Accessibility Services

When you hear 'ibby', what does it mean to you? 

A) A small, spotted dog

B) A nonsensical word made up by Dr. Seuss

C) the International Board on Books for Young People

D) the itch you get in that exact spot on your back you can't reach

If you answered C – pat yourself on the back! (And maybe try to get that itch, too).

If you answered B, you're still close: after all, IBBY collections will certainly include a Dr. Seuss book or two!

The IBBY collection housed at the North York Central Branch is a world hub of books specifically selected for children and youth with disabilities. These books range from simple picture books that explore diversity to intricate titles in Braille, American Sign Language and more. 

The collection is international , so you'll find books in many languages and formats. The North York Central Blog has a great introduction to the IBBY collection; be sure to check it out to see more. The Toronto Star also recently posted an article about this unique collection.

If you're not able to see those books in person just yet, there is a handy PDF document online outlining some of IBBY's outstanding recent books.

You can also see a librarian in your local branch to get  some great books showing children of all needs and abilities in many kinds of situations. Here are just a few that come to mind:

Brian's Bird by Patricia Davis

Eight-year-old Brian, who is blind, learns how to take care of his new parakeet and comes to realize that his older brother, while sometimes careless, is not so bad after all.

Lemon the Duck by Laura Backman

Lemon, who lives in a classroom full of children, acts like a duck and quacks like a duck, but she just can't quite walk like a duck. With the help of her friends, however, Lemon will do lots of things to become one happy duck!

Just Because by Rebecca Elliot

A younger brother describes all the fun he has with the big sister he adores even if she can't do some of the things he can.

Happy Reading!