Picture books that encourage resilience

Strong Like Me

Children will always face challenges in their lives, and sometimes it is useful to read about characters who have also been through difficult times, but who've found ways to cope. We've chosen these picture books for young readers because they explore a variety of common childhood experiences, such as moving house, making a mistake and overcoming fears.  

  • I Will Swim Next Time

    Author: Emily Joof and Matilda Ruta

    Interest level: 2-3

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  • I Will Swim Next Time

    Author: Emily Joof and Matilda Ruta

    Interest level: 2-3

    Reading age:

    A child begins their journey of experiencing water as a baby in their mother’s arms – but the sea is so big that they feel scared …

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  • Dinos Don’t Give Up!

    Author: Smriti Halls Illustrator: Richard Merritt

    Interest level: 4-5

    Reading age: 4-5

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  • Dinos Don’t Give Up!

    Author: Smriti Halls Illustrator: Richard Merritt

    Interest level: 4-5

    Reading age: 4-5

    Dinah the Diplodocus is a bit of a star: she finds everything easy, from baking to learning the alphabet. And, even though Dinah a…

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  • Snail in Space

    Author: Rachel Bright Illustrator: Nadia Shireen

    Interest level: 4-5

    Reading age: 7+

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  • Snail in Space

    Author: Rachel Bright Illustrator: Nadia Shireen

    Interest level: 4-5

    Reading age: 7+

    Gail is a little snail with a big dream – to become the first snail in space! A hilarious story about the power of passion and per…

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  • Word Trouble

    Author: Vyara Boyadjieva

    Interest level: 4-5

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  • Word Trouble

    Author: Vyara Boyadjieva

    Interest level: 4-5

    Reading age:

    When Ronnie and his mum and dad move to England, Ronnie only knows a few phrases in English: Hello, My name is Ronnie, I am four, …

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  • The Comet

    Author: Joe Todd-Stanton

    Interest level: 4-8

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  • The Comet

    Author: Joe Todd-Stanton

    Interest level: 4-8

    Reading age:

    Joe Todd-Stanton’s new picture book explores how a family can create a home filled with imagination and warmth, even in less than …

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  • The Worry Jar

    Author: Lou John Illustrator: Jenny Bloomfield

    Interest level: 4-5

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  • The Worry Jar

    Author: Lou John Illustrator: Jenny Bloomfield

    Interest level: 4-5

    Reading age:

    Frida is a bit of a worrier. She worries what clothes to wear to go out, whose table to sit at at school, the peas on her plate an…

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  • Witch in Training

    Author: Michelle Robinson Illustrator: Briony May Smith

    Interest level: 4-6

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  • Witch in Training

    Author: Michelle Robinson Illustrator: Briony May Smith

    Interest level: 4-6

    Reading age:

    This little witch sneezes whilst making a potion - can she correct her mistake or will her pets face an unexpected destiny? A deli…

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  • Strong Like Me

    Author: Kelechi Okafor Illustrator: Michaela Dias-Hayes

    Interest level: 4-5

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  • Strong Like Me

    Author: Kelechi Okafor Illustrator: Michaela Dias-Hayes

    Interest level: 4-5

    Reading age:

    Kamara is strong and fast. But negative words from her friends make her doubt herself. Can she find a way to celebrate her strengt…

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  • Aqua Boy

    Author: Ken Wilson-Max

    Interest level: 4-5

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  • Aqua Boy

    Author: Ken Wilson-Max

    Interest level: 4-5

    Reading age:

    Aaron is scared of going under the water. But when he finds an octopus stranded on the beach, he must be brave. A gentle story abo…

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  • The Artist

    Author: Ed Vere

    Interest level: 4-5

    Reading age: 5+

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  • The Artist

    Author: Ed Vere

    Interest level: 4-5

    Reading age: 5+

    A young dinosaur artist (looking a bit like a T-rex but a cute one) sees the dinosaur world as full of joy and beauty, something t…

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  • Shine

    Author: Sarah Asuquo Illustrator: Nadia Fisher

    Interest level: 6-8

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  • Shine

    Author: Sarah Asuquo Illustrator: Nadia Fisher

    Interest level: 6-8

    Reading age:

    Kai wishes he weren’t so tall, and didn’t have a scar on his cheek. His parents say that everyone is different, but can he find th…

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