Self-Esteem Building Books for Your Home Library!
Hi there! I’m Christina, a mom of two littles, a licensed mental health therapist, and a children’s book author! Thanks for checking out my site. Look around! I’m sure there’s something here for you! This article is about self-esteem building books for your kiddos!
Take a look at the sentences below…
I am worthy.
I matter.
My thoughts and feelings are valid.
What I want, need, and value are important.
I know how to work through challenges.
My feelings don’t scare me.
I can use coping skills when I need them.
Now let’s reflect on them. Does your child think or say these about themselves? Would you like them to be able to?
These statements are representative of healthy self-esteem — the opinion your children have of themselves. It is closely linked with self-worth and the ability to speak up for themselves as well as set boundaries and have healthy relationships. Pretty important stuff!!
If you’re children are struggling with self-esteem, look no further to find incredible books to help them boost it! And if you are fortunate enough to have a kiddo that already has high self-esteem, keep reading as well. Even they need reinforcement and support!
I am sharing with you five incredible children’s book series that will give your children the pep in their step that you’ve been yearning to see.
Self-Esteem Building Books
Capable Kiddos Series by Christina Furnival and Illustrated by Katie Dwyer:
Books “The Not-So-Friendly Friend” and “Fear Not!“
The award-winning Capable Kiddos book series is written by mental health therapist and mom Christina Furnival. Combining her professional and personal experience, she created the series to help children grow in awareness while developing invaluable skills to handle and tackle common life challenges such as friendship troubles, fears and anxieties, and low self esteem. The books in the Capable Kiddos series help children realize they are not alone, offer practical and manageable tips, share evidence-based guidance and information, support positive mental health, and encourage meaningful conversations with trusted adults.
The Not-So-Friendly Friend — How to Set Boundaries for Healthy Friendships
When an endearing child new to school is confronted with her very first on-again, off-again friend and not-so-friendly friend, she is left feeling defeated. What is she to do? Empowered by her own self-respect and empathy for others, she sets boundaries and expectations, opening the door for a healthy and mutually beneficial friendship to form.
In The Not-So-Friendly Friend, children will learn an easy and practical lesson about how to firmly and assertively – yet kindly – stand up for themselves in the face of a bully. Author Christina Furnival, a licensed mental health therapist and mom, shows how to navigate the complexities of an unkind peer relationship. By teaching children about the importance and value of setting boundaries for healthy friendships, this book provides children the tools they need to foster their social confidence and emotional well-being.
Fear Not! — How to Face Your Fear and Anxiety Head-On
When fears and anxiety won’t leave him alone — and pushing them away doesn’t seem to work — a bold and courageous boy learns to tackle them head-on using three simple steps, with some mindfulness and coping skills along the way. Sharing his newfound knowledge, he empowers young readers to tap into their breath, senses, and skills to put fear and anxiety in their place. By teaching children how to confront their fears and mindfully ride the wave of anxiety, this book equips them with the tools they need to deal with the inevitable stressors of life and feel confident no matter the challenge.
About the Author!
Christina Furnival is a licensed psychotherapist, children’s book author, and mom. Through therapy and her children’s book series Capable Kiddos, she is passionate about helping children and their parents understand themselves better, navigate challenges confidently, and live the life they want! Christina and her Scottish husband are raising their kids in Christina’s hometown of San Diego where they love to hike trails, play at the beach, and have wild, disco-lit dance parties in the living room. Visit her at ChristinaFurnival.com and on Instagram at @CapableKiddosBooks and @ThisIsRealLifeMama.
Super Skills Series by Lauren Mosback and Illustrated by Chiara Savarese:
Books “My Super Skills” and “Transforming Anxiety“
The Super Skills Series shares picture books that empower kids to manage their emotions and develop self-esteem. In these entertaining and educational stories, children have the opportunity to practice along, learn and have fun as they read! Children explore various strategies in each book, so they can find what works for them. Empowering kids with choice is a critical part of learning and having the desire to implement coping skills!
My Super Skills
In this book, little readers follow along with brother/sister duo as they learn about various emotions and take deep breaths like a horse, repeat affirmations like a lion, slow down to practice mindfulness like a sloth and more! Alongside the main characters, readers discover that these social and emotional super skills introduced in the story help them to manage difficult feelings and develop an optimistic mindset.
Transforming Anxiety: Grow Resilience and Confidence
Transforming Anxiety is an interactive picture book that teaches children self-awareness, coping skills for anxiety, and resilience and confidence. Young readers follow along with the characters in the story and practice strategies to understand and manage their anxiety, rather than hide from it. Kids discover that they too can learn “Super Skills” and have the power within them to transform their anxiety, learn and grow!
