Library Notes
May 1, 2009
Dara L. Cain
Discovering Self-Esteem in Children’s Books
Self-esteem is a genuine respect for or positive impression of one’s self. Possessing positive self-esteem is important to promoting healthy self-development in children. The following is a bibliography of fun, educational, and engaging children’s books that raise the subject of self esteem and can be found at the Rowan Public Library.
I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont is a rhyming picture book about a young girl who expresses confidence in her individuality and encourages children to love themselves “inside, outside, upside down, from head to toe and all around...” Illustrator David Catrow will have kids laughing when they see the main character with purple polka dotted lips and dancing in a bird bath with no care in the world as to what others may think of her. In It’s Okay to be Different author and illustrator Todd Parr uses simple text and rainbow colored illustrations to teach youngsters to accept who they are by understanding the many differences that exist among individuals. There are many differences that are “okay” such as “It’s okay to wear glasses,” “It’s okay to talk about your feelings,” and “It’s okay to be adopted.” Three bears wonder if their parents have a favorite child in the book You’re All My Favorites by Sam McBratney. The young bears are reassured when Mommy and Daddy Bear convince each of their concerned cubs that an endless love exists for all of them. The Lovables in the Kingdom of Self-Esteem by Diane Loomans portrays twenty-four animal characters each personifying a different quality of self-esteem. Children will be able to identify with the qualities that personify a healthy self-image and will learn how to develop positive images of themselves.
Gordon Korman’s novel Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire is about Zoe, a third grader who makes up elaborate stories in order to be liked by others. When an exciting event really does take place in her life nobody believes her. In the end a friend assures her that she is special for just being herself. In the chapter book Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining by Anne Mazer, Abby believes her three siblings outshine her. In search of her own “super special” talent Abby is determined to become a fifth grade soccer star but in the process learns that her genuine talents already make her unique and special. The silly title alone There’s a Boy in the Girl’s Bathroom by Louis Sachar will entice children to read this wonderful story full of insight and comedy. Bradley is a bright and imaginative eleven year old boy who doesn’t have any friends. When Bradley befriends the new school counselor who is kind and funny she helps him to believe in himself and gradually restores his self-confidence.
Don’t forget to check out these great reads on self-esteem at the Rowan Regional Library.
