We need to see proper representation in our children’s books (Picture: Amazon)

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When the trailer for The Little Mermaid was first released, the internet was flooded with heart-warming videos of children, reacting to seeing Halle Bailey take on the title role.

Young Black children, particularly girls, were filmed, smiling and beaming at their new Ariel, making comments such as, ‘she’s like me’.

But the fact that these young children were so shocked to see a young Black lead in a major motion picture, is yet more proof that more representation and inclusivity of all ethnic minorities is needed.

This goes for books too, so we’ve selected some of our top picks for toddlers to tweens, with lead characters of colour.

Every child should be able to see themselves in a story.

Hidden Figures

Based on the New York Times bestselling book and the Academy Award nominated movie, this is the illustrated true story of the four Black women who helped NASA launch men into space.

African American mathematicians Dorothy Vaughan, Katherine Johnson, Christine Darden and Mary Jackson, fought against adversity during a time when being Black – and a woman – limited what others believed they could do.

Hair Love

From the Oscar-winning short film by former American footballer Matthew Cherry, this book is a story of a father-daughter bond.

Little Zuri loves her hair, but when her dad tries to style it for a special occasion it seems he has a lot to learn.

The Great Wall of Lucy Wu

This book is for young kids who are struggling with their sense of identity, regardless of their ethnicity.

Lucy is desperate for independence and is about to have the best year of her life at school, when her grandmother’s sister, Yi Po, comes to visit for several months.

It takes a deep dive into adjusting and family dynamics.

The Name Jar

Unhei is just starting out in a new school, a daunting experience for any child, but she worries that people won’t be able to pronounce her name.

So instead of introducing herself as Unhei, she picks an American name out a jar.

This is a tale of a new friendship which teaches Unhei there is no better name that her own.

Pig-Heart Boy

Cameron is 13 years old and he yearns to live life like a normal boy. But his heart doesn’t work like it should, and he needs a transplant.

But then comes the the offer of a radical surgery – he can receive a pigs-heart instead of a human one, which will give Cameron his quality of life back.

Not everyone accepts this – but will friendship and family conquer all?

The Magical Yet

Most children want to learn to run before they can walk. They’re eager to try things, even if it makes their parents nervous, and it can be frustrating for them when they aren’t quite there yet.

The depictions of tricky situations like learning how to paint, or riding a bike, are sure to resonate with children, and bring comfort in the form of reassurance that it’s not that they can’t do it, they just can’t do it yet.

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Children should be able to see themselves in their books.