As a mother (especially the mother of a daughter), I am always worrying about my daughter’s self esteem and confidence. I am always looking for new books to help me teach her about loving herself and being confident in the things that make her unique. I’m thrilled that there are so many great books available now to spread that message. I decided to gather up some of my favorites so the next generation will benefit from the great messages included in them!

Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received a copy of “Beautiful” in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Teaching kids to be proud of who they are

Beautiful was written by Stacy McAnulty and illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff. This bright and vividly illustrated book turns stereotypes on it’s head with clever wordplay between the text and the art. While the story talks about common traits that girls are expected to have (knowing about makeup, having a smart style, etc), the illustrations turn these expectations on their heads, giving them new meaning. This book is a great way to start a conversation with your daughter about the things that make her beautiful and unique on the inside.

I’m Gonna Like Me: Letting Off a Little Self-Esteem was written by Jamie Lee Curtis and illustrated by Laura Cornell. This cheerful rhyming book is a celebration of all the things to like about yourself. From physical attributes to character traits, the text touches on all kinds of things that make us wonderful. The bright and colorful illustrations pair well with the strong message of liking yourself, even when you struggle.

Related Reading: Empowering Board Books for Young Girls

Teach Kids to Love Themselves

I Like Myself! was written by Karen Beaumont and illustrated by David Catrow. This bright and creative book shows kids that they should accept themselves and their differences, as well as the differences of those around them. The vivid illustrations pair with the simple rhyming text to create a joyful story about self esteem and loving yourself.

What I Like About Me was written by Allia Zobel Nolan and illustrated by Miki Sakamoto. All the kids in this book have features that make them unique. Through cheery rhymes and colorful pictures, they celebrate what makes them different. The book encourages the reader to celebrate what makes them unique as well.

I Like Me was written and illustrated by Nancy Carlson. The sweet little pig at the center of this book is full of self esteem. She is happy to be her own best friend, and she is proud of her ability to always try her hardest. This book is full of simple statements that kids can recite to themselves, and also has great reminders that they can be proud of what makes them unique.

Learning to be confident when faced with judgement

Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun was written by Maria Dismondy and illustrated by Kimberly Shaw-Peterson. This story follows a young girl named Lucy who struggles at school when a classmate named Ralph starts teasing her. Her grandfather helps her to see that everyone should be treated with respect. She has the opportunity to show that when Ralph finds himself in trouble. The playful illustrations pair well with the sweet story, which reminds kids that we may all be different, but we all have similarities too.

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon was written by Patty Lovell and illustrated by David Catrow. Molly Lou Melon may be short, have buck teeth and a strange voice, but she is confident in who she is. When she starts a new school, she takes the advice of her grandmother and shows everyone that she is proud of who she is. The story is full of great lessons for kids and is paired with vivid illustrations.

Have confidence in everything you do

I am Truly was written by Kelly Greenawalt and illustrated by Amariah Rauscher. This sweet story introduces the reader to Truly, a strong and confident girl who can do anything. Through sweet rhyming text and adorable illustrations, she tells readers about all of the things she can do. She also shows them what they can do too!

Marvelous Me: Inside and Out was written by Lisa Bullard and illustrated by Brandon Reibeling. Alex is a little boy who is proud of all the things that make him unique. He takes the reader through his likes and dislikes, as well as the characteristics that make him a superhero named “Marvelous Me”. The fun illustrations and cheerful message will encourage readers to think of themselves as superheroes as well.

Celebrating what makes us unique

Be Who You Are was written and illustrated by Todd Parr. There are many things that make us different, and each of these things makes us special. The simple text and brightly colored cartoon illustrations in this book show readers all the ways that they can celebrate their uniqueness and be who they are.

Whoever You Are was written by Mem Fox and illustrated by Leslie Staub. This colorful book takes the reader around the world. It shows that we may speak different languages and have different skin tones, but that we have lots in common too. The message is conveyed in simple language and colorful folk art illustrations, making the message easy for young ones to understand.

You are All Kinds of Wonderful was written and illustrated by Nancy TIllman. This beautiful story tells the reader that we all have skills and abilities that make us unique. It may take us a while to figure out what we are meant to do. However, this book reminds us that we’re meant for great things, and our special abilities will help us get there. Through gentle rhyming text and beautiful artwork, this book assures the reader that they are unique, and they will find their way. Check out my previous review of this book and the activities we paired with it!