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Disability and Accessibility (Birth-PreK)

By Eilis Corcoran

An introduction to disability, these books showcase the diverse worlds of disabled children and adults to help foster a community of inclusion and accessibility. When able, I focused on titles that were created by authors and illustrators who identify as disabled. I also noted which titles are set in dyslexic-friendly fonts or have other formats, like eBooks or audiobooks.

  • Can Bears Ski?

    2020 by Antrobus, Raymond

    Little Bear notices that sometimes he's lost, when he misses a joke or can't understand why everyone keeps asking him, "Can bears ski?" As it turns out, he's been experiencing deafness and the question he's being asked is actually: "Can you hear me?" Also available as a downloadable audiobook and Wonderbook.

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  • What Happened to You?

    2021 by Catchpole, James

    Joe, a young boy with one leg, gets fed up with classmates asking "What happened to you?" until they eventually understand that the answer doesn't matter and they could be playing a game with him instead. Written by disabled author, James Catchpole, the book also has a follow-up titled You're So Amazing!

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  • Song in the City

    2022 by Bernstrom, Daniel

    A young blind girl helps her grandma understand that music can be found in all kinds of places, including the regular sounds of their city. Written by blind author Daniel Bernstrom. I loved seeing the grandmother in this book start to understand how the main character, Emmalene, experiences their city.

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  • Monster Hands

    2024 by Kane, Karen

    After reading a book at bedtime that spooks him, Milo calls his best friend Mel through the window and the two scare away the frightening monsters using their 'monster hands.' I really appreciated that Karen Kane (an ASL interpreter) and Jonaz McMillan (a Deaf author) were able to work with illustrator Dion MBD to depict ASL in use naturally between the two kids.

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  • We Move Together

    2021 by Fritsch, Kelly

    This book follows a pack of kids with diverse abilities as they go about their days, navigate barriers, and develop community. I love that it emphasizes the importance of community building in disability culture as well as social justice and accessibility. Authors Kelly Fritsch and Anne McGuire are both disability studies professors and are beautifully able to adapt their academic experience to this picture book.

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  • A Little Like Magic

    2024 by Kurpiel, Sarah

    While not a fan of new things or the sensory effects of winter, our narrator accompanies her mom to watch ice sculptors form their creations. While initially unimpressed, the sculptures eventually win her over. It was nice to see the focus on the main character's sensory concerns and lack of interest versus her wheelchair being the thing that keeps her from wanting to attend the ice festival, and I attribute that to author Sarah Kurpiel's own experience as a wheelchair-user.

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  • My Ocean Is Blue

    2020 by Lebeuf, Darren

    A young girl using mobility aids and her mother explore the seaside, taking in the ocean and describing it's sights and sounds. The focus on sensory descriptions in this book is really nice as it shows how going to the beach can be an experience versus just a thing you do.

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  • How We Play

    2024 by Mitchell, Dolisha

    Part of the We Are Little Feminists board book collection, this title shows children all of the different ways that we play and models inclusive play. I love this group's commitment to showcasing diverse kids and families in their books.

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  • You Are Enough: A Book About Inclusion

    2021 by O'Hair, Margaret

    Written in collaboration with Sofia Sanchez, an actress and model with Down Syndrome, this book encourages readers to embrace their differences and be proud of who they are as they move through the world.

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  • Many Ways to Be

    2023 by Peterson, Christy

    Sesame Street friends introduce readers to various aids for disabilities, explaining that everyone is able to do things in the way that works best for them, while emphasizing the importance of kindness and respect. I appreciated seeing a book emphasize the importance and normality of accommodations in this book, noting that different bodies may need different tools to accomplish things.

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  • Every Body: A Celebration of Diverse Abilities

    2023 by Rotner, Shelley

    An introduction to disability, this book shows readers that every body is different and introduces readers to different types of disabilities. The text emphasizes the importance of acceptance and inclusion, as well as providing a glossary and educational backmatter.

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  • Best Day Ever!

    2021 by Singer, Marilyn

    A dog relays the events of the "best day ever" with her best friend, a young boy. They enjoy the ups and downs of a busy day and their friendship. Illustrator Leah Nixon was able to use her own experiences as a wheelchair user, as well as her dog, as inspiration for her art.

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