There are not many things as powerful as regularly reading to a child.
Books can help create a strong emotional bond between caregivers and their children.
Reading together provides reassurance, comfort, security, relaxation, and special moments of connection and happiness.
Books can:
- teach kids valuable lessons
- provide opportunities for reflection and discussion
- Help build self-esteem and confidence
- introduce children to worlds with endless possibilities
Clearly, reading is not just about building vocabulary.
For children, books are like windows that allow them to have a peek at alternative worlds and new perspectives. In other words, books provide an opportunity to vicariously prepare children for the many adventures they might face as they grow up.
Benefits of Reading Books to Kids
While developing regular reading habits may feel like a bit of a chore for some families, there are a number of benefits to help motivate parents to dedicate time to reading to their children.
Families who enjoy reading together:
- develop a stronger bonds
- have more topics to discuss
- have children with improved cognitive and intellectual skills
- learn new ideas and language to communicate
and much more
A recent study conducted in the UK found out that children who read just 30 minutes a week had better self-esteem than non-readers.
What is Self-Esteem and Why is it Important?
Self-esteem is the overall opinion one has about oneself. It includes self-worth, self-confidence, and self-acceptance.
A child with healthy self-esteem believes in their abilities and feels valued, which allows them to face challenges and embrace opportunities.
The Impact of Self-Esteem on Child Development
A solid foundation of self-esteem is crucial for a child’s overall development.
When kids feel good about themselves, they are more likely to engage in healthy relationships, make positive choices, and pursue their goals with confidence.
On the other hand, low self-esteem can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and difficulty in dealing with setbacks.
How to Promote Positive Self-Esteem in Kids
Self-esteem is the confidence that a child possesses while dealing with the ups and downs of daily life. Put simply, children with positive self-esteem feel good about themselves.
They believe in themselves and generally appear assured in most things they do.
Whereas children with low self-esteem, tend to have trouble trusting in their abilities. They are more likely to get down on themselves and speak negatively about themselves when things don’t go as they planned.
They lack confidence and develop pessimistic thinking patterns. Children with low self-esteem are also more likely to have trouble making friends and be comfortable in social settings.
By this contrast, we can clearly distinguish that self-esteem is very important.
While there are many ways to develop positive self-esteem in a child, an easy way to introduce the topic and get started is reading books about building confidence.
The following is a list of children’s books that can help your child build their self-esteem.
30 Powerful Children’s Books About Self-Esteem
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our efforts to improve the emotional health of children.
Books about self-esteem for children are a great way to teach about positive self-worth, self-image, and self-confidence. Such books can spark a conversation and help kids find courage and speak for themselves.
We have curated a list of 30 helpful books to open conversation about self-esteem, self-love, self-compassion, and staying true to one’s self.
A mouse always thought of himself as a weakling and wanted to be like someone else to have confidence. But of course, the mouse learned that confidence is in being true to yourself. This story acts as a reminder that everyone has something unique in them and each of us matters.
Having perfect test scores and knowing answers to all the questions is not the only form of intelligence. Children need to understand that everybody is different and has their own strengths. This picture book relays that message beautifully with a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of confidence.
This fun and interactive book in the Pete the Cat series focuses on the importance of trust and determination in one’s self to keep moving regardless of the hurdles in the way. Pete the Cat loves his brand-new white shoes but doesn’t let repeated challenges slow him down.
An insightful story of a crayon who was labeled as red but was, in fact, blue. Everyone tried to convince him, but he stayed on his course. With a little help from a new friend he revealed a new perspective. This book talks about being true to one’s inner self and following your path despite obstacles.
Grace Byers beautifully explains that regardless of our looks, beliefs, and abilities, everybody is unique and valuable in their special way. This book encourages children to respect themselves and one another despite differences while recognizing diversity with kindness.
Eraser wants to be like some other school supplies that are more famous and known for better things. After a couple of events, eraser understands the importance of teamwork, self-esteem, and self-acceptance. This book shows kids that everyone makes mistakes and we all deserve another chance.
A heartwarming book that teaches readers how to be purple people, that possess qualities like being humorous, kind, outspoken, authentic, curious, diligent, and many more. It has a great message about becoming a better version of yourself, having self-confidence, and understanding and helping others.
The most essential thing is accepting and being comfortable in your skin rather than seeking to be like someone else. This book explains the importance of celebrating our differences with kindness and togetherness, as well as embracing your strengths to discover your true self that the world needs.
A tale about a giraffe who loved to dance but couldn’t. Still, he didn’t give up, and with the help of an unusual friendship and a few tweaks, he was able to dance better than ever. This book teaches children to never give up on their dreams and work to achieve whatever they believe.
An inspiring story about a girl who enjoyed reading books, watching movies, and listening to fascinating tales from her grandmother. Possessed with a creative flair and imagination, Grace can’t help but be excited when she hears about the opportunity to play the role of Peter Pan in a class production. Readers learn the valuable lesson that everything is possible, if put your mind to it.
A perfect little boy struggles to adjust when all of a sudden, he grows pair of wings. This story explores challenges related to self-doubt and encourages children to enjoy being themselves even when they are unique, vulnerable, or going through different stages.
