Sharing positive stories with a trusted adult can build self-confidence. Even if a child doesn’t face the character’s exact challenges, there are often useful behaviours shown in the story that may still resonate.
Books to support self-esteem and empowerment
We’ve chosen these books because they encourage an optimistic attitude towards overcoming challenges. Children and carers might use these stories as starting points for conversations about confidence and self-belief.
How can these books support my work?
We’ve suggested the following scenarios in which the books recommended above might be used to support your work with children and families, but you can use them in any way you see fit.
Scenario 1: The child is low in self-confidence.
Booklist use: The adult and child could practise saying the affirmations in I Love Me together, for instance: ‘I am important!’ They might whisper them, and then shout them. Why not incorporate them into a daily routine?
Scenario 2: The child gives up very easily.
Booklist use: After reading Dinos Don’t Give Up!, ask the child what they would like to be good at. Perhaps point out what they’re already good at (knowing dinosaur names, perhaps?). Then ask how Dinah got better at surfing.
Scenario 3: The child hates doing things ‘wrong’ or anticipates that they will, and so doesn’t try.
Booklist use: After reading The Artist together, the adult and child could both colour in a shape. The adult might deliberately colour over the lines (making it look like a mistake), and then laugh about it, to show that it doesn’t matter. OR The adult and child could both draw pictures that are ‘wrong’, for instance a dog with eight legs, or a green sky and a yellow sea. Alternatively, talk about animals or scenes that are mixed-up. Have fun with being silly.
Scenario 4: The child allows others to speak for them.
Booklist use: After reading Snail in Space together, have a chat with the child. Were they happy that Gail the snail flew into space at the end. Why? What would have happened if she’d listened to the other snails? Was she brave?
Scenario 5: The child doesn’t think they’re good at anything/compares themselves to others all the time.
Booklist use: Read See What I Can Do together, and ask the child to think about what they can do, no matter how small they think it is. Perhaps suggest something you can do, to start them off. You could have fun with actions if physically possible – like clapping, touching your nose, nodding and so on.