These Books Will Empower Your Kids (And You) with a Positive Body Image

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These Books Will Empower Your Kids (And You) with a Positive Body Image
by Ava Thompson
Updated: July 2, 2021
Originally Published: July 2, 2021

Body positivity is a concept that has gained tremendous traction on social media over the past decade. It’s heartening to see individuals challenging conventional beauty standards and advocating for the essential belief that everyone deserves a positive body image. However, those who have faced body image issues know that while understanding body positivity is straightforward, applying it can be more challenging.

Like many, I have battled with body image throughout my life. Despite my desire to embrace body positivity, it’s something I’ve had to consciously cultivate. Constant exposure to idealized images on social media can make this a daunting task, and becoming a parent has heightened my awareness of these challenges.

Our children are also inundated with messages about their bodies and how they stack up against others. Research indicates that kids as young as five start discussing body image issues. In this digital era, shielding our children from these influences is nearly impossible. Thus, as parents, our best approach is to empower our kids to appreciate their bodies in all their diverse forms—shapes, sizes, colors, abilities, and beyond.

One effective way to instill valuable lessons and spark important conversations about body positivity is through literature. Here’s a curated selection of books aimed at young readers that promote body confidence and embrace all forms of beauty.

1. Bodies are Cool by Tyler Feder
   This delightful picture book celebrates bodies of all shapes, colors, and sizes, highlighting everything from scars to body hair and everything in between. The vibrant illustrations foster body acceptance and confidence among the youngest readers.
2. I Like Myself! / ¡Me gusta cómo soy! by Karen Beaumont and illustrated by David Catrow
   This bilingual gem is a joyful celebration of self-esteem filled with whimsical descriptions that will have your little one laughing and loving themselves.
3. I Am Jazz by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings, illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas
   This autobiographical picture book co-written by trans activist Jazz Jennings shares her journey of discovering and embracing her true self.
4. Lovely by Jess Hong
   This charming picture book beautifully honors diversity, celebrating our differences, whether someone is big, small, loud, or quiet, concluding that we are all LOVELY!
5. Love Your Body by Jessica Sanders, illustrated by Carol Rossetti
   Geared primarily toward girls, this empowering book promotes self-care, self-love, and acceptance for everyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
6. Julián Is A Mermaid by Jessica Love
   This heartwarming story follows a young boy, Julián, who wishes to dress like mermaids, showcasing the importance of individuality and loving support.
7. Her Body Can by Katie Crenshaw and Ady Meschke, illustrated by Li Liu
   With a strong message of self-love, this book tells the story of a plus-sized child living her best life, emphasizing that all bodies are amazing, capable, and beautiful.
8. Laxmi’s Mooch by Shelly Anand, illustrated by Nabi H. Ali
   This empowering picture book follows an Indian American girl’s journey to embrace her body hair and celebrate her heritage, showcasing a positive self-image.
9. Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Dung Ho
   This poetic picture book celebrates Asian heritage and fosters self-love, with beautiful imagery about embracing one’s unique features.
10. A Boy Like You by Frank Murphy, illustrated by Kayla Harren
    This book encourages boys to embrace their individuality, reminding them that they need not conform to traditional ideals of masculinity.

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In summary, these books not only promote body positivity and self-acceptance for children but also provide parents with tools to foster a healthy mindset about body image. By engaging with these stories, we can nurture a generation that appreciates diversity in all its forms.