44 books like Beautiful Oops!

By Barney Saltzberg,

Here are 44 books that Beautiful Oops! fans have personally recommended if you like Beautiful Oops!. Shepherd is a community of 10,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Abracadabra!: The Magic of Trying

Claire A. B. Freeland Author Of What to Do When Mistakes Make You Quake: A Kid's Guide to Accepting Imperfection

From my list on accepting imperfection.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a child psychologist and an award-winning author of several books for children and teens related to emotions, behavior, and the science behind them. I believe children love to see themselves in books and to learn about others. Making complex information clear and watching children light up with understanding is my goal for every book I write.

Claire's book list on accepting imperfection

Claire A. B. Freeland Why did Claire love this book?

One aspect of accepting imperfection is to recognize that new skills take practice. In this sweet tale, Little Owl believes he should automatically possess the ability to fly. His woodland friends teach him that practice and effort are required. The abracadabra magic turns out to be persistence in the face of failure. Young readers will embrace the “try, try again” message. This charming story and delightful illustrations will resonate with young children. There is also a note to parents and caregivers by a psychologist that delves into raising kids to develop perseverance.

By Maria Loretta Giraldo, Nicoletta Bertelle (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Abracadabra! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

All of the little birds have learned to fly... except Little Owl. The others explain that it's easy: all he has to do is say "abracadabra!" At first, it doesn't work, and Little Owl thinks the "magic" word is broken! But as he gets better and better, he realizes that the real magic is in himself. This book teaches children how to face challenges and keep trying, despite setbacks. Includes a "Note to Parents and Caregivers" with tips for encouraging kids to persevere.

Named in 'The Best Spiritual Books of 2018' by Spirituality & Practice.


Book cover of The Book of Mistakes

Claire A. B. Freeland Author Of What to Do When Mistakes Make You Quake: A Kid's Guide to Accepting Imperfection

From my list on accepting imperfection.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a child psychologist and an award-winning author of several books for children and teens related to emotions, behavior, and the science behind them. I believe children love to see themselves in books and to learn about others. Making complex information clear and watching children light up with understanding is my goal for every book I write.

Claire's book list on accepting imperfection

Claire A. B. Freeland Why did Claire love this book?

As an artist, Corinna Luyken knows that mistakes happen. But some children crumple their papers and toss them with each perceived error. The Book of Mistakes demonstrates how mistakes are part of learning and growing. The illustrator takes each mistake and incorporates it into an expanding drawing until, voila, there is a magnificent two-page spread. But, she doesn’t stop there. The ending will surprise and delight and leave young children with the confidence to go make their own mistakes.

By Corinna Luyken,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Book of Mistakes 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?

Zoom meets Beautiful Oops! in this memorable picture book debut about the creative process, and the way in which "mistakes" can blossom into inspiration

One eye was bigger than the other. That was a mistake.
The weird frog-cat-cow thing? It made an excellent bush.
And the inky smudges... they look as if they were always meant to be leaves floating gently across the sky.

As one artist incorporates accidental splotches, spots, and misshapen things into her art, she transforms her piece in quirky and unexpected ways, taking readers on a journey through her process. Told in minimal, playful text, this…


Book cover of The Most Magnificent Thing

Sonja Thomas Author Of Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence

From my list on kidlit starring spunky girls.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a writer addicted to reading and writing about spunky female characters of all ages. Even though I’m an introvert (who’s no stranger to depression and anxiety), when I have a goal that I’m really passionate about, no matter how hard or how long it takes, I’m stubbornly persistent to make it happen. I believe that books, especially those from my childhood like Ramona Quimby, helped foster this trait. Spunky characters taught me that it’s okay to feel, express, and learn from my emotions, that no matter what life throws at us we can survive it, and to follow your own path with courage and determination.   

Sonja's book list on kidlit starring spunky girls

Sonja Thomas Why did Sonja love this book?

If you’ve read my book, you know that I’m all about characters navigating their emotions. This picture book focuses on something every kid—and adult—can relate to: you have a magnificent idea, but when you try to make it happen, it comes out all wrong. Despite her frustration turning into anger, this regular girl, with the help of her canine assistant, keeps on trying again and again and again to make her magnificent thing. Readers will hold their breath, wondering what comes next after she exclaims, “I QUIT.” 

