We believe in creating brilliant books for children. Our aim is to open up new worlds, and to help children grow into caring, kind, courageous and curious grown-ups. We believe that every child is different – we wouldn’t want it any other way – and that those differences are based on personality, not gender.

In 2014 we were the first children’s publisher to confirm that we would not be publishing books that said in the title that they were ‘for boys’ or ‘for girls’. We believe that books are for all children.

We are also extremely mindful of gender stereotyping in other, more implicit ways.We show people of all genders in all sorts of roles, whether it’s a book about jobs, history, or science. We avoid using pink and blue in a stereotypical way, although we still use pink and blue. We like all the colours in the rainbow. We believe fairies can be enjoyed by all of us. Likewise unicorns: unicorns are for everyone.

Usborne took part in The Fawcett Society’s Commission on Gender Stereotypes in Early Childhood, which concluded in 2020. This commission explored how gender stereotypes interact with other protected characteristics, including race and class. We are committed to implementing the recommendations for companies in the commission’s final report.  Our books show that children of any gender can be vulnerable or caring or active or scientific, and a child can be all of those things, and might also enjoy dressing up as a princess.

Every year, Usborne contributes our data to the CLPE’s Reflecting Realities report, as an important way for us to continue to improve the diversity in our books.

Books are an essential part of children’s lives and are vitally important in terms of shaping the way that children see the world. At Usborne we want to make sure that children see the world as a place where they can succeed and be happy, whatever their gender.