Children’s Books for Self-Love and Self-Esteem
Supporting Your Child’s Confidence Through Reading
Childhood is a time of constant learning, growth, and first experiences. As children try new things for the first, second, or even tenth time, they’re bound to make mistakes, need practice, and begin forming ideas about who they are. Through these everyday experiences, children start to develop self-esteem — their sense of self-worth, confidence, and belief in their own abilities.
As parents, caregivers, and trusted adults in their lives, we play a vital role in supporting the healthy development of a child’s self-esteem. The way we talk to ourselves, the language we use with our children, and how we respond to their successes and struggles all shape how they learn to speak to and feel about themselves.
One powerful and accessible way to nurture self-love and confidence in children is through books. Children’s books about self-esteem open the door to important conversations by normalizing big feelings and helping kids see themselves as capable, worthy, and lovable, just as they are.
This Valentine's Day, the team at Bud to Bloom Play Therapy is excited to share some of our favorite children’s books that promote self-love, confidence, and emotional growth. Keep reading, and let us know if any of these become new favorites in your home!
Best Children’s Books for Self-Love and Self-Esteem
Written by Karen Beaumont| Illustrated by David Catrow
“I’m glad I’m me, there’s no one else I’d rather be!”
This joyful, silly book celebrates self-love in a way that truly resonates with young children. With playful illustrations, I LIke Myself! Encourages kids to appreciate their bodies, personalities, and quirks.
This book’s especially great for reinforcing positive self-talk and confidence. It’s also a wonderful option for bilingual families, as there’s an English & Spanish edition available.
Why we love it:
Promotes positive relationship to our bodies
Encourages self-acceptance
Fun, engaging, and affirming
By David M. McPhail
Short and sweet, I Am Just Right! gently explores the big emotions that can come with growing up. As children change and mature, they may feel confused, uncertain, or overwhelmed by new expectations and transitions.
This heartfelt story highlights the importance of unconditional love and reassurance. Through the relationship between a child and his grandfather, young readers learn that they are worthy of love exactly as they are, even as they change.
Why we love it:
Normalizes mixed emotions about growing up
Highlights the power of supportive relationships
Encourages self-acceptance during transitions
Written by Gabi Garcia | Illustrated by Charity Russell
Many children feel nervous or unsure when facing something new or challenging, whether it’s starting preschool, going to the dentist, or standing up to a bully. I Can Do Hard Things teaches children how to listen to their inner voice, slow down, and encourage themselves through difficult moments.
This book introduces mindfulness, resilience, and emotional regulation in an age-appropriate way.
Try this activity: After reading, invite your child to create their own daily affirmations, such as “I am brave,” or “I can try again.” Writing or drawing them together can help the message stick.
By Todd Parr
A classic favorite, this book celebrates individuality, diversity, and acceptance. With bright illustrations and simple language, Todd Parr reminds children that our differences are what make us special.
Beyond self-love, this book also encourages empathy and respect for others, helping children learn that loving themselves and loving others go hand in hand.
Why we love it:
Celebrates diversity and inclusion
Encourages kindness and acceptance
Simple, powerful messages for all ages
Written by Charlotte Sullivan Wild
Illustrated by Charlene Chua
Growing up, having a crush can be confusing and scary, especially when our crushes are viewed as “abnormal” or “wrong” by society. This book explores the feelings of a girl named Violet, who has a crush on a girl in her class. Valentine's Day comes around, and she decides to make her something special. Most of the day, she’s anxious about giving her the card and potentially being rejected. The author wrote this book to help normalize these feelings and promote self-acceptance among LGBTQIA+ youth.
Why we love it:
Celebrates LGBTQIA+ identities and attraction
Discusses feelings associated with having a crush
Encourages doing things even when you’re scared
Why Books About Self-Esteem Matter
Children’s books about self-love and confidence help make abstract emotional concepts more concrete and relatable. They provide language and visuals for feelings, model healthy coping strategies, and reassure children that they are not alone in their experiences.
For parents, books can also make it easier to start conversations about topics that might otherwise feel hard to approach, like fear, mistakes, change, or self-doubt.
Where to Find These Books
Almost all of these titles are available to borrow for free from the St. Louis Public Library or the St. Louis County Library. Libraries are a wonderful, accessible way to explore new books and to build your child’s emotional and literal literacy without added cost.
Supporting Your Child’s Emotional Growth
At Bud to Bloom Play Therapy, we’re passionate about supporting parents and children through playful, developmentally appropriate therapy, resources, and education. Our goal is to help families navigate big feelings, challenging behaviors, and the mental health system with more confidence and care.
If you’re a parent looking to learn more about how to support your child or teen’s self-esteem, we invite you to check out our services page to learn more about therapy with us.
