Books to build self-esteem and confidence

(By Robyn Wilson-Owen) A beautifully illustrated book about a hedgehog who dreams of being a lion, teaching young readers about following their dreams, believing in themselves, and embracing who they are, no matter how different.

(By Lex Croucher) A fun, empowering story that helps children understand the importance of self-acceptance and not being overly critical of themselves. The book tackles self-doubt and promotes a positive outlook.

(By Jenny Pearson) A hilarious adventure about Bigfoot and his unlikely companions, a group of wild boys. This funny and exciting book promotes teamwork, friendship, and learning how to solve problems creatively.

(By Gareth P. Jones) A fun, modern twist on the classic fairytale of Rapunzel, where Rabunzel is an adventurous and strong-willed girl. The story teaches kids about courage, independence, and how to break free from traditional stereotypes.

(By Mary Hoffman) A beautiful story about a young girl named Grace who dreams of being something extraordinary. Despite facing challenges and the doubts of others, Grace discovers that determination and passion can help her accomplish anything she sets her mind to.

(By Clare Balding) A charming tale about a racehorse who refuses to gallop. Through determination and perseverance, the horse learns to embrace their own pace, teaching young readers about patience and following their own journey.

(By Dr. Seuss) A collection of Dr. Seuss stories, including The Sneetches, which teaches a lesson about acceptance and prejudice. Other stories include The Zax, Too Many Daves, and What Was I Scared Of?, all with humorous yet meaningful messages.

(By Giles Andreae) A heartwarming story about Elephant Me, a lovable and kind elephant who discovers his importance and strength through kindness and compassion. This tale encourages self-acceptance and emphasizes the value of emotional intelligence.

(By Emily Snape) This delightful guide follows a little monster as it discovers how to be confident in its own skin. Through playful illustrations and relatable experiences, the book empowers young readers to embrace their uniqueness and build their self-esteem.

(By Hayley Long) A thought-provoking book that discusses what it means to be a girl in today’s world. It covers self-confidence, overcoming obstacles, and embracing the diverse experiences of girlhood.

(By Nima Patel) A motivational story focused on the importance of embracing your true self and being the best version of who you are. This book emphasizes self-improvement, kindness, and the power of a positive mindset.

(By Joseph Coelho) This lyrical story explores the journey of a child discovering the power and beauty of their own voice. It emphasizes self-expression, overcoming fears, and the importance of speaking up, both literally and figuratively.

(By Alice Alderman) A story that explores the beauty of self-love and confidence through the eyes of a child. This book encourages readers to embrace their own inner light and share it with the world, promoting positivity and self-empowerment.

(By Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow) A beautifully written story about a young Muslim girl who practices her prayers in secret, learning about her faith, identity, and the importance of personal devotion.

(By Smriti Prasadam-Halls) A beautifully illustrated story about how everyone is unique and special. It focuses on the individuality of each person, teaching kids to appreciate what makes them stand out in a positive and uplifting way.

(By Jordan Scott) A poetic, heartfelt story about a child who struggles with stuttering and finds solace in the flowing river. This book highlights the importance of understanding, self-acceptance, and how our differences shape who we are.

(By Katherine Rundell) A collection of short stories written by famous authors, focusing on hope, dreams, and overcoming challenges. The book provides diverse perspectives and is filled with uplifting, inspiring tales that encourage resilience and kindness.

(By Sally Anne Garland) A charming story of a little girl stuck indoors on a rainy day. She learns to embrace the situation and finds creativity in her own space, helping children understand the joy of making the best of any situation.

(By Nadia Finer) This uplifting book reassures shy children that their quiet nature is a superpower. It helps them embrace their introversion and teaches them how to harness their quiet strength to navigate the world with confidence and self-love.

(By Fearne Cotton) A beautifully designed journal for children to track their moods, reflect on their emotions, and learn emotional intelligence. It promotes mindfulness and emotional health for young readers.

(By Roger Hargreaves) This beloved series returns with a new lesson on diversity and acceptance, encouraging children to embrace differences in others. The characters of Mr. Men and Little Miss, each with their own quirks and personalities, show how everyone is unique and special in their own way.

(By Gill Hasson) A practical guide for shy children, this book provides helpful tips on how to navigate social interactions with ease. It encourages children to push past their fears, start conversations, and practice social skills in a comfortable way.

