The Beautiful Layers of Me

A reassuring picture book celebration of individuality and heritage told with heart, emotion and evocative illustrations, for every child battling with their self-esteem or anxiety about wearing cultural dress.

Celebrate each other's unique identity and build tolerance, empathy and understanding of everybody's background in this authentic and sensitively told story from Sophia Payne and the 2023 Diverse Book Award-winning illustrator Ruchi Mhasane.

Ameena can’t wait for her aunty’s wedding. She is wearing a brand-new salwar kameez – the layers of floaty fabric filled with pretty patterns make her feel like a princess. But when someone comments on her “pyjamas”, she loses all confidence, fearing that her friends might not accept her traditional clothing. Through courage, family love and self-belief, Ameena discovers what it means to take pride in the beautiful layers of her heritage, especially in the face of difficult comments.

"The illustrations are beautiful and the storyline reflects the reality of many young people who may feel unsure of traditional clothing and how it might be perceived by others." Inclusive Books for Children

The illustrations are beautiful and the storyline reflects the reality of many young people who may feel unsure of traditional clothing and how it might be perceived by others. Inclusive Books for Children

Sophia Payne was born and raised in the UK and is half Guyanese, half British. Her writing often reflects her Indo-Caribbean heritage, as well as her motto in life: always be kind. Her first picture book Faruq and the Wiri Wiri illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat was shortlisted for the Inclusive Children's Book Award. She currently lives in Germany with her husband and two children. Find her on Instagram as @sophiap_author.

Ruchi Mhasane is a children's book illustrator whose debut picture book Dadaji's Paintbrush written by Rashmi Sirdeshpande won the Diverse Book Award and was longlisted for the Yoto Carnegie Medal. She has an MA in Children's Book Illustration from the Cambridge School of Art and currently lives in India, where she grew up. Find her on Instagram as @ruchi.mm.

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