A girl discovers the path to empowerment, self-love, and self-acceptance after drawing strength from amazing women in her life that resembled her. This is a tale of accepting and respecting one’s roots and finding your unique way to happiness.
We all feel like outsiders at some point, somewhere in our lives. Although it can be tough to take those first steps, we can overcome the challenges we face if we can muster the courage. It is important that we trust ourselves, share our stories, and meet others halfway to connect, even when we feel scared and alone.
If you set your heart to achieving something, nothing can stop you. Certainly not your gender. This colorful book presents future career choices for girls with each letter in the alphabet. It is a great way to open the door to possibilities for young girls, as well as promote healthy living, inclusion, self-acceptance, and the importance of emotional well-being.
Julian is a boy who is fascinated by mermaids. When his grandma finds him making a mess when playing dress-up, she uses it as an opportunity to introduce him to a magical festival and a world beyond gender conformity. This beautifully illustrated book celebrates self-love and individuality while teaching diversity and acceptance.
A different perspective on the beloved nursery rhyme, explains what happened after the fall of Humpty Dumpty. We learn how he was able to see through his fears and understand that life begins when you get back up. This book is about a growth mindset and believing in yourself, even when it seems impossible.
A story about a “perfect” girl who finds herself in a prickly situation when she made a huge mistake in front of everyone. The book reminds children that perfectionism is not ideal and that making mistakes and then learning from them is a better way to live your life to the fullest.
A cute tale about a spoon who has recently been feeling a little low after looking at his other utensil friends like fork, knife, and especially chopsticks. He thinks that his charm is wearing out, and he is of little use. But with a twist in the plot, he understands that celebrating and valuing what you have makes you special.
Children can grow frustrated when they can’t do something. This book serves as a great reminder that there are things we haven’t learned or can’t do yet. But, with a positive mindset and belief in our abilities, we can learn, grow, and do things that we love.
Children learn that failing is a part of success. To achieve our goals, we must persevere through trial and error without letting our failures get the better of us. Even if you have a foolproof plan, success isn’t guaranteed. With renewed enthusiasm and self-esteem, you can learn from your mistakes and do better.
A girl with a unique Korean name finds it difficult to settle in a different country. She thinks to change her name to fit in. So, she decides to choose an American name from a name jar, but nothing seems right. Later, with a little help from a new friend, she discovers that she is perfect the way she is.
Mindful affirmations can play a huge role in building confidence in children. It matters what they repeatedly say to themselves. This book reflects diversity in this world and how you can rise above challenges with your inner strength and resilience.
An empowering storyline that presents the idea that we are all unique in our own ways, and we all have a magical purpose. It may take some time to discover your true nature, but believing in yourself and your potential makes all the difference. This book encourages children to explore all the what-ifs and maybes.
Addressing the topics that are often left ignored, this book speaks about the power of being different. The story focuses on differently abled kids who work together to make the garden more beautiful and vibrant. The idea behind this book is to value yourself and respect those who are different.
Limiting yourself to your beliefs is the biggest obstacle. This book teaches children that they just have to make a mark and then follow where it takes them. Every experience lets us learn something new about ourselves and what our strengths can be.
The giraffe is self-conscious about his long neck. He can’t seem to figure out why his neck is so long and bendy. While growing exhausted trying different options to hide his neck, a turtle helps him gain confidence again and shows that his neck has a purpose, and he looks amazing with his long neck. This book shows children that they are incredible in their own way.
Self-esteem and confidence building book that teaches readers that being different is nothing to be shy about. This story is about a girl with big and beautiful hair. Although her hair got in her way sometimes, she loves her hair and how its set her apart.
This enduring and colorful book teaches children that even though we may look different on the outside, from inside we are the same. We have similar needs, desires, and feelings. However, it’s our differences that make this world an exciting and wonderful place.
Children are taught to be kind to others, but what about being kind to themselves? This story reminds children that they should treat themselves with the same kindness and respect they show to others. Positive self-talk, self-acceptance, and being friends with themselves are the most important things.
An excellent book to teach children that they are responsible for their happiness. The positive choices they make empower them to be responsible, calm, generous, forgiving, confident, fun, and a good sport. Children benefit from making positive choices, experiencing new things, and learning from their mistakes.
Final Words Regarding Children's Books About Self-Esteem
Kids are bombarded with social pressures and harsh opinions that can damage their self-esteem.
As parents, we can provide our children with tools and strategies to help them prepare for challenges they will face in life.
Children’s books about self-esteem can introduce valuable ideas to help teach children about having a positive self-image, being resilient, thinking independently, and having confidence in the face of peer pressure.
About the Author
In addition to being a bestselling children’s book author, Dane Furfaro is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and has worked with children and families for over 10 years. He has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Concordia College and a master’s degree in Educational Psychology with a specialization in counseling from the University of Minnesota. He has been fortunate to support many children and families in their journeys to create better futures for themselves.
Pingback: Complete Guide to Chores for 7 Year-Olds (with FREE Chore Chart) - Feelings Detective