The best motivational books for young children

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up in a household with a large family, I recall times when it was difficult to find my voice, having to compete with multiple family members to be heard. Over the years, I developed a special compassion for children who may feel overlooked, or unseen, which also prompted my decision to become a children’s book author, catering to write empowering stories. So, I am especially passionate about this list of children’s stories that also helps to shape the trajectory of every child, by instilling in them early on their true value & infinite capabilities


I wrote...

Beautiful Boy

By J. L. Hunt,

Book cover of Beautiful Boy

What is my book about?

"Mischief, giggles, fun & love, that's what little boys are made of"... Come uncover the mystical mysteries deep within...& what will you find? Read the book, from beginning to end! Beautiful Boy is a poetic, motivational children's book, in which each page presents a fun-filled atmosphere that celebrates the wonder every boy brings to the world.

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Oh, the Places You'll Go!

J. L. Hunt Why did I love this book?

Although this book has been around for ages…it’s still one of my favorites!  

When I first read it, to be truthful, it floored me.

Many may think of Dr. Seuss as just silly or wacky…but on the contrary, I discovered this book is not a rambling of silly rhymes, it’s actually quite profound. It’s full of great tidbits of practical advice & lessons that can be applied throughout one’s lifetime.  

It’s truly inspiring and provides a re-boost of vigor with each read.

By Dr. Seuss,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Oh, the Places You'll Go! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Celebrate life's ups and downs in this exquisite slipcase and hardback edition of the bestselling Dr. Seuss classic!

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!

For more than thirty years, this Dr. Seuss classic has carried us through life's ups and downs - from fun times and triumphs, to lurches and slumps!

Take an entertaining look at the adventures life has in store for all of us in this very special slipcase and hardback edition of the beloved classic.

The perfect gift for every moment in life, from graduations, weddings and birthdays, to…


Book cover of Emily's Quills

J. L. Hunt Why did I love this book?

This book was a very inspiring read. I adored the connections of friendship and teamwork, also the encouragement to step up and step out when necessary to be brave. 

I loved the fact that it encourages you to discover your own true uniqueness, to go beyond your comfort zone, and to embrace the skin you're in.

By Tamiko Pettee,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Emily's Quills as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Inspire your children to find their strength and grow their self-confidence!

While playing with her friends one day, Emily Hedgehog realizes that all of the other animals have such amazing talents. She feels like all she has is her prickly quills which are always getting in the way and hurting her friends.

When all of the animals find their friend Squirrel in a dangerous situation, they work together and use their strengths to save her, including Emily who quickly gains self-esteem when she discovers that her quills are actually her strength instead of her weakness.

Filled with vibrant illustrations and…


Book cover of Confidence is my Superpower

J. L. Hunt Why did I love this book?

This story really instills the importance of putting forth genuine effort and trying your best. 

I also love how it challenges you to adjust your viewpoint on things that may initially seem daunting, with a more positive perspective. 

It brilliantly illustrates that with the proper encouragement & support, you can truly do amazing things.

By Alicia Ortego,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Confidence is my Superpower as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

Do you want your kid(s) to feel more confident and capable?

Every child faces low self-esteem and poor self-confidence at least once in their life. Children are often ready to give up on their goals, especially if they encounter obstacles and challenges. We must support them and teach them to believe in themselves. Failure is the key to success.

After a series of failures at school, little Leonardo feels sad and disappointed. But, by interacting with his parents, he soon realizes that his superpower is, in fact, his self-confidence.

“I am loved! I can choose! I am brave! I am…


Book cover of I Won't Give Up

J. L. Hunt Why did I love this book?

This book really pushes you to confront new obstacles with an attitude of mastery, which is vital in the life of a child. Facing new things is an inevitable part of life, and this story does an excellent  job of emphasizing this truth, demonstrated through typical daily child interactions & encounters

By Daniel Kenney,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked I Won't Give Up as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Want your kids to learn the power of not giving up?

