Picture books to explore children's rights (5+)
By Scottish Book Trust
Picture books to explore children's rights (5+)
By Scottish Book Trust
These picture books can be used to help children learn about their rights as well as build understanding around advocating for both themselves and others. We've also added in what article from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) that each of the books can be used to explore.
Umbrella
Elena Arevalo Melville
£7.99 £7.59This delightful picturebook can be used to explore Article 31 of the UNCRC which says that children and young people have the right to have fun in the way they want to. When Clara, lonely in the park with no one to play with, discovers an umbrella it acts as a catalyst - sparking a range of magical imaginative play.
Escape: One Day We Had to Run . . .
Ming & Wah and Carmen Vela
£12.99 £12.34Collecting true stories from around the world, this book looks at those who have had to leave their homes in the face of war, famine, slavery, and political upheaval. Each of these stories can be linked into Article 38, the right to protection and freedom from war, as well as the rights for refugee children outlined in Article 22
We All Play
Julie Flett
£12.99 £12.34This dual-language book celebrates play from both children and animals. Article 31 gives all children the right to play, relax and engage in cultural and artistic activities. This book shows the joy of having this right fulfilled!
Me and My Fear
Frenci Sanna
£8.99 £8.54When a young girl moves to a new school, her secret friend Fear holds her back. Fear won't let her go out and explore, or make new friends at school. The story in this book looks at how everyone has fears, but also could be used to discuss Article 31: the right to relax, play and engage with cultural and artistic activities.
Talking is not my Thing
Rose Robbins
£7.99 £7.59Two siblings are having their dinner, playing and getting ready for bed. One doesn't speak because of her autism. This book celebrates the difference between the two siblings, and could tie into discussions around Article 29, which states education must develop every child's personality, talents and abilities to the fullest.
SATURDAY AT THE FOOD PANTRY
DIANE ONEILL
£16.99 £16.14Molly and her mother don't have enough food, and have to use a local food bank. One of the other girls, Caitlin, is embarrassed to be there. Can Molly show her that everyone needs help sometimes? You can use this book to look at Article 24, the right to good health and Article 27, the right to a life that meets a child's physical, social and mental needs.
It's a No-Money Day
Kate Milner
£7.99 £7.59Mum works really hard, but today there's no money left and no food in the cupboard, so she and her daughter are forced to use a food bank. The sad rise and necessity of food banks can be examined alongside Article 24 which outlines children's right to health and health services, including nutritious food, good quality health care and clean water.
Susan Laughs
Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross
£7.99 £7.59Susan can do so many things – swim, dance, sing, laugh. She also happens to use a wheelchair. Susan is a great example of Article 23: that every child with a disability has a right to live as full and dignified life as possible.
The Day War Came
Nicola Davies and Rebecca Cobb
£7.99 £7.59The story of this book, told through a poem, follows a little girl whose life is upended when war breaks out and her schools is bombed. Looking at refugee experience, this book can be used to talk about Article 22, and the surrounding rights when seeking refuge, as well as Article 28, the right to an education regardless of who a child is.
My Name is Not Refugee
Kate Milner
£7.99 £7.59A young boy and his mother get ready to leave their home and make a long, long journey. Article 22 states that children have the right to special protection and assistance to enjoy all the UNCRC rights from governments if they are seeking refuge or have refugee status. This picture book invites the reader to understand the process of leaving somewhere that's no longer safe.
The Kites Are Flying!
Sir Michael Morpurgo and Laura Carlin
£6.99 £6.64This dual narrative looks at children either side of the dividing wall in the West Bank. On one side Said makes kites and he flies them over to a girl on the other side. Despite the political divide, Article 15 states children's rights to freedom of association – allowing them to meet with other children and join groups or organisations.
The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family
Ibtihaj Muhammad, S. K. Ali, et al.
£7.99 £7.59This picture book follows Faizah and Asiya, sisters experiencing firsts: Faizah's first day at school and Asiya's first day wearing the hijab. This beautiful and poetic picture book could be used to look at Article 14 – the right for children to believe what they choose and practice their religion.
Nen and the Lonely Fisherman
Ian Eagleton and James Mayhew
£7.99 £7.59Far out on the waves lives a merman named Nen, who spends his days exploring the oceans. One day he meets a fisherman – but will their differences prevent them from becoming friends? Both characters have their own identities, as outlined in Article 8, but this book also ties into Article 15 which protects a child's right to freedom of association.
Maya And Her Friends - A story about tolerance and acceptance from Ukrainian author Larysa Denysenko: All proceeds will go to ch
Larysa Denysenko and Masha Foya
£12.99 £12.34Maya introduces us to the seventeen children in her class – all of them are different, but all long for the Russian war in their country, Ukraine, to end. This book ties into two rights – Article 7: the right to be registered at birth, have a name and nationality, as well as Article 18, which protects children's right to be raised by their parent when possible.
The Wall in the Middle of the Book
Jon Agee
£8.99 £8.54Down the middle of this book runs a wall; there to protect a knight from the dangers on the other side: vicious animals, and an evil ogre. But soon a flood puts the knight in danger and he needs the ogre's help! The knight creates a division, which could be used to talk about Article 2, which states all UNCRC rights apply to all children, no matter their background, ethnicity, sex, religion, language or abilities.