IBC Awards 2025 longlist revealed!

Picture books to boost confidence

Explore our collection of confidence-boosting picture books for kids!

Nurturing healthy self-esteem in children is a core part of their personal, social, and emotional development, leading to greater confidence in themselves and their abilities.

Our selected list of gorgeously illustrated, inspiring titles offers empowering stories designed to help young readers achieve just that.

Whether it’s celebrating individuality, overcoming doubts or taking pride in everyday achievements, these beautiful books offer children valuable life lessons to build their confidence.

3+years

This Little Light of Mine

Illustrator: Sawyer Cloud

Sing along to this joyous celebration of a diverse and caring community in which every child is able to shine!

Black representation
Black/brown representation
Diverse cast
Own Voice

3+years

Gorgeously Me!

Author: Jonathan Van Ness Illustrator: Kamala Nair

Sharing a beautiful message of self-acceptance, this picture book celebrates being yourself and the diversity of those around us.

Own Voice
Diverse cast
Black representation
Black/brown representation
LGBTQIA+ representation

$Gorgeously Me! - Cover\n$

3+years

Timid

Author and illustrator: Harry Woodgate

Timmy dreams of being a performer, but every time they speak a scary lion appears to roar away their confidence.

Black representation
Diverse cast
LGBTQIA+ representation
Own Voice

2+years

I Love Me!

Author: Marvyn HarrisonIllustrator: Diane Ewen

Brimming with positivity and family love, I Love Me! is a fun and empowering book of affirmations.

Own Voice
Black representation

3+years

Strong Like Me

Author: Kelechi Okafor Illustrator: Michaela Dias-Hayes

Beautifully visualised with shimmering illustrations, this is an engaging and inspirational story that skilfully helps children to feel secure in themselves.