By Ashley Spires,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Most Magnificent Thing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Award-winning author and illustrator Ashley Spires has created a charming picture book about an unnamed girl and her very best friend, who happens to be a dog.

The girl has a wonderful idea. “She is going to make the most MAGNIFICENT thing! She knows just how it will look. She knows just how it will work. All she has to do is make it, and she makes things all the time. Easy-peasy!” But making her magnificent thing is anything but easy, and the girl tries and fails, repeatedly. Eventually, the girl gets really, really mad. She is so mad, in…


Book cover of A Whale of a Mistake

Claire A. B. Freeland Author Of What to Do When Mistakes Make You Quake: A Kid's Guide to Accepting Imperfection

From my list on accepting imperfection.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a child psychologist and an award-winning author of several books for children and teens related to emotions, behavior, and the science behind them. I believe children love to see themselves in books and to learn about others. Making complex information clear and watching children light up with understanding is my goal for every book I write.

Claire's book list on accepting imperfection

Claire A. B. Freeland Why did Claire love this book?

A Whale of a Mistake is written in the second person reaching into the hearts of the listener. With lyrical text and gorgeous, expansive illustrations, the author and illustrator address the feelings that accompany making mistakes and places that experience in a broader context. The aim is to help the reader gain perspective and self-acceptance, that the world isn’t perfect, and neither are you. 

By Ioana Hobai,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Whale of a Mistake 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?

When you make a mistake-a big mistake, a HUGE mistake-it can weigh you down or even swallow you whole! As one kid finds herself swept away by her whale of a mistake, she takes readers along on a journey of emotions. When the girl pauses to stare at the night sky, she realizes something important: there are as many mistakes in the world as stars in the sky, and maybe she can handle it after all. As the seemingly huge whale begins to shrink, the girl embraces her mistake and finds her way back to solid ground.

Through clever wordplay…


Book cover of Me Llamo Celia/My Name Is Celia: La Vida de Celia Cruz/The Life Of Celia Cruz

Bobbito Garcia Author Of Aim High, Little Giant, Aim High!

From my list on BIPOC Shorties for kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a parent who along with my co-parent is raising a Black and Puerto Rican child in a world that is consumed with misunderstanding our communities of people. We seek books that speak volumes to our core, and that can expand our son’s horizons so that he understands himself as well as others.

Bobbito's book list on BIPOC Shorties for kids

Bobbito Garcia Why did Bobbito love this book?

I honestly think I enjoyed this book even more than my son, ha ha!

The richness of the illustrations are stunning, and Celia’s narrative is groundbreaking. Ultimately, it’s a wonderful story told in both Spanish and English, which has worked to connect us to two languages that are dear to our family.

By Monica Brown, Rafael López (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Me Llamo Celia/My Name Is Celia as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This bilingual book allows young readers to enter Celia Cruz's life as she becomes a well-known singer in her homeland of Cuba, then moves to New York City and Miami where she and others create a new type of music called salsa. School Library Journal has named My Name is Celia "[a]n exuberant picture-book biography ...a brilliant introduction to a significant woman and her music."


Book cover of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World

Bobbito Garcia Author Of Aim High, Little Giant, Aim High!

From my list on BIPOC Shorties for kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a parent who along with my co-parent is raising a Black and Puerto Rican child in a world that is consumed with misunderstanding our communities of people. We seek books that speak volumes to our core, and that can expand our son’s horizons so that he understands himself as well as others.

Bobbito's book list on BIPOC Shorties for kids

Bobbito Garcia Why did Bobbito love this book?

My son and I were blown away by the power of the words and illustrations contained in this book. I learned just as much as he did!

I love when we can both discover histories of women from diverse backgrounds that may otherwise go under the radar in mainstream media.

By Elena Favilli,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 6, 7, 8, and 9.

What is this book about?

A 2021 NATIONAL PARENTING PRODUCT AWARDS WINNER!