(By Julian Gough) A thrilling story about a mysterious event that happens at night, where a bite has left everyone curious. This adventurous tale is a great way to spark imagination in young readers while also teaching them about overcoming fear and being brave in unknown situations.

(By Molly Potter) A thought-provoking book that explores the science of behavior and decision-making in an accessible way for kids. It encourages young readers to think about their actions, the motivations behind them, and how they can make thoughtful choices in their lives.

(By Kath Jewitt) A gentle, uplifting book about a child discovering their inner bravery. The book guides children through fears and anxieties, showing that bravery comes in many forms and is unique to each individual.

(By Jessica Sanders) A body-positive book that helps children understand the importance of loving and respecting their bodies. With gentle language and empowering messages, it helps to promote healthy body image from an early age.

(By Carlie Sorosiak) A motivational book that teaches children how to be brave, bold, and confident, just like a lion. Through engaging illustrations and storytelling, it encourages young readers to speak out, stand tall, and embrace their own power.

(By Jon Agee) A quirky, humorous story about a little boy who attends lion school to learn how to roar and be brave. Through fun illustrations and clever narrative, the book teaches children the value of courage, confidence, and overcoming fears.

(By Nicola Kent) A fun-filled story that mixes absurdity and whimsy as a giraffe embarks on an imaginative adventure that teaches kids about fun, friendship, and embracing the unexpected.

(By Hannah Peckham) Bronty, a dinosaur, discovers his own voice in this exciting adventure where he learns to stand up for what he believes in. The book teaches kids about bravery, self-expression, and how to face challenges with confidence.

(By Matthew Syed) This book encourages kids to embrace their unique qualities and teaches them the power of positive thinking and self-empowerment. It promotes the idea that everyone has something special to offer.

(By Eva Ibbotson) A heartwarming story about a boy and his dog, where they embark on a journey of friendship and adventure. It’s a delightful exploration of loyalty, love, and the bond between humans and animals.

(By David Ouimet) A poignant, beautifully illustrated book about a quiet child who feels overwhelmed by the world around them. Through tender narrative and visual storytelling, it explores the power of silence and how finding one’s own voice can be transformative.

(By Payam Ebrahimi) This inspiring story follows a young boy as he learns that winning isn't everything. The book focuses on the importance of sportsmanship, trying your best, and learning from both victories and defeats.

(By Marjoke Henrichs) Detective Catz is on a mission to find a missing nut in this charming, adventurous story. Along with her friends, she uses clever thinking and teamwork to solve the mystery, teaching young readers the value of collaboration, problem-solving, and friendship.

(By Penny Alexander, Becky Goddard-Hill) This interactive book helps children learn to create their own happiness by engaging with different activities, journaling, and reflecting on things that bring them joy. It promotes emotional well-being and self-discovery.

(By Wendy Meddour) Cleo, a camel, is entirely fine—until she isn't. This quirky story follows Cleo as she learns it's okay to not be perfectly fine and that vulnerability is part of life. The book promotes emotional honesty, self-care, and understanding.

(By Matthew Syed) A motivational book designed to encourage young readers to embrace their individuality and dare to be themselves. The book tackles themes of self-acceptance, standing out, and making choices that align with your true self.

(By Britta Teckentrup) A gentle, beautifully illustrated book about a seedling that refuses to grow. This story reflects themes of patience, growth, and accepting life's natural process, helping children understand that everyone grows at their own pace.

(By Pamela Butchart) Jeremy is a little boy who is scared of the wind. As he learns about it through playful, reassuring experiences, this book helps children understand and overcome common childhood fears, emphasizing that worries can be confronted with the right perspective and understanding.

(By R. J. Palacio) This heartwarming novel tells the story of August “Auggie” Pullman, a boy with facial differences who attends school for the first time in fifth grade. Told from multiple perspectives, the story explores themes of kindness, acceptance, and resilience as Auggie faces bullying and struggles to find friendship. An inspiring read that encourages empathy and understanding.

(By Joseph Coelho) A collection of 25 empowering poems that explore courage, bravery, and overcoming obstacles. The poems are designed to inspire and encourage children to face their fears and find the strength within themselves to achieve greatness.

(By Hannah Peckham) A fun and empowering story about Bronty, a dinosaur who discovers the strength in his voice. The book teaches children about standing up for themselves, finding their voice, and embracing their individuality.

