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We all want our kids to see themselves the way that we do. Self esteem and self confidence are SO important to help students develop accurate and healthy self images. How do we build self love for kids at school? I love using affirmations to help build and foster self love for kids. Affirmations can travel with you EVERYWHERE and you don’t need to have a book, worksheet, or card with you to access that powerful self-talk. But let’s be honest, when my passion for picture books and my love for social emotional learning align, my heart skips a beat. I compiled a list of 10 beautiful picture books that help foster self love for kids. Check out the links and read the description to see which books might work for you!
Rock What Ya Got by Samantha Berger
This whimsical book is so, so cute. It helps kids to see that self love and self confidence doesn’t have to be serious or sentimental all the time. This book is an excellent foundation for body positivity and helping students embrace themselves exactly as they are. Plus, I really love the illustrations!
Beautiful by Stacy McAnulty
This is a lovely book for the girls in your life and in your classroom. The text centers girls and shares how ALL different looks and interests are what makes girls beautiful! The book highlights girls dancing, splashing in the mud, playing pirates, being artists, and more.
Riley Can Be Anything by Davina Hamilton
Most picture books that focus on self love for kids really center the girl experience. This is SO important, but what about our boys? I love this book because it focuses on confidence and forward thinking for a boy named Riley. He explores all the things he could become as he gets older alongside his older cousin.
The Amazing Idea of You by Charlotte Sullivan Wild
This book is so beautiful because of all the poetic language! It shares how there is beauty and ideas inside of every living thing. I love the idea of students making their own version of this book, or pulling sentences from it to use as affirmations.
Sometimes All I Need is Me by Juliana Perdomo
It’s hard for me to say this because I have so many favorite picture books, but I think this is my favorite picture book on self love for kids! It is so unique and so important, while still being so accessible for kids! The main character shares how she has routines that make her feel comfortable, but since she loves herself, no matter where she travels to or goes, she can rely on herself to help her feel at home. How empowering!
Looking for other book lists like this post?
5 Picture Books about Disabilities and Differences
5 Picture Books to Reinforce Gratitude
3 Books for Reinforcing Mindfulness
