I love finding children’s books that encourage kids to try their hardest and do their best. So I was excited to check out these new picture books that teach kids to keep trying!

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The Power of Yet

Written by Maryann Cocca-Leffler

This adorable book follows a little piglet who is frustrated that he isn’t able to do things “yet”. The cute illustrations show him struggling with all the things he is trying to do. When he asks his teacher how to get to “yet”, she explains to him that he will have to keep trying and failing before making it there. Kids will enjoy watching the adorable pig try over and over again, while parents and teachers will appreciate the message of try, try again.

Jabari Tries

Written by Gaia Cornwall

This follow up to Jabari Jumps follows young Jabari as he tries to build a flying machine. He tries over and over again to create a machine that would fly, learning from his mistakes as he goes. Just when he feels like he is ready to quit, his dad gives him some helpful advice and he starts again. Kids will love cheering for Jabari and his sister as they keep trying, no matter how many times their flying machine fails.

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The Stars Just Up the Street

Written by Sue Soltis and illustrated by Christine Davenier

This inspirational book follows a young girl named Mabel who loves looking at the stars. When her grandfather tells her about all the stars he could see from his home growing up, she is desperate to see them too. He explains to her that they can’t see them all from their home because of the lights from their town, so Mabel goes on a mission to get her town to turn down the lights so they can enjoy the night sky. The gentle illustrations highlight the beauty of the night sky, while the text shows how one little girl on a mission can make a difference.

I Really Want to Win

Written by Simon Philip and illustrated by Lucia Gaggiotti

It is Sports Day, and the main character really wants to win. She has been training and she plans to win everything. The rhyming text has a quick beat to it, which feeds the frustration of the main character as she loses every event. The illustrations echo her emotions as well, with bright colors and angry expressions. In the end, she decides to stop worrying about winning, and enjoy the things she loves instead. This is a great reminder to kids to keep trying, but to not focus too much on the end, and instead enjoy the journey.

The Little Butterfly That Could

Written by Ross Burach

This hilarious follow up to The Very Impatient Caterpillar follows the frantic butterfly as he tries to catch up to the other migrating butterflies. He asks a whale for guidance, who points him in the right direction. But when he tells the butterfly that he has about 200 miles to go, the jittery butterfly starts to panic about everything that can go wrong. With the help of his new friend, he decides to keep trying. Kids will love the hilarious dialogue between the silly caterpillar and the wise whale. The illustrations are brightly colored and full of funny scenes that will have them laughing out loud.

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Celestina the Astronaut Ballerina

Written by Donald Jacobsen and illustrated by Graham Evans

Celestina is a young girl who wants to fly to the moon. But the other kids at school make fun of her, and the adults in her life tell her to dream smaller. But Celestina won’t give up. She works hard and keeps at her dreams until she makes them come true. The rhyming text has a great rhythm to it, making it fun to read aloud, and the cartoon illustrations are adorable, drawing the reader into Celestina’s life.

The Lady of the Library

Written by Angie Karcher and illustrated by Rachel Sanson

This sweet story follows a ghostly lady who haunts her local library. When the library is scheduled to be knocked down, the lady teams up with a young girl to save the library from demolition. They come up with creative ways to save the library and bring people back through the front door. This story of determination is paired with cute illustrations that aren’t too scary for little ones. The book not only celebrates determination, but also the importance of saving our libraries.

What are your favorite picture books that teach kids to keep trying? Share them in the comments below!

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