(By Coralie Bickford-Smith) A poetic tale about the interconnectedness of all things, following the journey of a tree that provides shelter, food, and inspiration to all who encounter it. The book celebrates nature, environmentalism, and the power of living in harmony with the world.

(By E B White) A heartwarming tale of friendship and loyalty, Charlotte’s Web follows the story of Wilbur, a young pig who is saved from slaughter by a kindhearted spider named Charlotte. Charlotte weaves words into her web to convince the farmer that Wilbur is special, drawing attention from the community. The novel explores themes of life, death, and the beauty of kindness. White’s storytelling captures the innocence of childhood while conveying deeper life lessons. With lovable characters such as Fern, the girl who first saves Wilbur, and Templeton, the gluttonous but helpful rat, this book remains a beloved classic that teaches the power of love and sacrifice.

(By Ruth Doyle) A follow-up to "Songs for Our Sons," this poetic and moving book highlights the hopes, dreams, and aspirations that parents have for their daughters, reinforcing self-worth and strength, and showing the beauty of girlhood through a lens of empowerment.

(By Munro Leaf) This beloved classic by Munro Leaf tells the story of Ferdinand, a gentle bull who would rather smell flowers than fight in bullfights. The book promotes messages of nonviolence, self-acceptance, and staying true to oneself.

(By Jana Curll) This inspiring story follows a young girl as she navigates through life's challenges. With themes of determination and resilience, the book helps children understand that while their paths may differ, they have the power to shape their journey and grow through obstacles.

(By Grace Byers) This beautifully illustrated book affirms the self-worth of every child, celebrating diversity and individuality. It teaches children to love themselves just as they are, no matter what others may say or do.

(By Lize Meddings) In the second volume of The Sad Ghost Club, readers follow the ghosts as they navigate their feelings of sadness and anxiety. This graphic novel continues to promote mental health awareness, friendship, and the importance of seeking support.

(By Michal Solomonovich, Alon Ulman) A story about a young athlete who overcomes obstacles and learns to embrace their potential. It teaches children that being a champion is not just about winning, but about resilience, effort, and the courage to continue trying.

(By Dr. Katie O'Connell, Claire Philip) A practical guide for building self-confidence, tailored to help children navigate their emotions and develop a strong sense of self-worth. The book provides tools and exercises for self-reflection and growth.

(By Nathan Bryon) A powerful book that encourages children to find their voice and speak up for themselves and others. It teaches kids the value of confidence, standing up against injustice, and finding strength in their words.

(By Julian Sedgwick) A gripping story about a young girl who is swept away by a tsunami and must navigate her way through the aftermath. The book deals with themes of survival, resilience, and finding strength in difficult times.

(By Debi Gliori) A heartwarming story about unconditional love, this anniversary edition explores a parent's reassurance that no matter what happens, their love for their child will always remain. The book is an emotional journey through the challenges of life and the strength of family bonds.

(By Sally Anne Garland) A heartwarming story about Nook, a character who finds peace in their cozy corner of the world. Through simple yet profound illustrations, this book encourages children to find joy in solitude, self-reflection, and being at ease with themselves.

(By Sinéad Burke) A story about challenging expectations and embracing your uniqueness. It encourages children to break free from societal pressures and be true to themselves, offering a message of empowerment and individuality.

(By Tamsin Winter) This story follows Jemima as she tackles challenges with humor and resilience, ultimately discovering her inner strength and learning to confront both her fears and the world around her.

(By Sophie Beer) A playful and educational story that teaches children the various ways people greet each other around the world. It emphasizes the importance of kindness, curiosity, and the joy of learning about other cultures.

(By Ruth Doyle) This book is a heartfelt collection of songs celebrating the unconditional love and dreams parents have for their sons. Each verse reflects a different wish for a son's future, fostering an emotional connection while celebrating a deep bond between parent and child.

(By Charlotte Markey) A comprehensive guide for girls about body image, self-esteem, and the media’s impact on how we view ourselves. The book provides practical advice and affirmations for developing a healthy body image and confidence.

(By Silvia Vecchini) A whimsical and imaginative story where a child has a phone conversation with a fish. This quirky tale explores creativity, friendship, and the magic of a child’s imagination, while encouraging open-mindedness and fun.

(By Giles Andreae) A classic tale of Gerald the giraffe who struggles to fit in because he can't dance. With encouragement from a wise friend, he learns to embrace his own rhythm and talents, teaching readers the importance of being themselves and not comparing to others.