10 Board Books and Picture Books to Celebrate Self-Confidence Day

Zakiya Jamal  //  Mar 26, 2021

10 Board Books and Picture Books to Celebrate Self-Confidence Day

Today is National Self-Confidence Day! In celebration, we're sharing board books and picture books that help remind us to be proud of ourselves and stay confident.

Wonderful Me: I Believe in Me by Lorie Ann Grover & Carolina Buzio

When you believe in yourself, you open up a world of possibility! That's because you cherish and value the wild, wonderful ways that make you, you! With charming illustrations and a sweet, bouncy text that begs to be read aloud, this padded board book is a joyous reminder to little ones that no matter who they are, they can become the awesome, loving, and helpful people who can change the world -- one step at a time. A glorious celebration of self-esteem and self-reliance filled with an inclusive range of kid characters that's full of humor, love, and heart.

Little Happy Dreamer by Peter H. Reynolds

An inspirational celebration of little happy dreamers everywhere that is perfect for the youngest readers.

You’re Okay! by Joy Cho & Angie Stalker

Every day is full of little ups and downs. No matter what happens or how you feel, you are you, and you are okay! Interactive lift-the-flaps will engage readers in this sweet and encouraging book about managing everyday kid struggles! Follow a little hedgehog and her friends as they get boo-boos, spill things, or just feel shy.

Dream Big by Joyce Wan

In this dreamy oversized board book, little ones will find the courage and strength to achieve anything they want — all by dreaming big! With inspiring illustrations of female trailblazers and icons of history and simple, hopeful text, Joyce Wan creates a moving send-off for graduates of all ages. Included in the back is a simple guide to some of the bold dreamers who came before us who followed their dreams . . . and changed the world.

You Are Enough by Margaret O'Hair & Sofia Cardoso

This inclusive and empowering picture book from Sofia Sanchez reminds readers how important it is to embrace your differences, to be confident, and to be proud of who you are. Imagine all of the wonderful things you can do if you don't let anyone stop you! You are enough just as you are.

I Can Be Anything! by Diane Dillon

Like most girls and boys, Zoe enthusiastically embraces the wonders of our world and its infinite possibilities. "I can be anything I want to be!" she tells us, presenting herself in a range of careers. "But what if you fail?" asks a voice of doubt that attempts to undermine her confidence.

Bold and sassy, Zoe swats the voice away at every turn, declaring her certainty with a charisma that will encourage us all to silence the fears projected onto us by our world. Why can't a girl grow up to be President? Zoe can! When the voice of doubt continues, Zoe knows exactly what to say: "Go away, voice... I can be anything...but first, I have to learn to read. And don't tell me I can't!"

Be You! by Peter Reynolds

Discover a joyful reminder of the ways that every child is unique and special, from the beloved creator of The Dot, Happy Dreamer, and New York Times bestseller, The Word Collector. Here, Reynolds reminds readers to "be your own work of art." To be patient, persistent, and true. Because there is one, and only one, YOU.

In the tradition of books like Oh, the Places You'll Go! and I Wish You More comes a wholly original, inspirational celebration of individuality as only Peter H. Reynolds can create!

All Because You Matter by Tami Charles & Bryan Collier

Tami Charles pens a poetic, lyrical text that is part love letter, part anthem, assuring readers that they always have, and always will, matter. This powerful, rhythmic lullaby reassures readers that their matter and their worth is never diminished, no matter the circumstance: through the joy and wonder of their first steps and first laughter, through the hardship of adolescent struggles and the pain and heartbreak of current events, they always have, and always will, matter. Accompanied by illustrations by renowned artist Bryan Collier, a four-time Caldecott Honor recipient and a nine-time Coretta Scott King Award winner or honoree, All Because You Matter empowers readers with pride, joy, and comfort, reminding them of their roots and strengthening them for the days to come.

My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World by Malcolm Mitchell & Michael Robertson

When the daunting task of finding his favorite book is assigned at school, Henley is at a loss. He goes to the library and the bookstore. He looks at so many books of all shapes and sizes, but none of them have made Henley excited enough to read more.

After a fruitless search, Henley returns home, but defeat quickly turns to triumph with one exciting discovery: his mother kept all the books that he wrote when he was younger. That is when Henley gets an idea.

At school the next day, Henley is just as excited as his classmates. And he shares the new book he wrote, The Book Boy. Because there is a book for everyone, even if you have to write it.

The Little Butterfly That Could by Ross Burach

This playful parody of butterfly migration — delivered with hilarity and heart — pays loving homage to every child's struggle to spread their wings and gain confidence and independence.