These children's books will uplift, inspire and inform

Books are the gifts that keep on giving and are always a welcome addition to a child's life. We've looked through the shelves to find the most beautiful children's books with inspiring and life-affirming messages your kids are sure to love. Then, to make it easy, we compiled them into this handy list. Take a peek to see which books you'll want to add to your child's library!
'The Most Magnificent Thing' by Ashley Spires

A little girl and her furry friend set out on a mission to make something magnificent but meet discouraging roadblocks on their way. Children can relate with the frustrated little girl and learn from her canine companion about perspective.
To buy: Amazon, $15
'Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret' by Judy Blume

As the new girl at school, Margaret faces different friends that she doesn't quite fit in with and questions her place as well as her changing body. This classic is a great coming-of-age book to help introduce young readers to the first stages of puberty and growing up.
To buy: Amazon, $8
'Hands Are Not for Hitting' by Martine Agassi, Ph.D.

'How to Be a Friend' by Laurie Krasny Brown

If your young child is struggling to make friends, this brightly colored book can help. It teaches children how to assemble the sometimes confusing building blocks of friendship. Read this with your preschooler to help them learn how to form positive social bonds on their own.
To buy: Amazon, $7
'Red in the Flower Bed: An Illustrated Children's Story About Interracial Adoption' by Andrea Nepa

'The Name Jar' by Yangsook Choi

Unhei, a new student from Korea, is uncertain about revealing her name to her American classmates. The students help her try to pick a new name, but she doesn't feel like an Amanda—she's Unhei. A lesson in cultural awareness awaits parent and children in this touching book.
To buy: Amazon, $8
'A New School Year: Stories in Six Voices' by Sally Derby

First-day jitters are common but not all kids know that. These six perspectives help children identify with who they relate to the most (giving them a better understanding of their own emotions), which can help ease their minds to know they're not alone in feeling nervous on their first day of school.
To buy: Amazon, $14
'A Book of Questions' by Jane G. Meyer

Inspire thought and problem-solving in little minds with these vibrant pages filled with fun, insightful and unique questions. Usually kids are the ones asking questions, but this stimulating book will have them seeking out answers for themselves with every turn of the page.
To buy: Amazon, $10
'A Tale of Two Mommies' by Vanita Oelschlager

The son of two mommies goes to the beach and talks to two other children about his family. Great for starting the conversation of same-sex relationships, this book asks questions to reflect the mind of a child and answers them in a simple, matter-of-fact way.
To buy: Amazon, $9
'Abigail the Whale' by Davide Cali

Being called a whale is no fun for Abigail, but her swimming instructor teaches her how to cope with her insecurities of being overweight and overcome her least favorite sport. Share with your elementary-aged child to teach them about body positivity and how name-calling can hurt the feelings of others.
To buy: Amazon, $12
'Why Am I Me?' by Paige Britt

Through a wide palette of colors, meet two characters who wonder the same philosophical question about themselves, but are from two totally different backgrounds. This image-heavy book teaches children that in a diverse world, we are all the same.
To buy: Amazon, $13
'The Bear and the Piano' by David Litchfield

Deep in the woods a bear cub finds a piano, practices until he masters it, then moves to the city to follow his dreams. Eventually the bear finds happiness returning to the woods and playing among his family and friends that love him most. This beautiful book inspires persistence and the importance of friendships.
To buy: Amazon, $11
'One' by Kathryn Otoshi

Using a clever combination of colors and numbers to tell a story of bullying, this critically acclaimed book grows with children. Younger children can focus on the colors and numbers. As they grow, they will progressively begin to learn empathy through the story as it teaches the power of colors who unite together to take a stand against meanness.
To buy: Amazon, $12
'Pass It On' by Sophy Henn

Travel through this tale with Sophy as she learns the joy of passing on smiles and happiness to others. "Pass It On" proves that giving to others doesn't need to be material; it simply needs to be of good intention and spirit.
To buy: Amazon, $14
'Most People' by Michael Leannah

The world is scary for many adults, so just imagine how frightening it appears to children. This book, in rich texture, reassures children that most people are good, certainly outnumbering the bad. It's an important reminder all of us could use, these days.
To buy: Amazon, $12
'Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel' by Nikki Grimes

Meet Dyamonde Daniel, a spirited girl who is new in town, yet her caring nature means she's more concerned about helping others, including the unhappy kid in class whose parents are divorcing. This book not only inspires young readers to be confident in themselves, but it also helps them find compassion for other children who might be experiencing major changes in their families.
To buy: Amazon, $5
'Oliver Button Is a Sissy' by Tommie dePaola

Although this classic was published in the 1970s, its central message is still a relevant issue today. Oliver deals with gender bias, including what it means to be a boy (spoiler alert: It's anything Oliver wants it to mean), yet he finds the courage to stay true to himself and is ultimately recognized for his individuality.
To buy: Amazon, $5 and up
'Edward the Emu' by Sheena Knowles

Written to be read over and over again, the rhythmic adventure of "Edward the Emu" is a fun journey for all readers. The surprise ending promotes self-love, proving that there's nothing better than being who you are.
To buy: Amazon, $8
'Last Stop on Market Street' by Matt de la Peña

The appeal of this story is multifold. A grandmother (Nana) and her grandson take a ride by bus through the less-than-pretty neighborhoods of San Francisco. Nana teaches her grandson CJ a meaningful life lesson, including compassion, respect and the importance of helping others that will ultimately pass down to your child by the end of the book.
To buy: Amazon, $5 and up
'Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle' by Chris Raschka

Abstract watercolors are used to introduce your little rider to the idea of riding a bike. Pre-K children will love the encouragement and approach their first bike with confidence, rather than fear.
To buy: Amazon, $14
'101 Reasons Why I'm Not Taking a Bath' by Stacy McAnulty

Read this to your kids just once, and they'll keep asking to hear it again. You'll both be able to relate to the protagonist's protests over bath times and will laugh your way until the end. The hope is that the book will encourage your bath-hating toddler to warm up to the idea of getting scrub-a-dub-dubbed in the tub.
To buy: Amazon, $13
'Incredible Me!' by Kathi Appelt

Promote confidence and self-esteem early on with this heart-warming pastel-colored tale. A little pig-tailed girl with a big attitude will show children how to embrace themselves by loving all the little unique bits that make them different from everyone else.
To buy: Amazon, $11
'Mrs. Katz and Tush' by Patricia Polacco

Sometimes it takes a mutual problem to bring two completely different people together. Between these pages, a generational and racial gap is closed, all thanks to one abandoned cat. An elderly Jewish woman named Mrs. Katz shares her incredible stories with a young boy named Larnel, who comes to realize African-American and Jewish histories have many harrowing and uplifting similarities.
To buy: Amazon, $8
'The Story of Ruby Bridges' by Robert Coles

The first day of school can be scary for any new child, but few could be as terrifying as young Ruby Bridges's first day. Teach history by sharing this true story of one girl's courage to become the first African-American child to attend her all-white school.
To buy: Amazon, $6
'Best Frints in the Whole Universe' by Antoinette Portis

This is a book that explores the ins and outs of friendship on a planet similar to Earth. It's a story that should definitely be read aloud to give your toddler a dose of the weird and wonderful they're sure to love. Characters with relatable personalities for kids will make for laughs now and give lessons about overcoming arguments with friends in the future.
To buy: Amazon, $9
'School’s First Day of School' by Adam Rex and Christian Robinson

Taking a unique perspective, this book narrates as the school itself, observing all of the different students who have nervousness on the first day of classes. Through well-balanced text and beautiful artwork, your child will forget about their fears of first days after reading this sweet story.
To buy: Amazon, $11
'Amazing You!: Getting Smart About Your Private Parts' by Gail Saltz

The pictures in this book might seem detailed to some, but fear not, they're medically accurate depictions of the body that can help your child understand human anatomy in a positive (totally not-weird) way. Your children will see their own bodies reflected in the pages and gain an understanding of themselves early on in life, avoiding future confusion that comes when parents struggle to explain topics they may find uncomfortable.
To buy: Amazon, $6
'Tales For Your Monkey's Mind: Fables and Modern Fairy Tales for Children' by Steve Michael Reedy

No matter the age, this collection of modern fairy tales geared toward elementary and middle school-age children has something for everyone. Kids and adults will find beauty in the messages of self-esteem, kindness, resilience and more. Be careful with this one. You might end up reading it more than your kids!
To buy: Amazon, $27
'You Were the First' by Patricia MacLachlan

Offer comfort to your first-born child by reading this love-affirming story together. The writing will put to ease their fears of abandonment with a new sibling on the way and remind them of the special place they'll always hold as your first-born.
To buy: Amazon, $14
'One Good Deed' by Terri Fields

Set in a neighborhood where nobody smiles, one little boy performs a single good deed that multiplies and changes the attitudes of his neighbors. Prove to your child that a small act of kindness can ripple through a community, and it only takes one person.
To buy: Amazon, $8
'There’s a Bully in My Brain' by Kristin O’Rourke

Younger children with anxiety might not know how to describe what they're feeling, but this will help put words to the feeling of having a bully in their brain. Written to help kids cope, this story calms and adds a direct call to action with helpful worksheets included in the back pages.
To buy: Amazon, $15
'Maddi’s Fridge' by Lois Brandt

Childhood hunger is examined in this book about a young girl's concern regarding her friend's empty fridge. As hunger continues to affect one in six people in the U.S., this is an essential read for your family so that, if (or perhaps when) a similar situation occurs, your child will feel confident about acting immediately (and so will you).
To buy: Amazon, $14
'Orion and the Dark' by Emma Yarlett

Ironically, this book focuses on things in the dark, but its beautiful imagery and colors make things that once seemed scary turn magical. It's perfect for small kids who are afraid of the dark. Just be warned: Your kids are definitely going to want to read this one with you every night.
To buy: Amazon, $14
'Brontorina' by James Howe

