10+ Best Body Positivity Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Hey there! Are you on the hunt for body positivity books for 7-year-olds that celebrate all shapes, sizes, and abilities? You've come to the right place! Instilling a sense of self-love and acceptance early on is crucial, and what better way to do that than through engaging, thoughtful books? Keep reading to discover a variety of body positivity books for 7-year-olds that are perfect for encouraging those important conversations at home or in the classroom. Let's dive in!

Fun Body Positivity Books for 7-Year-Olds

• I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont, illustrated by David Catrow
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This vibrant picture book celebrates self-esteem and body positivity, as a little girl expresses joy in her unique traits, no matter how she looks or what others think.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and uplifting read that encourages kids to embrace and love themselves as they are, fostering self-confidence from a young age.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy playful rhymes and colorful illustrations.

• It's Okay to Be Different by Todd Parr
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This book illustrates a variety of scenarios to teach children about diversity and acceptance, with messages about everything from wearing glasses to having different types of families.
  • Why we recommend this book: Todd Parr's simple and direct approach makes complex concepts accessible to young children, promoting acceptance and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are beginning to notice and appreciate the differences in themselves and others.

• Happy in Our Skin by Fran Manushkin, illustrated by Lauren Tobia
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: The story follows a diverse group of children as they enjoy life's simple pleasures while celebrating the various skin tones that make each of them unique.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a cheerful read that highlights the beauty of diversity and the importance of being comfortable in one's own skin.
  • Perfect for: Children curious about the world and the different people in it.

• Lovely by Jess Hong
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: With a simple yet powerful text paired with bold, colorful illustrations, this book explores what it means to be different and why being unique is a wonderful thing.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses a variety of adjectives to describe features that might not traditionally be seen as beautiful, broadening children's understanding of beauty.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are learning to define what beauty means to them.

• Her Body Can by Katie Crenshaw and Ady Meschke, illustrated by Li Liu
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This empowering book affirms that all bodies are beautiful and capable of achieving amazing things, focusing on a plus-size young girl's positive experiences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes body positivity and self-love, showing children that their bodies are capable of doing incredible things.
  • Perfect for: Young girls and boys who could benefit from a confidence boost regarding their physical appearance.

Educational Body Positivity Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Big Hair, Don't Care by Crystal Swain-Bates, illustrated by Megan Bair
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: The story follows a confident little girl named Lola who has big, beautiful, curly hair and doesn't care what anyone else thinks about it.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, confidence, cultural diversity
  • Why we recommend this book: It delivers a powerful message about embracing one's natural hair and personal style, which is essential for fostering self-acceptance.
  • Perfect for: Kids who need a boost in confidence about their physical appearance, especially their hair.

• Brontorina by James Howe, illustrated by Randy Cecil
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Brontorina is a dinosaur who dreams of being a ballerina, but she's told she is too big to fit in the dance studio. However, her determination leads to an unexpected solution.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Determination, problem-solving, inclusivity
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches children that physical limitations should not prevent them from following their dreams, promoting inclusivity and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring dancers and any child learning to overcome physical or societal barriers.

• Your Body is Awesome: Body Respect for Children by Sigrun Danielsdottir, illustrated by Bjork Bjarkadottir
  • Genre(s): Children's Non-Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: The book covers the importance of body respect and the wonderful things bodies can do, encouraging kids to appreciate their bodies regardless of shape or size.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Body awareness, health education, self-respect
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a positive and affirming message about body image and health, which is crucial for developing a healthy self-esteem.
  • Perfect for: Children needing reinforcement in body positivity and respect for diversity in body types.

• Shades of People by Shelley Rotner and Sheila M. Kelly, illustrated by Shelley Rotner
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This photo-illustrated book explores the different skin colors and features of people, celebrating the diversity found in human beings.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Awareness of diversity, social understanding, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a visually engaging and straightforward introduction to the concept of diversity and the beauty of human differences.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are beginning to explore and appreciate the rich tapestry of human appearances.

• Stretchy McHandsome by Judy Schachner
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: A charming tale of a cat named Stretchy McHandsome who is the youngest of nine siblings, exploring his neighborhood and learning to love his unique traits.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-discovery, adventure, self-acceptance
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor and adventure to teach children about self-love and celebrating one's unique qualities.
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and children who enjoy stories of exploration and self-acceptance.

