DOI:  10.53136/979122181938026 
                                                        
                                                            Pages: 369-381
                                                        
                              
                                                                                                
                                
                                                            
                             Publication date: June 2025
                            
                                                        Publisher: Aracne
                                                        
                                                                    
                                    
SSD: 
                                         M-PED/01                                     
                                                        
                        
                        
                        
                     
                    
                 
               
                
                
                
                
                
                    Children’s literature is fundamental to the promotion of educational and social inclusion. Through engaging narratives and characters that reflect social and economic diversity, children’s books foster the development of empathy and an understanding of the differences that define us. This article explores the pedagogical value of children’s literature as a tool for inclusion, drawing on key studies and representative works in the field. It highlights how reading can support inclusive education, with special attention given to texts such as Orecchie di farfalla (Butterfly Ears) by Louisa Aguilar and the works of Gianfranco Zavalloni. Furthermore, the article proposes teaching strategies for the effective use of inclusive literature in the classroom. In conclusion, it underscores the importance of making informed choices when selecting texts – choices that can raise children’s awareness of diversity and contribute to the creation of a more just and inclusive society.