The Barefoot Book of Children by Tessa Strickland, Kate Depalma and David Dean

Short Summary

The Barefoot Book of Children by Tessa Strickland and Kate DePalma is a beautifully illustrated book that celebrates children from all around the world. It explores diversity in culture, family, ability, language, and daily life, while also highlighting the many things children share in common. This is one of those books that quietly invites deep conversations without ever feeling heavy-handed.

Age Group

Suitable for children aged 4 to 9 years.

Topics Discussed

Diversity & Inclusion | Recommended

Buy a Copy

Buy a copy of The Barefoot Book of Children by Tessa Strickland, Kate Depalma and David Dean from Amazon.

What this book is about

• The Barefoot Book of Children takes readers on a journey around the world, following children as they wake up, play, learn, and go about their day.
• It celebrates diversity in skin colour, facial features, hair, and physical appearance, encouraging children to notice and appreciate differences.
• Family diversity is gently woven throughout, showing children living in many different family structures.
• The book includes children with disabilities and differences, such as wheelchair users, a child with Down syndrome, muscular differences, and limb differences – presented naturally, not as something to “explain away”.
• Different cultures, languages, and ways of communicating are explored in a matter-of-fact, respectful way.
• Cutaway illustrations of bedrooms and homes invite curiosity and spark imaginative conversations.
• Alongside differences, the book highlights shared experiences like play, food, friendships, memories, and everyday routines.
• The illustrations are rich and layered, making it a book kids (and adults) can return to again and again, always noticing something new.

I hope you find this book review helpful!

Happy talking!
❤️ Cath