Introducing the world to babies: diversity in board books

Published on: 2 Ebrill 2025

Author Sumana Seeboruth argues that baby books must reflect today's society.

A board book is often a child's first glimpse into the world. Babies and toddlers may not be able to read the words, but hearing them alongside illustrations helps to shape their understanding of place and purpose.

For instance, a board book about trains might teach a child to associate "chugga-chugga-choo-choo" with travel. But what other unconscious associations are formed? Are train drivers always men? Are the child's trips always with Mummy and Daddy? Why is the child that looks like them always in the background?

Growing up in the late 70s and 80s, I rarely saw kids like me in books. Then came my school's Reading Scheme 1, 2, 3 & Away! Among its characters – Roger Red Hat, Billy Blue Hat – one stood out: Sita Day. She had brown skin, black plaited hair just like me, and a mother who wore a sari, just like mine. That moment mattered.

40 years later, progress has been made, but representation in board books still lags behind other children's literature. As an author, I don't just want to write stories that reflect reality – I feel a responsibility to ensure they do.

Celebrating children's everyday experiences

The publisher Barefoot Books has provided a platform to do this. My Feelings & Firsts board book series explores everyday experiences that feature diversity in many forms.

That's Mine! teaches sharing, with a child of colour as the protagonist; Undies, Please! features a father helping his son transition to big-boy pants; By Myself! is about a younger sibling learning it's OK to ask for help from an older sister (depicted as wearing a cochlear implant); and Won't Go! follows a girl adjusting to a new routine, supported by her two dads and baby sibling.

It was a delight to also work on England, part of Barefoot Books' Our World series, with illustrator Ella Hobbis. It follows a child's day in England – from breakfast to a train ride to the park for a picnic and a game of cricket. Ella's artwork seamlessly normalises diversity: the main character's grandparents are biracial, a same-sex couple walks hand in hand, and religious identities are represented through characters wearing a turban and hijab.

Working together to celebrate our differences

Writing for children is rewarding, but shaping narratives is just as important. Change requires teamwork. Publishers must invest in diverse stories and under-represented talent to offer a different perspective. They should champion these books, ensuring they reach schools, libraries, and homes.

Bookshops must also advocate for these stories, celebrating and showcasing them prominently beyond celebrity authors and books based on TV characters. A 6x6-inch board book by an unknown author can easily be lost on the shelves, so how can this be discovered and enjoyed?

Practitioners, teachers, librarians and families play a key role in sharing books that reflect different perspectives. Platforms like BookTrust can guide readers toward inclusive recommendations.

Early exposure to diverse board books fosters empathy, inclusion and compassion. Children need to see themselves in stories – but they also need to see those who are different from them. Through this, we don't just normalise differences – we celebrate them.

England, part of Barefoot Books' Our World series, by Sumana Seeboruth and Ella Hobbis, is out now.