LibraryAware PICTURE BOOKS: I Love Me/Self Confidence

Here are some of our favorite picture books on self confidence and the importance of loving yourself. These titles can be found in the Easy section of the library, unless otherwise noted.

Bird Boy
by Matthew Burgess

This wonderful story follows Nico, a boy who loves nature, as he learns to completely be himself with the new friends he has made at school.

Maya and the Beast
by Maya Gabeira

Young Maya always hears of everyone in her fishing village being scared of "The Beast," the giant wave that crashes into the shoreline every day, and after seeing boys surfing it she is determined to surf it herself, showing everyone the beauty it has to offer.

The Queen of Kindergarten
by Derrick Barnes

Wearing a tiara in her freshly braided hair for the first day of kindergarten, MJ is reminded of all the good things she brings to the classroom: kindness, friendliness and super soccer skills!

I Am Just Right
by David McPhail

A bunny preschooler who has grown too big for his grandpa to pick up celebrates the milestones of transitioning away from the crib and tricycle to the big-boy bed, new clothes and just-right hugs. This book can be found in the Early Reader section of the library.

Mel Fell
by Corey R. Tabor

A heartwarming celebration of self-confidence and taking a leap of faith depicts an endearing, courageous kingfisher who falls down, down, down before learning to fly up, up, up.

Mabel: A Mermaid Fable
by Rowboat Watkins

Mabel is not like the rest of her family because she does not have a moustache. She learns that it is okay to be who you are with the help of a seven-armed octopus.

I Believe I Can
by Grace Byers

The team behind the best-selling I Am Enough presents an empowering tribute to the limitless potential of children from every background that conveys messages about believing in themselves.

Bird Hugs
by Ged Adamson

Even though Bernard has impossibly long wings, he cannot fly, and he wonders if they are even good for anything at all, until a chance encounter with an orangutan shows him that what makes him different may be something to be embraced.

Hedgehog Needs a Hug
by Jen Betton

Hedgehog visits his forest friends and is rejected by each when they do not want to be hurt by his prickles, a situation that leads him to another animal in the forest, a skunk, who feels the same way he does.

A Normal Pig
by K-Fai Steele

When a new pig comes to school and starts to point out all the ways Pip is different, she worries that her appearance, tastes, and all the things she loves are not what what normal pigs do.

The Little Engine That Could
by Watty Piper

Featuring new illustrations by the Caldecott Medal-winning creator of The Adventures of Beekle, a 90th anniversary edition of the beloved self-esteem classic complements the original text with a special introduction by the illustrator as well as music artist Dolly Parton.

You Are Ready!: The World is Waiting
by Eric Carle

The best-selling creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar offers an inspirational book that invites readers to spread their wings and pursue the next big step.

Say Something
by Peter H. Reynolds

The author presents an empowering story for kid activists about finding one's voice and using it to make the world a better place.

Sweety
by Andrea Zuill

Sweety, a socially awkward naked mole rat despairs of finding a fellow mushroom lover until her cool aunt helps her discover how awesome it is for her to be just herself.

The Cool Bean
by Jory John

A less-than-cool bean struggles to fit in with the swaggering, sunglass-wearing cool beans at school before he discovers what being cool is really about.

Dare to Dream Big
by Lorna Gutierrez

Young children dream of doing inspiring things, helping others, and having the courage to be themselves.

What Do You Love About You?
by Karen Lechelt

Different animals show there is a lot to love about each of us and encourages youngsters to be true to themselves and embrace what makes them different.

I Am Enough
by Grace Byers

A lyrical ode to self-confidence and kindness for girls from every background. This moving book touches on themes of diversity, respecting others and loving oneself.

Remarkably You
by Pat Zietlow Miller

Rhyming text encourages young readers to discover what they are good at and use it to make a difference in big ways or in small ones. This book can be found in the Easy Nonfiction section of the library.

I Like Myself!
by Karen Beaumont

Although all people are made up of both good and bad qualities, this picture book emphasizes the importance of loving one's self for all the things that make them the unique being they are.