Challenging Body Positivity Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family and all her schoolmates, and she wants to be beautiful and bright. One night, a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into complex themes of colorism and self-acceptance, which are profound and nuanced topics for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully illustrated and poignant story that encourages children to see the beauty in themselves, regardless of societal beauty standards.
  • Perfect for: Young readers struggling with self-esteem and those interested in a magical, transformative story.

• The Skin You Live In by Michael Tyler, illustrated by David Lee Csicsko
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This book celebrates the skin you are in, no matter the color or shape. It promotes a message of acceptance and self-worth through a rhythmic text that explores the different functions and qualities of skin.
  • Why this book is challenging: The poetic and metaphorical language used to discuss skin and its functions introduces complex literary devices to young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches children to appreciate and love their unique traits while fostering a sense of community and shared humanity.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy rhythmic, poetic texts and need a positive message about their physical selves.

• All Bodies Are Good Bodies by Charlotte Barkla, illustrated by Erica Salcedo
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: A fun and uplifting celebration of different body shapes and sizes, this book shows children that everyone's body is perfect just the way it is.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses the diversity of body types and abilities in a straightforward manner, challenging young readers to think inclusively and empathetically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an empowering read that promotes body positivity and helps children build confidence in their own bodies.
  • Perfect for: Young readers learning to navigate and appreciate the diversity of people around them.

• What I Like About Me! by Allia Zobel Nolan, illustrated by Miki Sakamoto
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This interactive book features a diverse group of children celebrating what they love about themselves—from freckles to glasses to curly hair.
  • Why this book is challenging: It encourages self-reflection and self-acceptance through interactive elements like mirrors and fill-in-the-blank pages, which are more complex for younger readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging, interactive book that helps children focus on their positive attributes and celebrate their individuality.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy interactive reading experiences and those who could benefit from a boost in self-appreciation.

• Be Who You Are by Todd Parr
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: Encouraging kids to be proud of what makes them unique, this book covers all the ways one can be different—from race to clothing choices to speaking another language.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a broad range of diversity and identity topics, requiring young readers to engage with complex concepts of identity and self-expression.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses bold, colorful illustrations and simple text to deliver a powerful message about embracing and celebrating one's individuality.
  • Perfect for: Children exploring their identity and those learning to embrace their differences in a positive light.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to nurture a love for reading in your 7-year-old, especially with books that boost body positivity, you've come to the right place. Here are some fun and engaging exercises that will not only enhance their reading habits but also reinforce positive self-image. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: A comfortable and inviting space dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages regular reading by creating a special spot just for this activity.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the nook with pillows, favorite toys, or decorations.

• Book-Themed Dress Up
  • What it is: Dressing up as favorite characters from body positivity books.
  • How it helps: Makes reading interactive and fun, deepening the connection with the characters.
  • Tips: Organize a monthly dress-up day to keep the excitement alive.

• Storytelling Swap
  • What it is: Children take turns narrating their favorite stories to family or friends.
  • How it helps: Builds confidence and improves comprehension and verbal skills.
  • Tips: Use expressive gestures and voices to make the storytelling more engaging.

• Illustrate the Story
  • What it is: Drawing scenes or characters from the book they are currently reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention of the story, and encourages creativity.
  • Tips: Provide a variety of art supplies and encourage them to express freely.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: A chart that tracks the number of books read, rewarding milestones.
  • How it helps: Motivates children to read more through a rewarding system.
  • Tips: Offer meaningful rewards like choosing the next book to buy or an extra bedtime story.

• Read Aloud Together
  • What it is: Spending time reading books aloud with your child.
  • How it helps: Strengthens reading skills and builds a bond over shared stories.
  • Tips: Alternate reading pages to keep them actively involved.

• Book Club for Kids
  • What it is: A small group of children who read the same book and discuss it.
  • How it helps: Encourages social skills and critical thinking about themes and characters.
  • Tips: Keep the group small and manage discussions so every child gets a chance to speak.

Wrapping up, these exercises aren't just about reading; they're about making reading a fun, rewarding, and enriching experience for your child. By incorporating these activities, you're not only boosting their literacy skills but also their self-esteem and love for diverse body types. Happy reading!