The Beautiful Layers of Me

A powerful and reassuring celebration of individuality and heritage told with heart, emotion and evocative illustrations.

Ameena can’t wait for her aunty’s wedding. She is wearing a brand-new salwar kameez – the layers of floaty fabric adorned 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 or understand her traditional clothing. Through courage, family love and her own self-belief, Ameena discovers what it means to take pride in the beautiful layers of her cultural heritage, especially in the face of difficult comments.

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.