I love books that encourage young girls to be strong, confident women. My parents raised me and my sister to believe that we could do anything that we set our minds to. Our mother taught us to use tools, problem solve and take care of difficult situations without panicking. I want to raise my daughter to be a strong and confident woman as well, so I am always on the lookout for great books that feature strong female characters and inspire her to be proud of who she is. Today I decided to gather a list of the best empowering board books for girls and young feminists so you can build a library for your strong, confident little one. These are great reads for both girls and boys, and can start some important conversations as well!
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Feminism Through the Alphabet
My Feminist ABC was written by Duopress and illustrated by Irene Pizzolante. This creative take on the alphabet book is full of inspirational lessons for little ones. Each letter of the alphabet represents a powerful word that will empower young girls to follow their dreams and to be confident in themselves. The concepts are easy enough for young ones to understand, while the values and strong messages provided in the book are ones that parents will want their little ones to carry with them. This is a fun and educational way to introduce little eyes to important concepts!
The A to Z Guide to Jobs for Girls was written and illustrated by Charles C. Dowd. Girls can do anything, and this book reminds them of that! Take a stroll through the alphabet while checking out all of the amazing careers that girls can have (hint: anything they want!). The simple illustrations and large text make this a great introduction to careers for little ones, as well as sharing a great message that they can do anything they set their mind to.
Introducing Little Ones to Strong Women!
This Little Trailblazer: A Girl Power Primer was written by Joan Holub and illustrated by Daniel Roode. This board book introduces kids to a variety of strong women throughout history. Each woman is introduced through a fun rhyme about their place in history, followed by a simple explanation of their achievements.
Little Feminist Board Book Set was written by Galison and Emily Kleinman and illustrated by Lydia Ortiz. This little book set introduces little ones to strong women in four categories in history: Artists, Pioneers, Leaders and Activists. Each book includes adorable cartoon illustrations of the amazing women, as well as a small blurb about their accomplishments and contributions.
Strong Feminist Characters
Feminist Baby Finds Her Voice! was written and illustrated by Loryn Brantz. This follow up to her popular debut book Feminist Baby, follows the cute baby girl as she starts to talk and learns to say what she wants. The vibrant illustrations are sure to entertain little readers.
The Paper Bag Princess was written by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Michael Martchenko. This popular princess is now available in board book form for young readers to enjoy. When a dragon kidnaps her prince and burns up all of her clothes, the fearless princess at the center of this story sets out on a quest to outsmart him and save the day using her intelligence and creativity.
Tough Chicks was written by Cece Mang and illustrated by Melissa Suber. When her 3 little chicks hatch from their eggs, Mama Hen knows that they are tough chicks. As the other animals beg the mother hen to make her girls “be good”, she insists that they already are. This book has a great message that girls can be tough chicks who are loud, independent and different!
Powerful Female Heroes
DC SUPER HEROES: My First Book of Girl Power was written and illustrated by Julie Merberg. This colorful book is an exploration of some of the best female superheroes! With bright illustrations showing them in action, and simple powerful statements, this book shows young girls that women are powerful and capable of saving the day.
Be A Star, Wonder Woman! was written by Michael Dahl and illustrated by Omar Lozano. When a young girl sets out to face the school day, she finds strength in her favorite superhero: Wonder Woman! This book touches on some of Wonder Woman’s best traits and shows how young girls can exemplify them as well. The bold and colorful cartoon illustrations will entertain very young ones, while the story reminds them that they are already powerful.
Empowering Board Books for Young Girls That Are Coming Soon!
Dream Big, Little Leader was written and illustrated by Vashti Harrison. This board book version of the hugely popular Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History showcases famous black women whose contributions and accomplishments made a huge impact on our history. (Releasing 10/18)
I Look Up To. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was written by Anna Membrino and Fatti Burke. This board book is part of a new series introducing important women in power to young readers. This book features famous quotes by Ruth Bader Ginsburg, as well as important traits that make her someone to look up to. The series will also include I Look Up To. Michelle Obama. (Releasing 10/18)
Baby Feminists was written by Libby Babbott-Klein and illustrated by Jessica Walker. This lift the flap board book reminds kids that even the most powerful women and changemakers started out as young kids. (releasing 10/18)