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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.
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Cesaria Feels the Beat
by Denise R. Adusei
While getting ready to perform at Carnival, Cesaria, a young deaf girl who hears the music through the soles of her feet, convinces all the other dancers to take off their shoes to feel what she feels.
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I Absolutely, Positively Love My Spots
by Lid'ya C. Rivera
This love letter to kids with vitiligo stars a young girl who celebrates her skin, which makes her stand out in a unique and beautiful way.
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Dolly Parton's Billy the Kid Makes It Big
by Dolly Parton
French bulldog, Billy the Kid, was born with an ear for music. He loves barking to the beat of country music! So Billy sets out to Nashville to sing his heart out. But when he meets some big bullies, Billy worries he's barking up the wrong tree. He'll need his favorite songs, a group of scrappy new friends, and his favorite country music star to regain self-confidence and be the star he always knew he could be.
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Lucas and the Capoeira Circle
by Joana Pastro
Nervous for his moving-up ceremony for Capoeira, the Brazilian martial art that combines music, dance and acrobatics, Lucas is scared he'll lose his ginga--his courage and rhythm. Then, he remembers his Papai's powerful words: "Your ginga lives inside of you."
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The Boy Who Found His Voice
by Tyler Gordon
This picture book, inspired by the author's own life, follows a boy who has trouble with words until he learns, with paintbrush in hand, that finding your voice isn't about being perfect. It's about being true to yourself.
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Tomorrow I'll Be Brave
by Jessica Hische
This eye-catching, hand-lettered book encourages kids to try to be their smartest, bravest, most creative, most curious, strongest, most confident selves. The author reassures readers that it is OK if it doesn't always work.
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Me and My Fear
by Francesca Sanna
When a young girl has to move countries and start at a new school, her fear tells her to be alone and afraid. How can she hope to make friends if she doesn't understand anyone? Surely no one else feels the same way
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Someday
by Eileen Spinelli
A young girl contrasts the exciting things she might someday do, like digging for dinosaur bones and swimming with dolphins, with her present-day activities of finding loose change in the sofa cushions and feeding her goldfish.
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Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You
by Sonia Sotomayor
The boundary-breaking Supreme Court Justice and the award-winning author of Book Fiesta present a celebration of the world’s diversity that explains why different people make the world more vibrant and wonderful, just the way a variety of plants and flowers enhance a garden.
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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.
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Big by Vashti HarrisonThis emotional exploration of being big in a world that prizes small follows a young child's journey to self-love, showing the power of words to both hurt and heal.
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Daddy Dressed Me by Michael GardnerChoosing to recite a poem for Move Up Day in her kindergarten class, Ava gets the confidence she needs with the help of her Daddy and the one-of-a-kind dress he has created for this special occasion.
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Repeat After Me : Big Things to Say Every Day by Jazmyn SimonIn this beautifully illustrated book of affirmations, young readers will learn about self-love and being their truest self, regardless of outside voices and doubt, as they repeat the encouraging words on each page.
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The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name by Sandhya ParappukkaranWhen Zimdalamashkermishkada shortens his name, deep down it doesn't feel right, and with the help of a new friend who sees him for who he truly is, Zimdalamashkermishkada finds the confidence to step proudly into his long name.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Dare to Dream Big
by
Lorna Gutierrez
Young children dream of doing inspiring things, helping others, and having the courage to be themselves.
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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.
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