Little Parachutes

Picture books that help children

Picture Books Library < Health < Disabilities

Picture books about Disabilities from the Little Parachutes reviews library

A positive collection of picture books that are either about disability, or feature people with disabilities. Some books inform and educate non-disabled children about disabilities, others acknowledge the challenges of living with a disability. Some books include disabled children casually or incidentally - reinforcing the important message that disabled children are children first, and should not be singled out because of their differences.

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Mighty Mara

Mighty Mara celebrates diversity and also explores themes about tenacity, self-confidence, and disability inclusion. The protagonist, a young disabled girl, encounters doubt and some bullying when she signs up to perform in her school talent show. Readers will see how she overcomes biases and ableism to embrace what makes her uniquely herself.
Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Medieval Mashup: Leigh’s Wheelie Adventures

In this charming picture book, a group of children (including Leigh, a wheelchair user) work together to support each other to make costumes for a school event. Leigh is struggling with feelings of self-consciousness and frustration, but he successfully overcomes this.
Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Squishy Sand

This engaging picture book features Leigh, a disabled child who uses a wheelchair. It highlights some of the everyday obstacles that wheelchair users have to cope with. A great choice for any child, reinforcing the importance of empathy, resilience, teamwork, kindness and creative thinking.
Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

My Special Eye

A vibrant, positive picture book narrated by Bruno, an active little boy who has a prosthetic eye. Any child could learn a good deal from this picture book about why people have prostheses, how the eye is cared for, and what it means for the wearer. 'My Special Eye' gives a much-needed voice to monocular children.
Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

We’re All Wonders

This story shows how one child copes with his own differences, and other people’s reactions to them. The reader will find comfort in Auggie’s imaginative tactics, and his positivity about being able to change the way others see him.
Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Off to the Park!

This is not only a fantastic book to engage the imaginations of blind and partially sighted children, it is also a great choice for all children to explore how they use their senses. Adults could use this book to open a discussion about what it feels like to be blind or partially sighted.

Brody The Lion: The Shopping Flip

Teaching positive behaviour strategies to children experiencing big emotions, this fun picture book is particularly helpful for children with autism or sensory processing disorders.

Off to School in my Wheelie Chair

A light-hearted and engaging picture book that focusses on a young boy’s journey to school in his manual wheelchair. The story gives a very positive view of wheelchair use, emphasising that it can be fast and fun, while at the same time making the reader more aware of the challenges and obstacles that wheelchair users face each day. Promotes resilience, kindness and acceptance. 

Dan and Diesel

Gives a positive view of disability. The blind central character (Dan), in partnership with his faithful guide dog (Diesel), feels like he can 'conquer the world'. The book skilfully reflects the vulnerability Dan feels when he is separated from Diesel.