Talking to kids about skin – and difference in general – can feel oddly tricky. Adults worry about saying the wrong thing. Kids usually just want the truth, in simple words, without turning it into a scary “big talk.”
That’s where storybooks do their magic. A good book gives children language, examples, and a safe way to ask questions. It also helps siblings, classmates, and parents learn what to say – and what not to say – without making anyone feel awkward.
Below is a curated list of children’s books that include vitiligo, written for different ages and reading levels. If you know a great title we missed, send it our way and we’ll happily expand the list.
New Releases
Bridget Sullivan — Sammy with the Special Skin
A calm, reassuring story about a young girl with vitiligo learning to feel comfortable in her own skin. It keeps the tone warm and kid-friendly, without making vitiligo feel like a “problem” that takes over the whole plot. This one works well as a bedtime read, especially if your child is in the “What do I say when someone asks?” phase. (Availability varies; often shared through author events and select sellers.)
Mallory Habstritt — Angel’s Big Splash: A Pup Prep Book About Loving the Skin You’re In
Angel is a dog with vitiligo starting at a new school, and she’s worried other kids will notice her patches and make things weird. The story keeps it light and sweet, while quietly teaching a big lesson: real friends don’t treat your skin like a problem. Great for first-day-of-school nerves, and also a nice classroom pick because it models kindness without sounding like a lecture. (Published by Wise Ink in August 2025; available via major retailers.)
Logina Salah — The Shining Star
A children’s book that tackles bullying and feeling singled out, written from lived experience. It helps kids name what’s happening, hold onto self-worth, and remember they’re not “less than” because someone else is loud or unkind. A good fit for families who want a story that naturally starts a calm talk about confidence, boundaries, and asking adults for help. (Published by Kalamon in November 2025; available via Madbouly Bookstores in Egypt.)
Vidya Nesarikar — A Patch of Sun, A Patch of Shade
Champa has vitiligo and stops going to school because she’s tired of the staring and questions. Then a new friendship begins, and the story gently shifts from hiding to re-entering life. Warm, realistic, and especially good for slightly older kids who can handle more story and emotion than a short picture book. (Published in India by Scholastic India.)
Classic Favorites
Celeste Casan — What can you do when you notice that you have vitiligo?
A feelings-forward book about that first moment of noticing change, and the emotions that can follow. Helpful if your child is in the “Why me?” stage and you want a gentle, steady companion for the conversation.
Lid’ya C. Rivera — I Absolutely, Positively Love My Spots.
Bright, upbeat, and full of confidence. This one is great for younger kids because it keeps the language simple and the message clear: your spots don’t take away your value.
Tati Santos de Oliveira — A Menina Feita de Nuvens (The Girl Made of Clouds)
A poetic, imaginative approach where “special powers” become a bridge to self-acceptance. A good pick for sensitive kids who don’t want medical talk, but do want to feel understood.
Daniel Rušar — Strakáč a Tíoni.
A story about a five-year-old boy with vitiligo searching for his strengths. It reminds kids that it’s okay to laugh with yourself (kindly), and that confidence can be learned step by step.
Kirsten Elisabeth Zehler — Giraffenmädchen.
A longer, heavier read (better for older kids/teens) focused on bullying, belonging, and finding peace in unexpected places. If a teen is struggling socially, this one can feel like someone finally “gets it.”
Theresa and Nakota Garee — My Spots.
Inspired by the real-life experience of a young child. The animal “spots” idea is a clever bridge that makes the topic feel safe and familiar. Great for early readers and for kids who love comparing themselves to animals (so… most kids).
Phyllis Russell-Gilmer — Skin Deep.
Colorful illustrations and rhyming verse make it easy to read aloud. The message is simple and helpful: you are more than other people’s reactions.
Danielle Wheeler — I’ve Got Spots!
Energetic and empowering, with a confidence-boosting tone. A good fit for kids who respond well to a “let’s go” vibe before school, sports, or social events.
Lori Mitchell — Different Just Like Me.
A gentle reminder that everyone is different in some way. It’s useful for siblings and classrooms because it broadens the message beyond one condition and helps normalize difference.
Kim Kirkland — Vitiligo Doesn’t Scare Me!
Straightforward, reassuring, and written for kids who want clear answers. Especially helpful if your child is anxious and needs calm language that doesn’t make vitiligo sound mysterious or frightening.
Ali Standish — How to Disappear Completely.
A novel for older readers where vitiligo is part of the character’s story, not the entire story. A good choice for kids who don’t want an “issue book,” but still want to feel seen.
Nakeyia Glover-Jones — Super Spots.
A back-to-school story with a joyful tone that normalizes vitiligo while staying focused on being a kid. Great for early elementary ages, especially around new routines and new classrooms.
Ravinder Singh — Tell Me A Story.
A collection of stories about insecurity, judgment, and self-worth. While not vitiligo-specific, it’s a thoughtful companion read for families navigating confidence and difference.
Coming Soon
Winnie Harlow — Simply Winnie
A picture book about self-expression, confidence, and what happens when a child starts to dim their shine to fit in. The grandmother role is a sweet touch, because many kids have that one wise adult who says the right thing at the right time.
Release date: June 2, 2026 (Penguin Workshop).
Do you know other good children’s books that include vitiligo? Please send us your recommendations.
Updated on December 18, 2025
Recommended reading
- How can I explain vitiligo to my children?
- I have vitiligo: will my children have vitiligo, too?
- Vitiligo Patient Journey Map
