Review: Belong by Sharon Seymour

This gorgeous picture book with its heartwarming story, spare use of words and exquisite illustrations brought tears to my eyes. 

Belong is a story of finding your place in a world that is new to you.

illustrated by Freya Goldsmith

Publisher: WestWords Ltd

Imprint: WestWords Children's

Publication date: 1st April 2026

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Pages: 28

RRP: AU$24.95 (hardcover)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Belong is a story about wanting to belong. Wanting to fit in and blend in with your peers, wishing to be one of the cool group and ultimately accepting that to be yourself is to be unique. 

The story starts with the most gorgeous bird, like a colourful rainbow flamingo, as he  moves from the nest, into the world, he wishes to be like everyone else. He can't fly like the other birds. He's not one of the popular kids. With his long legs and bright colours he doesn't blend in. He has trouble making friends until he comes across a tiny penguin. They become friends and look after each other. With kindness you will find where you fit in.

Okay, I can't read this without tearing up but children won't see the heart-wrenching (it has a happy ending) act of someone trying and failing to fit into a societal norm. What they will see is themselves and how they navigate a new environment, discover the beauty of friendship, and the acceptance of yourself just as you are.

Belong is the heartwarming debut picture book by Sharon Seymour. Superbly illustrated by Freya Goldsmith, she has certainly secured a place in the children's picture book world.

Using animals, in this case birds, to show human emotions is a safe way for children to navigate and understand their own emotions and open avenues for discussion on kindness and friendship.

Belong is the perfect book for your little one as they venture out into the world for the first time whether it be preschool or kindergarten fitting in and making friends can be difficult for some children.

Children love to read books well before they can recognise words and Freya Goldsmith's expressive and whimsical illustrations allow even pre-readers to tell their own story.

My rating 5 / 5 🦩🦩🦩🦩🦩

Recommended age: 3+ years

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