Developing a positive body image lays a strong foundation for success in kids.
While there are many things parents can do to promote self-esteem and body acceptance, one of the most powerful ways to enrich children’s minds and teach valuable lessons is through books.
With this in mind, we’ve rounded up 27 children’s books that foster a healthy sense of body image in kids.
1
"Abigail the Whale"
The titular character learns to cope with bullying and body insecurity in this empowering story. (Available here)
2
"What I Like About Me!"
"What I Like About Me!" celebrates the beauty of being different. (Available here)
3
"I Am Enough"
As the title suggests, "I Am Enough" is about loving and accepting yourself as you are. (Available here)
4
"Lovely"
This book introduces a variety of characters who look different and emphasizes that they're all "lovely." (Available here)
5
"A Kids Book About Body Image"
This installment in the "A Kids Book About" series tackles the way we see our bodies and how to love them. (Available here)
6
7
"Her Body Can"
"Her Body Can" is full of poetic statements of self-love and body acceptance. (Available here)
8
"Freckleface Strawberry"
The first installment in Julianne Moore's children's book series empowers kids to accept what makes them different. (Available here)
9
"¡Me gusta cómo soy! / I Like Myself!"
This bilingual book highlights the joy of loving yourself and the notion that character matters more than what's on the outside. (Available here)
10
"Shapesville"
"Shapesville" is about five friends who are different shapes and sizes and encourages readers to be proud of their bodies. (Available here)
11
"Rock What Ya Got"
"Rock What Ya Got" is about a little girl who pledges to do just that and inspires readers to follow that mantra. (Available here)
12
13
"Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon"
The protagonist of "Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon" shows the power of self-confidence in the face of bullying. (Available here)
14
"Your Body Is Awesome"
"Your Body Is Awesome" encourages kids to appreciate their bodies for all their differences and benefits to our day-to-day lives. (Available here)
15
"Amanda's Big Dream"
After her skating coach makes a comment about her weight, the title character learns to deal to regain her confidence. (Available here)
16
"I Am Jazz"
Trans activist Jazz Jennings co-wrote this autobiographical picture book about embracing her true self. (Available here)
17
"Love Your Body"
This book highlights the fact that all bodies are different but can do so many amazing things. (Available here)
18
"Brontorina"
"Brontorina" is about a dinosaur who follows her dreams despite the obstacles her size poses and learns to love herself. (Available here)
19
"Stand Straight, Ella Kate"
Based on the true story of a woman once considered the world's tallest female, "Stand Straight, Ella Kate" shares a message of embracing differences. (Available here)
20
"The Magnificent Toby Plum"
The protagonist learns to appreciate what makes him special and stops comparing himself to others. (Available here)
21
"I Like Me!"
A cheerful pig who displays a powerful sense of self-esteem in this encouraging book. (Available here)
22
"Celebrate Your Body (And Its Changes, Too)"
This puberty book for girls honors the changing body and all the amazing things it can do. (Available here)
23
24
"I'm Gonna Like Me"
Jamie Lee Curtis co-wrote this book about building confidence and embracing your unique self. (Available here)
25
26
"Rot, the Cutest in the World!"
A "mutant potato" gains the confidence to believe he's great the way he is in this cute story. (Available here)
27
"The Lovables in the Kingdom of Self-Esteem"
Publishing
"The Lovables in the Kingdom of Self-Esteem" teaches kids about self-love. (Available here)
