I try to inspire my daughter every day to do her best, and find what makes her happy. So we love reading children’s books that inspire kids to believe in themselves and follow their dreams. Today, I’m excited to share some of our favorite new inspiring books for kids. These empowering books will encourage them when they need it, and remind them that you are always there to support them.

Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received copies of these books in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Belinda Baloney Changes Her Mind

Written by Becca Carnahan and illustrated by Sarah Horan

This adorable book follows a young girl named Belinda as she tries to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. The rhyming book takes the reader through all of the careers that she would like to have, and her worries that she can’t pick just one. In the end, her brother gives her some great advice, reminding Belinda and the reader that you have your whole life to follow your dreams. This story is not only important for young readers, but can also be a great reminder for adults!

The message that you can change your mind about your dreams is a comforting one. (I know I have definitely changed my mind several times!). The rhyming text and the fun illustrations show Belinda trying on all kinds of careers, both familiar and surprising, inspiring kids to think of the many hats that they may want to wear someday.

I Believe In You

Written by Sabrina Moyle and illustrated by Eunice Moyle

This brightly colored book from Hello!Lucky shares an inspirational message from Unicorn to Little Dragon, that will be familiar to parents and kids. The simple rhyming text shares the encouraging words and reminders that kids need from grown ups. From taking new things slowly, to encouraging them to fly, the story reminds the reader of all the power they have inside, and the support they get from loved ones. The vibrantly colored illustrations feature adorable animal characters expressing feelings of excitement, sadness, and love. Kids will be drawn in by the imagery and characters, while parents will enjoy the beautiful message.

Related Post: Empowering Books for Kids

When You Need Wings

Written by Lita Judge

This beautiful book follows a young girl heading to school. The lyrical text encourages the frightened young girl and the reader to listen to hear the sound of their heartbeats. But it isn’t their hearts that they hear. It is the sound of their own wings, carrying them far away if they need to escape for a bit. The text reminds them of the beauty of their imaginations, and how they can use the strength they find there to help them face the real world. The story is paired with beautiful illustrations, taking the reader into the colorful imagination of the young girl, and showing how she brings out her own inner power.

You are a Beautiful Beginning

Written by Nina Laden and illustrated by Kelsey Garrity-Riley

In this lovely book, the author reframes the way we think about the destination and the journey. The rhyming text is simple and easy to read, flowing beautifully from page to page. Each small snippet of text reminds us that the journey we take to get anywhere is more important than the end result. The book celebrates creating artwork, spreading kindness, facing fears, and other important parts of our lives. The illustrations are sweet, showing the world as both realistic and magical. They feature a diverse cast of children, as well as fairies and enchanted animals that help the children along the way. I love the inspiring reminders in the story, and the poetic rhythm of the text, making it perfect for bedtime reading.

I Am One: A Book of Action

Written by Susan Verde and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

This inspirational story encourages kids to consider how they can make a difference in the world. Though they may be small, they have the ability to make big things happen. The text shows the reader how every change starts with one single action. Whether they are planting a garden with one seed, or using one word to start a conversation, every child can make one small move to make something happen. The illustrations are simple, highlighting the single actions of the young girl as she spreads love, hope, and kindness around the world. The back of the book also includes an author’s note with a guided meditation meant for self reflection. I love how this inspirational book for kids reminds them that the tiniest bit of action can make a huge difference in the world, and reminds them of the power that they have – no matter how small they are.

Related Post: I Am Love

Love is Powerful

Written by Heather Dean Brewer and illustrated by LeUyen Pham

In this book inspired by the 2017 Women’s March, one young girl named Mari helps her mother to make a sign, in order to share a message with the world. The story shares Mari’s point of view as they created signs and headed out into the streets where hundreds and thousands of people were marching together. As she raised her sign, and shouted her message “Love is Powerful!”, the crowd began shouting it back, rippling through the crowd and leading to a moment of unity and joy.

The illustrations are full of vibrant colors, showing a diverse group of people marching and chanting together. The back of the book includes a message from the real Mari, and a photo of her at the actual march. This inspirational book not only tells kids that love can make a difference, but shows them a real life example of people coming together for a common goal.

The World Made a Rainbow

Written by Michelle Robinson and illustrated by Emily Hamilton

If you painted a rainbow in your window during the pandemic, or found joy in the positive messages spread by others, then you will love this book that celebrates those gestures. The story follows a young girl who is sad to be sitting at home. She misses her loved ones and wants to get back out into the world. Her mother encourages her to create a rainbow as a reminder to neighbors passing by that all rainstorms must end.

The rhyming text touches on the many difficult emotions that kids (and adults) have had to deal with during the pandemic. From missing loved ones to dreaming of the things we would normally be doing, it touches on the sadness that we felt and still feel. But the story reminds us that we can’t have light without the dark. The illustrations paired with the story are beautiful, highlighting the young girl’s emotions with bold colors.

Related Post: When We Stayed Home

One Girl

Written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by Dow Phumiruk

This story celebrates the incredible impact that education and books can have on a child’s life. In the beginning of the book, one girl sits on the steps of a house. When a book appears in front of her, she opens it up and tumbles headfirst into a world of creativity, imagination, and curiosity. The poetic text is simple, with only a few words per page. The illustrations follow her growth from one tiny book, to a lifetime of learning and pushing herself to learn and discover more.

In the end, that desire to learn and grow spreads around the world. The illustrations show how the girl is inspired to share her story with other girls around the world, giving them the one spark to start their own path to education. The back of the book includes an author’s note, sharing the importance of education and how the global lack of education for girls hurts the world. There is also information for readers who want to get involved and help girls around the world get the education they deserve.

What are your favorite inspirational books for kids? Share in the comments below!

More Posts You May Enjoy: