Looking for picture books that will fill young readers with messages of hope and optimism to seize opportunities and relish in new experiences? These picture books can support children, parents and educators with discussions about feeling brave and taking chances.
“I know I acted like I didn’t care, but the truth was, I did. I still wanted to take a chance, but was afraid. And I wasn’t sure if I would ever be brave enough.” Following the thought-provoking What Do You Do with an Idea? (2014) and What Do You Do with a Problem? (2016), Kobi Yamada and Mae Besom bring readers What Do You Do with a Chance? This story explores the feeling of anxiety that comes along with not taking a chance when it is presented and gathering the courage to approach another opportunity when it comes along again. Readers of all ages will take comfort, and gain encouragement, from the main character’s emotional journey.
In I Can Be Anything! Don’t Tell Me I Can’t, Diane Dillon presents readers with Zoe, a charismatic young girl who explores the many different careers she can be when she grows up: a travelling archeologist, a veterinarian to help wild animals, a librarian to share books with everyone. Throughout the narrative, Zoe battles the negative little voice in her head that questions her ability to achieve her dreams. She bravely challenges the voice: “Go away, voice. I won’t listen to you. I’m not grown-up yet. I can be anything.” This is a poignant picture book that will encourage young readers to confront their worries and bravely pursue their passions.
Petra’s motto is “I’m a rock, and this is how I roll.” In Petra by Marianna Coppo, a garden rock imagines all the things she could be: a magnificent mountain, a dog’s ball, an island — the possibilities are endless. Petra embraces change as she evolves from entity to entity. A fabulous picture book that explores perspective and imagination while encouraging readers to be themselves.
“Bold beauty. Quiet beauty. Hidden beauty... Will I ever be as pretty as a peony, as confident as a daisy?” Bloom: A Story of Fashion Designer Elsa Schiaparelli written by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Julie Morstad is an inspiring picture book biography of modern fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli. A curious child from a disapproving aristocratic family, Elsa blossoms into an incredible artist and no longer feels brutta (ugly). Maclear’s exploration of Schiaparelli’s path of great obstacles towards her bold impact on feminine fashion will inspire readers to curiously explore their interests.
“By day, she would look out for the still ones, / the quiet ones, those who danced / and sighed and dreamed alone.” Adelaide’s Secret World by Elise Hurst is a poignant picture book about a quiet and lonely rabbit named Adelaide and her efforts to gather the courage to step outside her comfort zone to find friendship. This picture book will inspire readers to boldly take a leap forward and try something they have been yearning to explore.
Visit your local library to borrow these empowering reads — and be sure to ask your children’s librarians for additional book recommendations.
A Good Read is a column by Tri-City librarians that is published on Wednesdays. Natalie Schembri works at Port Moody Public Library.
