**WINNER OF THE INCLUSIVE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN AWARDS**
**SHORTLISTED FOR THE DIVERSE BOOK AWARDS**
"A sensitive and powerful exploration of belonging, cultural identity and difference." IBC Awards 2026 judges
"An affirming story about accepting and loving ourselves and our cultural traditions." Kirkus Reviews
"Empowers viewers to embrace their identity with confidence." The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Celebrate each other's unique identity in this authentic, reassuring and sensitively told story written by Sophia Payne and with evocative illustrations from Ruchi Mhasane. This is a must-have picture book for every child battling with their self-esteem or anxiety about wearing cultural dress, and anyone learning to build tolerance, empathy and understanding of everybody's background.
Ameena can't wait for her aunty's wedding. She is wearing a brand-new salwar kameez - the layers of floaty fabric filled with pretty patterns make her feel like a princess. But when someone comments on her "pyjamas", she loses all confidence, fearing that her friends might not accept her traditional clothing. Through courage, family love and self-belief, Ameena discovers what it means to take pride in the beautiful layers of her heritage, especially in the face of difficult comments.
| ISBN: | 9781529532043 |
| Publication date: | 2nd July 2026 |
| Author: | Sophia Payne |
| Illustrator: | Ruchi Mhasane |
| Publisher: | Walker Books Ltd an imprint of Walker Books |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Pagination: | 40 pages |
| Suitable For: | |
| Other Genres: |
This is a must-have picture book for every child battling with their self-esteem or anxiety about wearing cultural dress, and anyone learning to build tolerance, empathy and understanding of everybody's background.Ameena can't wait for her aunty's wedding. She is wearing a brand-new salwar kameez - the layers of floaty fabric filled with pretty patterns make her feel like a princess.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed The Beautiful Layers of Me and determined it is suitable for children aged 5-6 years old
The Beautiful Layers of Me features in the following genres: Featured Books for 5+ readers, Stories about Family and Friends, School Stories, PSHE: Multiculturalism, Diversity and Inclusion, Picture storybooks, Early years: first experiences, Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Racism and anti-racism, Recommendations, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Children’s picture books, Children’s: picture books, activity books, early learning concepts, First Concepts
Paperback, Hardback. £8.09, down from the £8.99 cover price. In Stock.
The Beautiful Layers of Me was written by Sophia Payne and published by Walker Books Ltd an imprint of Walker Books
The Beautiful Layers of Me has 40 pages
£8.09, reduced from £8.99. In Stock.
