Learn to Be Proud of Who You Are: 5 Kids Books That Teach Self-Love and Self-Worth

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The Children’s Book Review

So much of our happiness stems from our perception of ourselves—our self-worth. It’s time to engrain into our children the importance of self-love. How their uniqueness, their little bit extra, their outlook on life is what makes them shine! Introverts, extroverts, and everyone in between, it’s time to speak up, speak out, (or quietly read a book if you prefer), and be you! Because you are wonderful, just the way you are! And if you don’t believe me? Here are five picture books that will hopefully convince you otherwise. You do you and be proud of who you are!

Baby Trolls Get a Bad Rap

Written by Justine Avery

Illustrated by Daria Yudina

The Baby Trolls want you to sign a petition for equal rights and awareness for ALL TROLLS! Including the baby ones with so much potential. They want to be appreciated and respected, definitely not ignored, and (most importantly), they want to be your friend! In a world where we’re beginning to see young people stand up for what they believe in and fight for it, too, Baby Trolls Get a Bad Rap is a fantastically empowering conversation starter written with the youngest readers in mind. It’s time for the Baby Trolls to shine, and young readers will find their voices, too, to shine along with them!

Read our complete review here »

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Ages 3 and up | Publisher: Suteki Creative | January 14, 2020 | ISBN-13: 978-1948124300

Be Who You Are

Written and Illustrated by Todd Parr

No matter who you are or where you come from, New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Todd Parr reminds kids about all of the things that make them special inside and out.

Be who you are!
Be proud of where you’re from.
Be a different color. Speak your language.
Wear everything you need to be you.

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Ages 3-6 | Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers | October 25, 2016 | ISBN-13: 978-0316265232

Thelma the Unicorn

Written and Illustrated by Aaron Blabey

It’s easy to glance sideways and be distracted by what others have going on. If readers learn from Thelma’s experience, they’ll discover that they prefer themselves just the way they are, with or without a unicorn horn and sparkles.

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Ages 3-7 | Publisher: Scholastic Press | October 31, 2017 | ISBN-13: 978-1338158427

Happy Dreamer

Written and Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Peter H. Reynolds has a beautiful knack for celebrating kids and life. In Happy Dreamer he encourages readers to channel their inner selves and follow their dreams. The message is clear: stay true to yourself, no matter where you are on the spectrum of ordinary to extra!

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Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Orchard Books | March 28, 2017 | ISBN-13: 978-0545865012

Antoinette

Written by Kelly DiPucchio

Illustrated by Christian Robinson

We all have something that makes us unique! In this gorgeous companion to Kelly DiPucchio and Christian Robinson’s beloved Gaston, sweet poodle Antoinette shows readers the importance of following your heart and being yourself.

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Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers | February 14, 2017 | ISBN-13: 978-1481457835

The article Learn to Be Proud of Who You Are with These 5 Kids Book was curated by The Children’s Book Review and sponsored* by Justine Avery. For similar books and articles, follow along with our content tagged with Picture Books, Self-Acceptance, Self-Empowerment, Self-Esteem, Self-Love, Self-Worth, and Social-Emotional.