Accessibility in Children's Books

Photo by Taylor Heery on Unsplash

"Accessibility in children's books is really about design. When text and images are presented clearly, readers can engage with the story instead of having to work to make sense of the page." This quote from educator Natalie Holdren highlights the difference that small adjustments in design can make for children with special needs and disabilities. 

For years, accessibility meant different books for children with special needs, but in an article for Publishers Weekly, Dianne Bright highlights the importance of access to the same books for every child. "When children with special educational needs and disabilities can engage with the same texts as their peers, it creates shared experiences and opportunities for connection," Holdren states. 

There are simple things that editors can do to make books accessible to all including, accessible fonts, uniform spacing, high contrast between text and artwork, and clear layouts. 

Read the full article, and find some great examples of this work in action here.

[Bright, D. The Importance of Accessibility Editing in Picture Books. May 14, 2026. Publishers Weekly.]

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/100407-the-importance-of-accessibility-editing-in-children-s-picture-books.html?oly_enc_id=9241D5865112C4T