Someone Just Like You
Somewhere in this world, there is someone just like you,
Who finds the same things funny, and who laughs the way you do.
You may speak a different language. You may have a different name.
On the outside you look different, but your feelings are the same.
Have you ever stopped to think that there might be someone out there who is just like you? And if they needed you, would you help them?
This story was inspired by the words of Jo Cox: “We have far more in common with each other than things that divide us.”
Someone Just Like You is written by Helen Docherty and illustrated by David Roberts.
It was published by Simon & Schuster in the UK in September 2023, and in the US in March 2024.
Someone Just Like You has been translated into Chinese (in Taiwan), French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Korean, Polish and Spanish (in Chile and Spain).
The Chilean edition, Alguien Como Tú, was selected as an Outstanding Book for Young People with Disabilities by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY 2025).
Someone Just Like You was selected for the the Bologna Ragazzi Award Amazing Bookshelf (Sustainability: 17 Goals for a Better Future) at Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2025.
It was also shortlisted for the Derby Children’s Picture Book Award 2024 and the Sheffield Children’s Book Award 2024.
How to order your copy of the book:
We always recommend buying books through your nearest independent bookshop, where possible. You can order Someone Just Like You through them, or by following this link:
UK: Bookshop
(Disclosure: I am an author affiliate of Bookshop.org and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for your support!)
Reviews:
“The holy trinity of picture book gold: a lovely rhyme, an important message and the most beautiful illustrations you’ll ever see”
– Rob Biddulph, author of Odd Dog Out and creator of #DrawWithRob
“Someone Just Like You is absolutely beautiful. Exquisitely illustrated, with an important message of solidarity and compassion written in an engaging way that children will really connect with”
– Laura Padoan, UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency)
“A stunning book to read together with children”
– Booktrust UK
“There are many wonderful children’s picture books, but this is next level wonderful!”
– Uni Bookshop, Buckingham
“This is a beautiful book, encouraging empathy and kindness, so lovely it nearly made me cry”
– Bags of Books children’s bookshop, Lewes
“I adore this book. It’s beautiful and hopeful and full of empathy”
– Swapna Haddow, author of Dave Pigeon
“I’ve long been a fan of Helen Docherty and this important text is delivered with the loveliest and lightest of touches. So beautifully, thoughtfully, creatively illustrated by David Roberts, too. What a GEM!”
– Lu Fraser, author of The Littlest Yak
“Perfect for opening discussions about our differences and similarities and our place in the world today. Schools need this book!”
– Andrew Moffat, No Outsiders
“In a blaze of dazzling flouro oranges and pinks [it] demands us to imagine a world where children have challenging journeys to make…children, just like the ones we know and love; children just like the ones we once were. I can’t think of anything more important to be thinking of and holding in our hearts”
– Smriti Halls, author of I’m Sticking With You
“Helen Docherty has used the words of Jo Cox to inspire this story of love, empathy and kindness. And we all know the world really needs that right now. The illustrations are sublime as you would expect from the brilliant David Roberts, his work just gets more and more delicious and gorgeous – did we mention the pink and orange that weaves everything together?”
– Shelf Editions
“Very sweet empathy lesson in a bright, gorgeous picture book!”
– Alissa Redmond from South Main Book Company in Salisbury, North Carolina
“An incredible, powerful book, with beautiful illustrations…it brought a tear to my eye and the message really packed a punch”
– Milo and Gigi’s Bookshelf
“A really emotive read with striking illustrations. Every household, classroom, library needs this book”
– Posies Book Club
“This is a picture book of vital importance…its lyrical, rhyming text reminding us of our humanity”
– Love Four Reading
“A brilliant new picture book… My boy was charmed by the idea that somewhere in the world there is a child just like him and that he might someday meet them and maybe lend a hand!”
– Storybook Mamma
“Such a beautiful message and rhythm and illustrated with such joy by David Roberts. A real gem!”
– Rikin Parekh, children’s author and illustrator
“A gorgeous book well worth adding to your kid’s collection”
– Brizz Brown and Books
“A fantastic read all about encouraging empathy that shows we have more in common than we think. Featuring stunning neon illustrations and written in verse, this book is a great conversation starter!”
– Father Teacher Reader
“My son really loved the meaning behind this book – we are all the same and we should help one another”
– Lauren Sparks, Book Siren
“I read this book today and just have to shout about it. These words and pictures are what everyone needs right now. It’s all about empathy, kindness and being yourself. Stunning”
– Nicola Colton, author and illustrator of Jasper & Scruff
“A beautiful reminder for our little ones to look inside themselves to find things in common with others and to look outside themselves for people in need. Now more than ever we must teach kindness, model compassion, look for unity and show children how to help, and the best picture books can help us on that journey. Sweetly relatable and thoroughly adorable illustrations in bright, bold, brilliant hues dance around the page and will leap right into the reader’s heart.
There is no age restriction: littles need this, children who no longer consider themselves to be little need this, caregivers need this. Read this at bedtime and again when you wake up, it’s perfect for any time.”
– Andrea, @librarymusthaves
Book celebration & signing at Cover to Cover!