Brontorina is larger than everyone in her dance class, but that doesn't stop her from pursuing her dreams of being a ballerina. This book is great for encouraging persistence and teaching children to accept their differences while also promoting body positivity.
To buy: Amazon, $7
'You Are Not Small' by Anna Kang

Size is relative and that message rings throughout this simple story of two friends of extremely different sizes: one who's small and one who's big. Short but concise, this inspiring story lets children know they're perfectly normal just the way they are.
To buy: Amazon, $11
'Pezzettino' by Leo Lionni

A classic that's been around for decades, this journey of a small piece looking for its whole still appeals to young readers. Promoting the idea that you can be small and a part of a larger thing, or remain little but still be wholly significant, will inspire your children to think bigger and see their importance in the world far beyond their childhood.
To buy: Amazon, $7
'The Sandwich Swap' by Queen Rania Jordan Abdullah

Diversity, tolerance and acceptance are all lessons included in "The Sandwich Swap." Friends have a powerful cultural exchange through food, teaching children to include before they exclude, using delightful watercolor illustrations. What's cooler than a book written by an actual queen, anyway?
To buy: Amazon, $15
'It’s Okay To Be Different' by Todd Parr

Simple and colorful, this fun-to-read book is amazing for showing young kids how wonderful it is to be different. The writing will make your small ones giggle while steering them toward a healthy, positive attitude about themselves and others.
To buy: Amazon, $8
'Loose Tooth' by Lola M. Schaefer

When a little boy wakes up and discovers his very first loose tooth, he can't wait to get it out. The only problem? It's stuck! This funny tale will resonate with every child who's ever been excited to lose a stubborn tooth.
To buy: Amazon, $4
'Strictly No Elephants' by Lisa Mantchev

A celebration of friendship, diversity and acceptance, "Strictly No Elephants" (which won Huffington Post's Honor Book award for Best in Kindness) is a captivating tale that's as meaningful as it is beautiful. The fun, playful story conveys a friendship we all hope to have in life.
To buy: Amazon, $12
'Mixed Blessing: A Children's Book About a Multi-Racial Family' by Marsha Cosman

Using her own experience of mothering biracial children, the author writes honestly about identity and mixed cultured households in a way a child can understand. This book is fantastic for teaching all kids about what multiracial and multicultural families look like.
To buy: Amazon, $13
'Grandfather Gandhi' by Arun Gandhi

Arun Gandhi tells the amazing true story of his grandfather, the great Mahatma Gandhi, and how he taught him to "turn darkness into light" in this illustrated book for children. Not only does the story teach Gandhi's message of non-violence, but it's also a terrific introduction to the life of a great man in history who persevered and transformed the world in the process.
To buy: Amazon, $15
'Too Shy for Show-and-Tell' by Beth Bracken

Show-and-tell is intimidating and, for a shy giraffe, it can be downright dreadful. This magnificently drawn book will provide a boost of confidence to kids who are apprehensive about speaking in front of others.
To buy: Amazon, $8
'The Mermaid and the Shoe' by K.G. Campbell

When a little mermaid named Minnow (who likes to ask a whole lot of questions) is told she's not special, she believes it. That all changes when she swims to the ocean's surface and discovers that her inquisitive nature means she's an explorer! This book will assure your little questioner that being curious is actually a wonderful thing.
To buy: Amazon, $14
'Unique Monique' by Maria Rousaki

Monique has to wear a boring uniform everyday, but she attempts to spruce up it up with accessories from an old trunk of her mother's. Her efforts to stand out are banned by the principal, but she later discovers her teeth-straighteners give her a uniqueness that can't be taken away. Teach the joy and art of being different to your little one with this colorful story.
To buy: Amazon, $3 and up
'Hunter’s Best Friend at School' by Laura Malone Elliott

Having friends at school is important, but what about when those friends pressure you to misbehave? This tale of friendship approaches the subject of peer pressure for young readers and sets an example of independent thinking without losing the people they care about.
To buy: Amazon, $7
'Oh, the Places You’ll Go!' by Dr. Seuss

A story for readers of all ages, "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" helps inspire confidence and courage for life's always changing tune. Whether a child feels happy and on top of the world, or feels sad and alone, this classic story from Dr. Seuss will make them realize that life is truly what we make of it.
To buy: Amazon, $17
'And Tango Makes Three' by Justin Richardson

Same-sex relationships and adoptions are covered in this board book about two penguins hatching a fertilized egg to begin their own family. Using animals, love and diversity, this book helps young readers understand what different kinds of families look like.
To buy: Amazon, $8
'Max the Brave' by Ed Vere

Max will ignite a fire in the heart of kids everywhere, inspiring braveness and curiosity. Children will adore the fearless kitten hero and learn that sometimes, it's perfectly OK to not feel so brave. Show the vivid pictures to your children, and they will be reading it by themselves until they wear out the pages.
To buy: Amazon, $12
'The Invisible String' by Patricia Karst

In a world where children face difficult experiences, like death, abandonment and change, "The Invisible String" is here to teach them that we're always connected (forever) to the people we love the most. Recommended for readers of every age who need a reminder that we're never truly separated from the ones we love.
To buy: Amazon, $14