Books celebrating diverse and inclusive stories have been delivered to all Jersey primary schools.

The collection represents topics such as:

• Disabilities
• Body positivity
• Refugees
• Adoption and fostering
• Multicultralism
• Beliefs
• LGBTQ+ characters
• Body positivity
• Gender stereotypes

It has been paid for by private donors and the Jersey Community Relations Trust.

The donations were arranged by JCRT trustee Deputy Louise Doublet and Kaye Nicholson-Horn, who is a founder of the Facebook group 'Brilliant Books.'

Kaye says the initiative has been called 'The Umbrella Book Collection' to recognise the variety of cultures, backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that all human beings come under.

"It has been fantastic to collaborate with the Jersey Community Relations Trust on the facilitation and funding of further distribution of book boxes for primary school children, which I hope will allow them to see themselves and their families represented, in addition to those who are different to them, and recognise and celebrate those differences."

A box of books has also been delivered to Jersey Library for anyone with a library card to read.

Deputy Doublet says books are a wonderful tool to achieving an understanding and inclusive society.

"I hope that having access to this collection at school and the library will help children develop an awareness of and appreciation for the wonderful variety of people and cultures who make up our society.  

The books, especially when enjoyed alongside their parents, carers and teachers, will help children to become respectful, responsible and caring citizens of our island.

We encourage teachers, pupils and their parents/carers to seek out and explore this wonderful collection and discuss them together.

All of the books are age-appropriate and having used many of them when I was a teacher myself, I know that children are naturally accepting of others and enjoy learning about the topics included in the Umbrella Book Collection."