10 empowering children's books that celebrate confidence and creativity

Picture books and early readers

Hey You!: An empowering celebration of growing up Black by Dapo Adeola and a range of Black British illustrators

This book is too perfect for words. The first time I saw it, I cried, partly because of how beautifully illustrated it was but also because I never thought I would see the day that such an empowering, honest, but uplifting story about the Black experience was not only published in the UK, but celebrated across the industry and in schools. It really was ground-breaking, and it doesn't surprise me at all that Dapo was the genius behind it.

The World Belonged To Us written by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Leo Espinosa

I'm half American and spend a lot of time in Brooklyn. It is my favourite place in the world, and this gorgeous story captures the joy of community life and summer in the city. Even if you have never been there, the nostalgia will still get you. It is a joyful time capsule of childhood, and the thrill of school summer break – when the only thing that mattered was playing out with your friends and making as many memories as you can before the sun goes down.

Princess Smartypants by Babette Cole

As a child, I was in awe of the Princess and how courageous she was; living life on her own terms and not bowing to what she 'should do'. Nowadays, it's not hard to find an independent shero in a story, but back then, Babette's style and celebration of the unconventional were revolutionary. She's a huge inspiration.

I Like Myself written by Karen Beaumont and illustrated by David Catrow

I love this story and everything that it stands for. I give it to all of the children in my life and will do so forever. Its empowering, self-affirming message is the perfect morning mantra for a low day.

The Silver Shadow written by Mariesa Dulak and illustrated by Alea Marley

I've been a shark lover since I was a little girl, and this story beautifully captures their precious majesty and reminds us to take better care of our oceans and all who live in them.

I particularly like the way Mariesa took such a personal moment from her family history and transformed it into a beautiful story for everyone.

Maya & Marley and the Great Big Tidy Up written by Laura Henry-Allain and illustrated by Yabaweah Scott

I'm a firm believer that Laura is the 'mother' of the inclusive publishing industry. Everything she touches turns to gold, and her work is always transformative and inspiring. Maya & Marley is no exception; it celebrates normal community life and the role that we all play in looking after our neighbourhoods. I particularly like how so many of her characters are everyday heroes like bin collectors, who are often overlooked – yet our communities would literally collapse without them.

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

I know, I know, it's an obvious choice, but I really love Dr. Seuss. His tongue-twisting rhyming style was and is iconic. I have really fond memories of both having this read to me and reading it to my nephews. I mean, how many times do you have to tell someone that you do not like Green Eggs and Ham – or do you? ;-) 

Love Grows Everywhere written by Barry Timms and illustrated by Tisha Lee

If you go nuts for a green-fingered family in a diverse community that is overflowing with love, this one is for you. It is a glorious celebration of the different kinds of love that flow through our neighbourhoods that reads like the most beautiful song.

Middle grade

Alyssa and the Spell Garden & Alyssa and the Enchanted Forest by Alexandra Sheppard

Alyssa is another person I love for how she celebrates and uplifts experiences of growing up in social housing, family beyond conventional perceptions, and the way she makes community life sing. She masterfully blends the real world with a large dollop of magic to sublime effect. Although we write for different age groups, like Flower Block, Alyssa and the Spell Garden, and Alyssa and the Enchanted Forest, celebrate the magical healing power of nature and challenge misconceptions of social housing communities. Magic belongs to all of us, and I love the way Alexandra's words remind us of that and encourage all children to be proud of who they are.

Some Places More Than Others by Renée Watson

A right of passage of growing up is discovering, learning, and valuing the pieces of you, and this book is a great celebration of that. It is filled with love and family and charts the central character, Amara's journey to self-acceptance and learning to appreciate everything that makes her her, on her first trip to Harlem to meet her dad's family. It's a deeply thoughtful story where New York is a character in its own right, and I couldn't put it down.