These engaging picture books on acceptance have characters who accept differences in themselves, others, and their situations. By exploring the virtue of ‘acceptance’ through picture books, children are able to understand, apply and reflect on how they can accept themselves and the people around them.  An important component of an inclusive classroom and building strong friendships.

I Want to Be a Vase

Written By Julio Torres

Illustrated by Julian Glander

A plunger decides that he would like to be a vase and through the acceptance of who he is, inspires other household objects to find their true inner self.

Teachable Moments: #acceptance  #understanding #empowerment #tolerance #confidence #amazingillustrations

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Most Marshmallows

Written and Illustrated by Rowboat Watkins

Most marshmallows live ordinary lives but some marshmallows have big dreams to accept their true self and achieve great things.

Teachable Moments: #acceptance  #understanding #empowerment #tolerance #confidence #determination #amazingillustrations

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Be a Friend

Written and Illustrated by Salina Yoon

Dennis is an extraordinary boy who expresses himself in different ways.  Joy finds happiness in her friend’s extraordinary ways.

Teachable Moments: #acceptance  #understanding #empowerment #tolerance #confidence #determination #amazingillustrations #courage #friendship #koreanauthor #koreanillustrator

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Can you See Me?

Written and Illustrated by Gokce Irten
Through the lens of perspective, this book teaches us that we each have our own way of viewing and accepting things and the world.
Teachable Moments: #acceptance #understanding #tolerance #amazingillustrations #turkishauthor #turkishillustrator

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Twig

Written and Illustrated by Aura Parker
Heidi is a stick insect on her first day of school. When her camouflage works too well and she goes unnoticed she becomes frustrated but later learns to love herself and everything that comes with being a stick insect.

Teachable Moments: #acceptance #understanding #empowerment #tolerance #friendship #determination #amazingillustrations #aussieauthor #aussieillustrator #classroomcommunity

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Agatha

Written and Illustrated by Anna Pignataro

Agatha has felt different ever since she was born with pig ears and a bear nose.  When her teacher asks everyone why they are special she hides.  After her classmates list all the things they find special about Agatha she begins to accept her differences.

Teachable Moments: #acceptance  #understanding #empowerment #tolerance #confidence #determination #amazingillustrations #courage #friendship #aussieauthor #aussieillustrator #classroomcommunity

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Mabel: A Mermaid Fable

Written and Illustrated by Rowboat Watkins
Mabel is a mermaid who is missing one thing, a mustache.  Mabel goes on a journey of self-discovery to accept who she is.

Teachable Moments: #acceptance  #understanding #empowerment #tolerance #confidence #determination #amazingillustrations

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Thao Thao Lam

Written and Illustrated by Thao Lam

Based on a true story of Thao Lam not accepting her name.

Teachable Moments: #acceptance  #understanding #empowerment #tolerance #confidence #determination #amazingillustrations #nameacceptance #collage

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Mixed Arree Chung

Written and Illustrated by Arree Chung

When all the colors think they are the best, how can they unite and accept each other to create a peaceful community?

Teachable Moments: #acceptance  #understanding #empowerment #tolerance #amazingillustrations #primarycolors #unity #community

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Bruno, the Standing Cat

Written by Nadine Robert

Illustrated by Jean Jullien

Bruno is a cat who doesn’t act like a cat.  Peter is a boy who accepts Bruno’s quirks and they do everything together.

Teachable Moments: #acceptance  #understanding #empowerment #tolerance

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Strictly No Elephants

Written by Lisa Mantchev

Illustrated by Taeeun Yoo

When a little boy tries to bring his pet elephant to Pet Club Day he gets turned away.  The boy ends up showing what it means to accept differences and be a good friend.

Teachable Moments: #acceptance  #understanding #empowerment #tolerance #inclusion #friendship

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Red A Crayon’s Story

Written and Illustrated by Michael Hall

When the color red doesn’t know how to draw red he discovers and accepts the things that he can do.

Teachable Moments: #acceptance  #understanding #empowerment #tolerance #inclusion #friendship #helpfulness

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Square Cat

Written and Illustrated by Elizabeth Schoonmaker

With the help of her friends, Square Cat discovers that being the only square in town is special.

Teachable Moments: #acceptance  #understanding #empowerment #tolerance #inclusion #friendship #helpfulness #math #maththroughstories #geometry

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Story of a Cockroach

Written by Carmen Gil

Illustrated by Sonja Wimmer

Anastasia is a cockroach who dreams of being accepted and famous like her distant relatives the Egyptian Beetles who were treated like royalty.

Teachable Moments: #acceptance  #understanding #empowerment #tolerance #inclusion #amazingillustrations #latinobookaward

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Archie and the Bear

Written by Zanni Louise

Illustrated by David Mackintosh

A boy in a bear suit and a bear in a sweater become unlikely friends in this story of accepting yourself and others.

Teachable Moments: #acceptance  #understanding #empowerment #tolerance #inclusion #friendship

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My Cousin Momo

Written and Illustrated by Zachariah Ohora

When Momo comes to visit, his cousins realize that he is a little different.  Soon they accept that doing things differently can be loads of fun.

Teachable Moments: #acceptance  #understanding #empowerment #tolerance #inclusion #friendship

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