Parents, guardians, and mentors play the crucial role in teaching kids how to "not give up."

Thankfully, simple books with powerful language can help!

With the help of "I Won't Give Up", you and your child can work together to explore how even the most daunting challenges can be navigated with a little creativity... and alot of determination.

Help the child in your life build confidence, conviction, and a can-do attitude.

With fun and silly pictures, and a simple but positive message, "I Won't Give Up" teaches children about…


Book cover of I Am Enough

J. L. Hunt Why did I love this book?

I can’t even begin to express how much of a positive impact this short story conveys.

I even felt compelled to refresh and recite my own positive affirmations afterwards!

It was so uplifting and reassuring. It charmingly captures the essence of self-regard and self-worth, beautifully packaged and wrapped with a ribbon of Love

By Grace Byers, Keturah A. Bobo (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked I Am Enough as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

A #1 New York Times bestseller and Goodreads Choice Awards picture book winner! This is the perfect gift for mothers and daughters, baby showers, and graduation.

This gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another comes from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo.

We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it.

Plus don't miss I Believe I Can-the next beautiful picture celebrating self-esteem from Grace Byers and Keturah A. Bobo!


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God on a Budget: and other stories in dialogue

By J.M. Unrue,

Book cover of God on a Budget: and other stories in dialogue

J.M. Unrue Author Of The Festival of Sin: and other tales of fantasy

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m an old guy. I say this with a bit of cheek and a certain amount of incongruity. All the books on my list are old. That’s one area of continuity. Another, and I’ll probably stop at two, is that they all deal with ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances—those curveballs of life we flail at with an unfamiliar bat; the getting stuck on the Interstate behind a semi and some geezer in a golf cap hogging the passing lane in a Buick Le Sabre. No one makes it through this life unscathed. How we cope does more to define us than a thousand smiles when things are rosy. Thus endeth the lesson.

J.M.'s book list on showing that somebody has it worse than you do

What is my book about?

Nine Stories Told Completely in Dialogue is a unique collection of narratives, each unfolding entirely through conversations between its characters. The book opens with "God on a Budget," a tale of a man's surreal nighttime visitation that offers a blend of the mundane and the mystical. In "Doctor in the House," readers are plunged into the emotionally charged moment when an oncologist delivers a life-altering diagnosis to a patient. The collection then shifts to "Prisoner 8086," a story about the unlikely friendship that blossoms between a prison volunteer and a habitual offender, exploring themes of redemption and human connection.

The heart of the book continues with "The Reunion," a touching narrative about high school sweethearts reuniting, stirring up poignant memories and unspoken feelings. "The Therapy Session" adds a lighter touch, presenting a serio-comic exchange between a therapist and a challenging patient. In "The Fishing Trip," a father imparts crucial life lessons to his daughter during an eventful outing, leading to unexpected consequences. "Mortality" offers a deeply personal moment as a mother shares a cherished, secret story from her past with her son.

The collection then takes a romantic turn in "The Singles Cruise," where two individuals find connection amidst shared stories on a cruise for singles. Finally, "Jesus and Buddha in the Garden of Eden" provides a satirical, thought-provoking encounter in the afterlife between two spiritual figures. The book concludes with "The Breakup," a nuanced portrayal of a young couple's separation, told from both perspectives, encapsulating the complexities of relationships and the human experience.

God on a Budget: and other stories in dialogue

By J.M. Unrue,

What is this book about?

Nine Stories Told Completely in Dialogue is a unique collection of narratives, each unfolding entirely through conversations between its characters. The book opens with "God on a Budget," a tale of a man's surreal nighttime visitation that offers a blend of the mundane and the mystical. In "Doctor in the House," readers are plunged into the emotionally charged moment when an oncologist delivers a life-altering diagnosis to a patient. The collection then shifts to "Prisoner 8086," a story about the unlikely friendship that blossoms between a prison volunteer and a habitual offender, exploring themes of redemption and human connection.

The…


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