About the Author!
As a licensed therapist for children and teens, Lauren knows how much happier and healthier children and teens are when they learn social-emotional intelligence skills early on. Having healthy coping tools in their social and emotional toolbox gives kids the skills they need to cope with challenging situations and feelings and develop a happier mindset! She created this series because she wants to share these super skills with as many kids as possible. Lauren specializes in working with kids and teens. She helps them to discover their strengths, learn coping skills, develop a growth mindset and build self-esteem. She is a mom to 3 little boys with a baby girl on the way. Her home and private practice are located in the Philadelphia suburbs. Visit her at LaurenMosback.com.
Ocean Tales Series by Sarah Cullen & Carmen Ellis, and Illustrated by Zuzana Svobodová:
Books “Lola“, “Spike“, and “Rory“
Lola
Lola the mermaid has a magical bracelet that helps her to feel brave. One day Lola loses her bracelet, and a turning tide forces her to navigate a new path home through a slimy kelp forest and a dark cave. Will Lola find her courage without the help of her magical bracelet?
Spike
Spike was born with beautiful rainbow hair. Everyone loved it and thought he was unique and special… well almost everyone. Follow Spike’s adventures as he tries to change his hair to blend in with the crowd. Will he learn to embrace himself for who he is?
Rory
Rory’s lifelong dream is to see the beautiful Northern Lights. None of his family or friends believe that the lights exist, so he sets out on an adventure to find them. Along the way he meets a beautiful beluga, a sleepy polar bear and a fox who loves to dance. This heartwarming tale of big dreams and friendship will have you wanting more.
About the Authors!
Carmen Ellis and Sarah Cullen are the Australian authors of the Ocean Tales Children’s Books series. Not only are Carmen and Sarah sisters, but they also have a company that takes people swimming with whales in beautiful places all over the world called Majestic Whale Encounters, which has inspired their love for the ocean. The best-selling series currently has three books with two more to be released this year. Visit them at OceanTalesChildrensBooks.com.au.
Healthy Coping Skills Series by Melissa Boyd and Illustrated by Vanessa Alexandre:
Books “Better Together” and “B is for Breathe“
Dr. Boyd writes books that support parents, educators and caregivers in nurturing mindful, socially and emotionally aware children. Her kids Healthy Coping Skills Series includes kid-friendly lessons on mindfulness, emotion regulation, kindness and joy. It focuses on emotional learning, social development, healthy coping skills, self esteem and confidence. Her stories support children in developing a caring and compassionate understanding of themselves, others, and their emotions. They are a perfect addition to your school, home, or library!
Better Together
Better Together teaches children important friendship skills. Such skills include sharing, taking turns, asking for help, and paying attention to body language. It shares fun examples of children practicing social situations at home and school. It also helps children understand how to use their social skills with confidence!
B is for Breathe
From the letter A to the letter Z, B is for Breathe celebrates the many ways children can express their feelings and develop healthy coping skills at an early age. Fun, cute, and exciting illustrations, this colorful book teaches kids simple ways to cope with fussy and frustrating emotions. This book will inspire kids to discuss their feelings, show positive behaviors, and practice calm down strategies.
About the Author!
Dr. Melissa Munro Boyd is a mother of 3, clinical psychologist, picture book author, and officer in the United States Army. Dr. Boyd has spent much of her clinical career treating military service members with behavioral health disorders, to include PTSD. You can visit her at Boyd Books.
Young Change Makers Series by Stacy C Bauer and Illustrated by Emanuela Ntamack:
Books “Compassionate Kids“, “Making a Difference“, and “Inspiring Others“
Young Change Makers is a new, inspiring, nonfiction kids book series which features young people who are changing their communities in a positive way. Each book features 12 young change makers from around the world, tells about their missions and their inspiration. Stacy’s purpose for this series is to share positive stories of hope with the world and encourage others to make a difference too!
About the Author!
A native of Minneapolis, MN, Stacy C. Bauer is a wife, teacher, and mother of two. She is the owner of Hop Off the Press, a publisher of quality children’s books. Along with self publishing her own books, Stacy enjoys helping aspiring authors realize their dreams. She hoping to inspire people around the world to make a difference with her newest endeavor, nonfiction book seriesYoung Change Makers. Check out Stacy’s other book series, Cami Kangaroo and Wyatt Too at www.stacycbauer.com.
Comment below!
Have you and your children read any of these self-esteem building books before? What are your favorites! If you love a book in this list, please remember to rate the book honestly on Amazon! This helps books reach and help more children everywhere!
