cultures different to their own, and help them develop empathy;
  • Lovers of exceptional art: Reza Dalvand's evocative illustrative world-building creates an immersive visual narrative.


Included: A Book for ALL Children about Inclusion, Diversity, Disability, Equality and Empathy

Meet six wonderful kids. They love playing games, reading books, making stuff, and being silly. And like kids everywhere, they want to feel safe, loved, and included.

The reader is introduced to six amazing kids: Sam, Rishi, Jay, Audrey, Ty and Zara – each with unique abilities. ‘Included’ sets out to explore diversity and inclusion, and to ensure all kids understand that children with disability are just like kids everywhere – they have things they are good at and things they need to work on. And just like kids everywhere, they want to feel that they belong and that they matter.

This book provides the reader with ways they can be more inclusive in their play and encourages the celebration of diversity in all its unique and wonderful forms. Children will come away with a growing understanding that people everywhere have differing abilities, and this only makes the world a more colourful, exciting, diverse and amazing place.

Throughout the text, open-ended questions are provided so children can bring their own experiences to the narrative. Further Discussion Questions are included to spark important and thought-provoking conversations.

Suitable for Ages 3-6 and Ages 7-11


Make Meatballs Sing

Corita Kent (1918–1986) lived a remarkable life as an artist, educator, nun, and activist. Unapologetically holding true to herself and her beliefs, Corita spread a powerful message of love, hope, and justice with her work, as it evolved from figurative and religious art, to serigraphs incorporating the sacred and the ordinary, to a sparser, more introspective style. This timely story will draw readers into the life of a singular woman whose work and commitment invite us all to seek joy in the everyday, to observe the world with open eyes, and to question and see beyond the existing frameworks of society. Thoughtfully written by Matthew Burgess and vibrantly illustrated by Kara Kramer, this beautiful biography, made in close collaboration with the Corita Art Center, includes reproductions of Corita’s works, a chronology, and author and illustrator notes.


Pet

How do you save the world from monsters if no one will admit they exist?

She stumbled backwards, her eyes wide, as the figure started coming out of the canvas

...
She tried to be brave. Well, she said, her hands only a little shaky, at least tell me what I should call you.
...
Well, little girl, it replied, I suppose you can call me Pet.

There are no more monsters anymore, or so the children in the city of Lucille are taught. With doting parents and a best friend named Redemption, Jam has grown up with this lesson all her life. But when she meets Pet, a creature made of horns and colours and claws, who emerges from one of her mother's paintings and a drop of Jam's blood, she must reconsider what she's been told. Pet has come to hunt a monster, and the shadow of something grim lurks in Redemption's house. Jam must fight not only to protect her best friend, but also to uncover the truth.

In their riveting and timely young adult debut, acclaimed novelist Akwaeke Emezi asks difficult questions about what choices a young person can make when the adults around them are in denial.

 

 


Sitti’s Bird: A Gaza Story

A sensitive and heart warming story of how a little girl in Gaza finds strength and hope through her painting. Sitti's Bird is a unique children’s picture book, written and illustrated by Palestinian artist, Malak Mattar, reflecting her experiences of childhood in Palestine. Malak is a little girl who lives in Gaza with her parents. She goes to school, plays in the ocean, and visits Sitti’s house on Fridays. One day while she is in school, bombings begin. She spends the next 50 days at home with her parents worrying and feeling scared, until one day she picks up her paintbrush … Sitti’s Bird: A Gaza Story is a unique children’s picture book, written and illustrated by Palestinian artist, Malak Mattar. Reflecting her experiences of childhood in occupied Palestine, Malak’s story brings warmth and wonder to children as it tells of her rebirth as an artist during the 2014 airstrikes on Gaza. It is the story of a young girl whose love for her family and discovery of art help her channel her fears and overcome traumas that few of us can imagine―traumas shared by countless children in Gaza and around the world.


Swallow's Kiss


 

In the heart of a city, a girl called Blessing is living a new life with her Mama, far from the place she once called home. Blessing’s greatest wish is that her Papa will find his way to them and when she finds a lost bag of paper Wish Birds, she follows a trail of wishes to the community who made them, leading to new friendships and a heartwarming conclusion. This lyrical, free-verse tale about kindness and friendship is perfect for young readers age 7 and up.

Endorsed by Amnesty International, Swallow’s Kiss is a moving story about the refugee experience. Written by acclaimed author Sita Brahmachari, with illustrations from award-winning Jane Ray, this uplifting tale explores the common threads that connect our communities. The book is part of Pop Up Projects’ 10 Stories to Make a Difference collection. The collection features a mix of well-known and emerging writers and illustrators, giving a platform to untold stories and diverse new voices.


The Black Flamingo

A boy comes to terms with his identity as a mixed-race gay teen - then at university he finds his wings as a drag artist, The Black Flamingo. A bold story about the power of embracing your uniqueness. Sometimes, we need to take charge, to stand up wearing pink feathers - to show ourselves to the world in bold colour.


The Street

Boo lives with his family, 

In their house at the end of the street. 

They’ve lived there for years, 

They built it from skyblocks and mooncrete.  

Zig is a teacher, Pax is a nurse,

Their love is as wide as the whole universe.

Their smoots are flooping with joy, 

In their house at the end of the street. 

 

All is well… except for the dreaded Klang!

A lyrical, heartwarming tale about standing up to bullies and staying connected, even when all hope seems lost.


The World Is Your Masjid

Winner of the 2021 Muslim Bookstagram Awards - Best Early Picture Book

Where can you pray when you can’t get to the masjid?

Join Rayan and Amelia as they explore all the places they can pray and just a few places where they can’t. 

With vibrant illustrations and fun rhyming verses, this book is a reminder for all of us that we can find somewhere to pray wherever we are.