There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.  ~Jacqueline Kennedy

Raising children with dyslexia can be a tough challenge but inspiring them to embrace their differences and learn how to cope with the ways they’re wired is an incredibly important part of parenting. One way to do this is through reading — especially stories that focus on characters who have similar experiences to your own child.

Picture books are particularly helpful for teaching young people about overcoming obstacles and understanding themselves better, as they provide opportunities to ask questions and illustrate activities that invite dialogue between parent and child.

So, if you’re looking for amazing picture books about dyslexia that will help your little one’s heart rock, I have just the list!

Here are 5 wonderful children’s storybooks all about dyslexia that will not only enlighten your little reader but inspire them too!

1. The Alphabet War: A Story about Dyslexia by Diane Burton Robb
   • The teacher wanted Adam to learn letters in kindergarten, but they looked different to him. In first grade, the teacher wanted him to put the letters into words so he could read, but this was hard for Adam. He was fighting a war against letters. In second grade, he had to learn how to spell words, and this was also hard. But in third grade, he got the right kind of help and slowly began to do better. During fourth grade, he learned that he could excel in other things too. This gave him the confidence to keep trying with reading and spelling.
2. Did You Say Pasghetti? Dusty and Danny Tackle Dyslexia by Tammy Fortune
   • Danny is having a hard time in school, and his best friend Dusty wants to help. The only thing is that Dusty is a dog, and he does not learn quickly either. However, they are going to try their best to help each other out. This book will teach children how to have a positive mindset when learning, as well as be kind to others who might be going through the same challenges.
   • The story is told by Danny’s best friend, Dusty the dog. It shows children some of the hard things about learning challenges, like feeling mad and sad and not having a lot of confidence. But Dusty is always there for Danny, being supportive and helping him feel better about himself. Danny learns that it’s okay to learn differently from other people. Everybody has something special about them.
3. If You’re So Smart, How Come You Can’t Spell Mississippi by Barbara Esham
   • If your child is having trouble with reading and spelling, it might help to know that they are not alone. Many smart children have this same problem. Some children even start to doubt their own abilities because of it. But did you know that people who have trouble with reading and spelling often have special abilities in other areas, like complex pattern recognition and spatial reasoning? If You’re So Smart How Come You Can’t Spell Mississippi? is a great book that explains all of this in more detail.
4. Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
   • Ally is very creative; she sees art in everything around her. But when it comes to reading, she has a lot of trouble. She gets anxious and it is hard for her to focus. With her dad in the military, Ally has moved around a lot, so each time she goes to a new school, she pretends that she does not have trouble reading. That changes when she meets Mr. Daniels, a teacher who sees beyond her silliness and helps her understand reading and herself.
5. It’s Called Dyslexia by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos
   • This book is part of a series called “Live and Learn” where each book is written from the perspective of a child with a learning difference. In this story, an elementary-aged girl used to love school when she knew her letters, but then she started hating it because she couldn’t read the words. Eventually, she got help and discovered she had a hidden talent. The book also includes a section for parents.

If you are looking for children’s books about dyslexia, look no further! These five books will empower and inspire your child. They will help them understand their condition and show them that they are not alone. There are many other children with dyslexia who have gone on to lead successful lives.

If you would like to join a community of parents of children with learning difficulties, I invite you to join our Facebook group: Parenting Hub for Parents of Children with Reading & Learning Difficulties.