In a world brimming with technological distractions and fast-paced entertainment, it’s easy to overlook the timeless charm and educational value of books. Beyond their ability to transport us to magical realms or unravel the secrets of the universe, books possess an incredible potential to shape young minds and foster self-esteem in children.
Reading For The Brain
Of course, which books your child reads will depend on their age and reading level. The recommended books below are best suited for children who read at a kindergarten level or are around 3 years of age. Continue reading for Wake Forest Pediatrics’ collection of books to help develop your child’s reading skills all while boosting their self-esteem.
1. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
An alphabet book that will never go out of style, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a bright and amusing picture book that will not only keep your child entertained but also can offer a deeper commentary on human instincts and self-esteem. While learning about upper and lower case letters, your child can also learn about perseverance and the pursuit of personal growth. This book is most suitable for preschoolers through first graders.
2. Hair Love
No child is the same, and that is something that should be celebrated. Hair Love, written by Matthew A. Cherry, follows a young girl, Zuri, and her hair that has a mind of its own. When Zuri’s father has to step in to style it for a special occasion, the pair has a lot to learn.
One of this book’s main messages is to embrace yourself exactly how you are, natural hair and all. This book can be enjoyed by children of all ages but is most suitable for those two through seven years old.
3. The Lion Inside
The desire to grow up is common among most children since, let’s be honest, being young isn’t always easy. The Lion Inside follows a magnificent storyline that you don’t have to be big and brave to find your roar. As the main character, Mouse, sets off on a journey, he finds that even the smallest creatures can have the heart of a lion. This book is best suited for children one through four years old. However, the message behind this book is an important lesson for children of all ages and has a wonderful ode to self-esteem.
4. Beautiful Blackbird
Written and illustrated by Ashley Bryan, Beautiful Blackbird tells the story of how true beauty does not come from physical appearance but from within. This Zambian folktale follows the narrative of “black is beautiful” and how all creatures and beings should appreciate the beauty within themselves. The reading age for this book is 3 to 8 years old, making it a suitable read for preschoolers through third graders.
5. The Boy With Big, Big Feelings
The Boy With Big, Big Feelings, written by Winn Lee, is a wonderful example of social-emotional learning. When the main characters’ loved ones are having a difficult day, he internalizes these emotions as if they are his own. To cope, he tries to mask his own feelings. The character development leads the boy to realize that feelings and emotions are something to be celebrated, not hidden. In fact, having emotions is key to making friends and growing up! This book is wonderful for younger children nearing kindergarten or older.
6. Beautiful Oops!
Undoubtedly, mistakes are a part of life. They can sometimes leave children feeling inadequate or as if they’ve failed. However, the book “Beautiful Oops!” by Barney Saltzberg challenges this perspective and emphasizes the importance of embracing mistakes and understanding that it’s perfectly fine to make them! This fun and interactive book is best suited for children two through six years of age, but has lessons about self-esteem that anyone can learn from.
The board-certified pediatricians and staff at Wake Forest Pediatrics are dedicated to providing quality care to patients in Wake Forest and Knightdale. Our comprehensive approach focuses on teamwork and open communication with patients and parents. If you have questions about your child’s self-esteem or development, call our Wake Forest office at 919-556-4779 or our Knightdale office at 919-266-5059 to make an appointment
