The Beyond Belonging Pack celebrates identity, difference, and the simple truth that every child deserves to feel seen, respected, and included. Through colourful characters and heartfelt stories, this collection gently explores themes of fairness, confidence, self-worth, and the courage to be yourself — helping young readers make sense of what it feels like to stand out, speak up, or feel left out.
Perfect for Early Learning Centres, this pack supports social-emotional learning and positive classroom culture by opening the door to meaningful conversations about names, uniqueness, fairness, and inclusion. With warmth, hope, and relatable storytelling, the Beyond Belonging Pack encourages children to embrace who they are — and to welcome the differences in others with kindness and pride.
The Beyond Belonging Pack includes:
1. Nothing Rhymes With Orange - Adam Rex
We all know nothing rhymes with orange. But how does that make Orange feel? Well, left out! When a parade of fruit gets together to sing a song about how wonderful they are – and the song happens to rhyme – Orange can’t help but feel like it’s impossible for him to ever fit in. But when one particularly intuitive Apple notices how Orange is feeling, the entire English language begins to become a bit more inclusive.
2. What Would You Wish For? David Sable & Emma Yarlett
This colourful picture book guides readers through an imaginative and inspirational journey of how they can change the world. It is a perfect way to get children thinking about doing things for the greater good, not just for themselves.
3. Race Cars - Jenny Devenny & Charnaie Gordon
Race Cars is a simple, child-friendly story that uses two best friends—a white car and a black car—to introduce the idea that unfair rules and unequal experiences exist. With bold illustrations and supportive discussion notes, it gives educators and parents a gentle, age-appropriate way to talk about race, privilege, and fairness.
4. Imperfectly Perfect - Perry Emerson & Hoang Giang
What is imperfectly perfect? It's a flower growing from a cracked pavement. It's the memory of a happy time, etched in a wrinkled smile. It's taking something broken, mending it with love,
and making something new. Something unique. Beautiful. And imperfectly perfect.
A story that cherishes beauty in imperfection.
5. Say My Name - Joanna Ho & Khoa Le
Names reveal generational ties and histories, weaving an intricate tale of the past.
Names and correctly saying them are important. Each one carries the hopes, dreams, and traditions of those who came before us.
