Child Esteem

In the dead of night, a truck arrives in Slaughterville, a small town curiously named after its windowless slaughterhouse. Seven mysterious kids with suitcases step out of the vehicle and into an abandoned home on a dead-end street, looking over their shoulders to make sure they aren't noticed. But Ravani Foster covertly witnesses their arrival from his bedroom window. Timid and lonely, Ravani is eager to learn everything he can about his new neighbors: What secrets are they hiding? And most mysterious of all...where are the adults?

Explora las maravillas de la Amazonía con Zonia, una niña asháninka, cuyas alegres aventuras en la selva se interrumpen un día por un misterioso y desconcertante descubrimiento. La selva es el hogar de Zonia. Es su jardín y su patio, su vecindario y su parque. Cada mañana, la selva llama a Zonia. Cada mañana, ella responde: le dice “hola” a la familia de perezosos, saluda al oso hormiguero, da una carrera con el veloz jaguar....

Growing up in a world where we are constantly reminded of our color, Black kids face challenges that their peers might not always understand. Systemic prejudices that persist can cast shadows on their dreams and aspirations and end up having a negative impact on their self-esteem. So it is imperative to realize the transformative power of positive self-talk and positive affirmations. This collection of affirmations is a nurturing embrace, a protective shield, and a guiding star seeking to ensure that every Black child listening to it feels seen, heard, and loved.

They come from different walks of life, with different problems and different hopes and dreams. But they have one thing in common: they need a scholarship to college. And they’re ready to battle seven other contestants on a reality TV show to get it. But only one contestant can win on "The Benefactor". Who will take home the big prize? Tune in to find out.

Every parent wants their child to grow up with confidence, resilience, and the belief that they can handle life’s challenges. Raising Confident Kids is a practical guide designed to help parents nurture self-esteem, independence, and a growth mindset in their children. Written by experienced educator Mark Mansour, this book provides actionable strategies to empower kids to embrace their strengths, learn from failure, and develop the emotional resilience needed to thrive in today’s world.

In fact, all the animals laugh when he tries to copy what the other fairies do. So, Mister Fairy travels far from his forest home to another place where, almost by accident, he discovers and shares his special gift. Sometimes your talent is hiding in plain sight; it just takes the right time and place to reveal what was there all along. Mister Fairy is a touching, humorous story about fitting in, self-discovery, and finding one’s place in the world.

Growing up as a biracial child, Maggy Williams had three options: She could identify as black, white, or mixed. She chose to embrace her multiracial heritage, because she was taught that she could. Her hope is that this book will help children to realize that it is possible to integrate their multiple racial identities.

Rissy's friends and family wonder if she's sick, confused, or rude. But kisses make Rissy uncomfortable. Can one little lovebird show everyone that there's no one right way to show you care? Rissy No Kissies carries the message that "your body and your heart are yours, and you choose how to share". A note at the end provides further information for kids, parents, and educators about body autonomy, consent, and different ways to show affection.

Zonia’s home is the Amazon rain forest, where it is always green and full of life. Every morning, the rain forest calls to Zonia, and every morning, she answers. She visits the sloth family, greets the giant anteater, and runs with the speedy jaguar. But one morning, the rain forest calls to her in a troubled voice. How will Zonia answer?

The first children’s book from multi-genre artist Brontez Purnell, a 2018 winner of the Whiting Award, sweetly portrays a common but rarely narrated childhood experience - having a single parent and taking care of a younger sibling. The Nightlife of Jacuzzi Gaskett recounts 11-year-old Jacuzzi’s evening activities while he cares for his baby brother and waits for mama’s arrival home. He ponders his dad, school, and his future - and when his brother wakes up, Jacuzzi knows just how to get him back to sleep.

Walter had spent all summer counting down the days until the first day of school. He couldn’t wait to make new shark friends and finally swim into his classroom for the first time. But the first class picture of the year changes everything. Walter realizes there is one big difference between him and his shark classmates. After his discovery, Walter spends his day trying anything he can think of to blend in with the other sharks, only to learn that the things that make us feel like we don’t fit in are the very things that make us stand out.

When Maria's family moves to a new town, her parents sign her up for the summer soccer team to help her meet new friends. But Maria has never tried soccer before. She would rather be back on her old swim team. Maria is afraid that she'll be the worst player and that no one will like her. Coach Tony and Coach Lauren remind Maria that everything is new at first. Maria will have to give soccer a try to see if she likes it.

Pinduli's mama has always told her that she's the most beautiful hyena ever. But Dog, Lion, and Zebra don't think so. Why else would they make her feel so rotten about her big ears, her fuzzy mane, and her wiggly stripes? Poor Pinduli just wants to disappear. But then a case of mistaken identity lets her show the creatures of the African savanna how a few tiny words can create something enormous.

Princess Penelope lives in a beautiful palace with a closet full of beautiful dresses. But being a princess is much much more than beauty. In fact, every morning, Princess Penelope runs right past her frilly dresses to choose from her beloved collection of pants! What she wears each day depends on what job she has to do. Will she command the royal air force sporting her sequined flight suit? Will she find her Zen in her yoga pants and favorite tee? Or will she work in the kingdom's vegetable garden with pocketed overalls for all of her tools?

Young Slim has always dreamed of being a cowboy. That's why he quivers with excitement on his first day at the WJ Ranch. The sights, sounds, and smells of cowboy life thrill him so that he stays awake that night, writing beautiful poetry.

Jimmy lives in a small Caribbean town where there's not a whole lot to do. Fortunately though, there is a boxing gym, and one day the owner, Don Apolinar, suggests that Jimmy start training. He also gives Jimmy a cardboard box full of books and newspaper clippings all about Muhammad Ali. Jimmy reads and re-reads as he never has before. He is swept with admiration for Ali who said, "I am the greatest. I said that even before I knew I was."

Ballet Cat and Sparkles the Pony are trying to decide what to play today. Nothing that Sparkles suggests - making crafts, playing checkers, and selling lemonade - goes well with the leaping, spinning, and twirling that Ballet Cat likes to do. When Sparkles' leaps, spins, and twirls seem halfhearted, Ballet Cat asks him what's wrong.

Ever since Unicorn moved into the neighborhood, Goat has been feeling out of sorts. Goat thought his bike was cool--until he saw that Unicorn could "fly" to school! Goat made marshmallow squares that almost came out right, but Unicorn made it rain cupcakes! Unicorn is such a show-off, how can Goat compete? When Goat and Unicorn share a piece of pizza, Goat learns that being a unicorn might not be all it's cracked up to be. And when Unicorn shows his admiration for Goat, it looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

This rhythmic, read-aloud title is an unbridled celebration of the self-esteem, confidence, and swagger boys feel when they leave the barber's chair - a tradition that places on their heads a figurative crown, beaming with jewels, that confirms their brilliance and worth and helps them not only love and accept themselves but also take a giant step toward caring how they present themselves to the world. Crown is a high-spirited, engaging salute to the beautiful, raw, assured humanity of black boys and how they see themselves when they approve of their reflections in the mirror.

Poor Donut is feeling anxious. School is about to start again, and Donut can't stop all sorts of worries from filling her round donut head. She's tired of her friends and family saying "Don't worry"! As if it's that easy! Can her new friend, Cookie, help her find ways to manage her anxiety? Christianne Jones, author of Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker, offers up a sweet story to introduce anxiety-coping skills. Donut's story will give children a valuable understanding of their worries and techniques that can help manage them.