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World Book Day and the Importance of Featuring Disabled Characters in Children’s Books
Written by
Purpl
Published on
March 6, 2025
Today is World Book Day and it is a fantastic opportunity to encourage children to develop a love of reading. However, whilst today champions a love for books, it is also essential to ensure that the stories available to children reflect the diversity of society and that there is representation of all types of people. Today we are looking at books that include disabled people and why that matters.
Why Representation Matters in Children’s Books
Children’s books shape young minds and influence how they see the world and themselves. For disabled children, seeing characters that reflect their experiences can be incredibly empowering, helping them develop self-esteem and a positive sense of identity.
Unfortunately, disability representation in children’s literature has been historically few and far between. When disabled characters do appear, they are often sidelined, defined solely by their disability, or portrayed as figures to be pitied or inspirational tropes rather than fully developed individuals with strengths, dreams, and flaws.
We know that when children can see themselves in stories and books, it can have a really big impact on them. Books allow children to see themselves as part of the world, so it makes the world accessible to them when they see characters like them living their lives, having adventures or dealing with difficult times.
Studies show that reading can create empathy, so books also help non-disabled people understand our world. For non-disabled children, reading about disabled characters fosters empathy, understanding, and inclusion from an early age. It also allows them to see characters who may look like their parents, their siblings or friends.
The Landscape of Children’s Books Featuring Disabled Characters
Over the past decade, there has been a growing movement towards more inclusive storytelling, with more books now featuring disabled characters in meaningful ways. Publishers, authors, and illustrators have started to create books that present disability as a natural part of life, rather than a defining characteristic or a problem to be solved.
Some books feature disabled heroes on exciting adventures, while others provide insights into living with specific disabilities through engaging narratives. Additionally, picture books for younger children introduce disability in ways that feel organic, through diverse characters playing, learning, and interacting without focusing exclusively on their disabilities.
Children’s Books Featuring Disabled Characters
If you’re looking for great books to share with children this World Book Day, here are some great examples that showcase disabled characters positively:
Moumou and Friends by Sara Momtaz
MouMou and Friends is the first children’s lead character and brand with a disability. The author says “The aim of the stories is not to focus on “disabilities”, but to highlight that we all have more things in common that connect us than differentiate us, and to establish a WAB (We All Belong) culture to provide equity to all, acknowledging everyone’s value in society. Most importantly, the stories are full of adventure, fun and will be enjoyed by children and adults of all ages.”
Purpl members can get an exclusive disabled discount of 30% off your first order from Moumou and friends.
A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll
This award-winning novel follows Addie, an autistic girl who campaigns for a memorial to the women accused of witchcraft in her Scottish village. The book highlights themes of neurodiversity, acceptance, and standing up for what is right. Read more about A Kind of Spark on GoodReads.
Can Bears Ski? by Raymond Antrobus and Polly Dunbar
Written by Raymond Antrobus, who is Deaf, this beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of a young bear discovering his hearing loss and learning about the Deaf community. It is a touching and educational story about identity and self-discovery. Read a review of Can Bears Ski? From the National Deaf Children’s Society here and you can watch, listen and see the BSL signing for the book on youtube here!
I Am Not a Label by Cerrie Burnell
This non-fiction book introduces young readers to 34 disabled role models from different walks of life, including scientists, artists, and athletes. It helps to dispel stereotypes and shows children that disability does not define one’s abilities or potential. Read about I Am Not a Label on BookTrust here. You may recognise Cerrie Burnell as she is an English actress, singer, playwright, children’s author, and former television presenter for the BBC children’s channel CBeebies.
What Happened to You? by James Catchpole and Karen George
This engaging picture book follows Joe, a boy with one leg, as he navigates the curiosity of other children on the playground. The story is both humorous and thought-provoking, helping young readers understand boundaries and respect. It’s described as a picture book about intrusive questions, from a disabled child’s perspective by a disabled author and you can find out more on their website here and you can see the author reading the book on youtube here.
How Parents, Teachers, and Librarians Can Support Inclusive Reading
Encouraging children to read inclusive books is one of the most effective ways to normalise disability and promote empathy. Here are some steps parents, teachers, and librarians can take to ensure children are exposed to diverse books:
- Make Inclusive Books Accessible: Ensure books featuring disabled characters are readily available in classrooms, school libraries, and public libraries.
- Discuss Representation: Talk to children about the importance of diversity in books and encourage discussions on how different experiences shape people’s lives.
- Avoid Tokenism: Choose books where disabled characters are well-rounded individuals rather than just symbols of struggle or inspiration.
- Support Authors with Lived Experience: Where possible, prioritise books written by disabled authors who bring authentic perspectives to their stories.
- Incorporate Inclusive Books into World Book Day Activities: When organising events, ensure book choices reflect a range of experiences, including disability, to foster inclusivity.
The Future of Inclusive Children’s Literature
While progress is being made, there is still work to do to ensure all children can see themselves reflected in the stories they read. Publishers need to continue investing in diverse books, and educators and parents must advocate for more inclusive options in schools and libraries.
By promoting books featuring disabled characters this World Book Day, we take a step toward a more inclusive and empathetic society, one where every child, regardless of ability, can see themselves as the hero of their own story.
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As a disabled led company, we are part of the disabled community and we want to make positive change for us all. Not only through our discounts but also through our advice and support around benefits and other ways disabled people can save money. Our Purpl Life blog also shares real life stories from the disabled community and messages about the brands we work with and how they can help you.
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