I Am Me, You Are You: Anthony Semann and Louise Dorrat release new picture book on inclusion in early learning

Educators and families will soon have a new resource to spark conversations about identity, diversity and respect in early learning, with the release of I am me, you are you, a picture book co-authored by early childhood consultants Anthony Semann and Louise Dorrat, illustrated by Heidi Upward and designed by Social AF.

Set for release in mid to late November 2025, the book will be available via the Semann & Slattery website and selected bookshops nationwide.

A story with rhythm and purpose

The book introduces children to Gracie and her friends, celebrating both similarities and differences in a playful, rhyming narrative that can be read aloud or sung. With its rhythm and beat, children are encouraged to join in with clapping, maracas or tapping, making the story interactive and engaging.

This style supports brain development, literacy, and co-regulation, while also creating inclusive opportunities for children to connect through music and movement.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Anthony Semann said:

“Having re-entered back into the classroom I have found a number of books to be too long, too boring and honestly uninspiring. Louise and I share a passion for social change and we believe this starts with the youngest learners. We brought our minds together and Louise thought of the idea of a children’s book. The book is a story of the wonderful diversity amongst children with a punchy story line which readers can read or sing to children.”

Louise Dorrat added that her love of storytelling shaped the book’s approach:

“I do a lot of storytelling in my workshops and I prefer picture books that have an underlying beat with rhyming words so children can join in. For years I struggled to find simple Australian books like this that also challenge stereotypical gender roles and include ‘they’ pronouns in the everyday, so I thought, why not write one with a friend who shares the same social justice values.”

Both authors emphasise that the story is child-centred first, not focused on labels of disability or gender, but instead affirming identity in all its forms. Many of the characters are based on children in their own families, with illustrator Heidi Upward, also an early childhood teacher drawing on photographs and personal traits to create vibrant, relatable imagery.

Testimonials describe the book as:

“Being an ‘absolutely me’ person, this treasure speaks! I hope you’ll let it speak to you too.”
Dr. Alma Fleet, Educational Consultant

“I love this enchanting, rhyming book that will support each child’s rights and acceptance of themselves and others.” Heather Barnes OAM, Early Childhood Education Consultant

“Representation, colour and joy shine bright. A celebration for every child!” Laura Stone, Early Childhood Education Media Producer

“An anti-bias children’s book! Its playful poetry and punchy pictures invite a visual collaboration to be together, just as we are.” Dr. Red Ruby Scarlet, Early Childhood Consultant

The book challenges traditional gender stereotypes, affirms non-binary identities, and supports children to recognise and respect differences while appreciating shared experiences.

For educators, I am you, you are me offers a practical tool for embedding inclusive, identity-affirming practice in line with the Early Years Learning Framework.

The book will be launched nationally in late November and is expected to be welcomed by educators, families and community organisations looking for high-quality, inclusive resources to support children’s sense of self and respect for others.

Louise said the collaboration was a way of ensuring children see themselves and others reflected in the stories they encounter:

“Anthony and I wanted to focus on the child first, not the disability, not the gender. Many of the characters are based on children in our own families, and seeing them come to life through Heidi’s illustrations has been wonderful. Our hope is that all children, whether infants, toddlers or preschoolers, will find something of themselves in this book, and in doing so, recognise the value of others too. It has been a rewarding collaboration and we cannot wait to read it to all children from infants to pre-schoolers.