The third installment in the New York Times bestselling Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls series, featuring 100 immigrant women who have shaped, and will continue to shape, our world.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World is packed with 100 all-new bedtime stories about the lives of incredible female figures from the past and the present such as:

Anna Wintour, Editor in Chief Carmen Miranda, Singer and Actress Diane von Fürstenberg, Fashion Designer Gloria Estefan, Singer Ilhan Omar, Politician Josephine Baker, Entertainer and Activist Lupita Nyong'o,…


Book cover of A Kids Book About Racism

Bobbito Garcia Author Of Aim High, Little Giant, Aim High!

From my list on BIPOC Shorties for kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a parent who along with my co-parent is raising a Black and Puerto Rican child in a world that is consumed with misunderstanding our communities of people. We seek books that speak volumes to our core, and that can expand our son’s horizons so that he understands himself as well as others.

Bobbito's book list on BIPOC Shorties for kids

Bobbito Garcia Why did Bobbito love this book?

I honestly think the entire series of A Kids Book About should be encouraged for all children as well as parents.

This one about racism is a fantastic way to introduce the topic so that awareness is considered from early stages of development. While we live in an open-minded, diverse community in New York, our child will undoubtedly face this social ill at some point in his life, directly or indirectly. We want him to be informed and prepared, as best possible. 

By Jelani Memory,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Kids Book About Racism 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?

A clear explanation of what racism is and how to recognise it when you see it.

As tough as it is to imagine, this book really does explore racism. But it does so in a way that's accessible to kids. Inside, you'll find a clear description of what racism is, how it makes people feel when they experience it, and how to spot it when it happens.

Covering themes of racism, sadness, bravery, and hate. This book is designed to help get the conversation going. Racism is one conversation that's never too early to start, and this book was written…


Book cover of Alejandria Fights Back!: ¡La Lucha de Alejandria!

Bobbito Garcia Author Of Aim High, Little Giant, Aim High!

From my list on BIPOC Shorties for kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a parent who along with my co-parent is raising a Black and Puerto Rican child in a world that is consumed with misunderstanding our communities of people. We seek books that speak volumes to our core, and that can expand our son’s horizons so that he understands himself as well as others.

Bobbito's book list on BIPOC Shorties for kids

Bobbito Garcia Why did Bobbito love this book?

This is an empowering narrative that reveals what gentrification is, and how a community can approach how to deal with it positively.

The illustrations by Robert Liu-Trujillo give depth and lightness to another heavy topic, particularly for Latinos in certain areas. I also love that both Spanish and English words appear in the text, just as they would in real day-to-day life. 

By Leticia Hernandez-Linares, Robert Liu-Trujillo (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Alejandria Fights Back! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

For nine-year-old Alejandria, home isn't just the apartment she shares with Mami and her abuela, Tita, but rather the whole neighborhood. Home is the bakery where Ms. Beatrice makes yummy picos; the sidewalk where Ms. Alicia sells flowers with her little dog, Duende; and the corner store with friendly Mr. Amir.

But lately the city has been changing, and rent prices are going up. Many people in el barrio are leaving because they can no longer afford their homes, and "For Sale" signs are popping up everywhere. Then the worst thing happens: Mami receives a letter saying they'll have to…


Book cover of The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles

Diana Drake Long Author Of Dream It, Design It, Live It: The Ultimate Guide to Manifesting Your Next-Level Life

From my list on creativity, happiness and success in life.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been enthralled with the idea of “dreams come true” for as long as I can remember. In middle school, I discovered the field of psychology. I made weekly trips to the library and read books on personal development, spirituality, and memoirs. This commitment to learning and growth has never wavered. Those early seeds that I planted and nurtured have bloomed into my long-standing career of professional coaching, facilitation, and leading transformational retreats. My passion is empowering others to believe in their dreams and goals and bring them to life. 

Diana's book list on creativity, happiness and success in life

Diana Drake Long Why did Diana love this book?

This slim book is a game changer. I have had my copy of Stephen Pressfield's classic for well over a decade. This book has helped me multiple times to break through my inner resistance, and it's proven to be a go-to resource for me when I feel inspired to create something big and new and then find I get bogged down with self-doubt and procrastination.

Pressfield calls it "resistance," and it's much more common than most realize. In this book, he shares his ups and down cycles of creative endeavors. He gives guidance on how to break through the inevitable resistance that we all care about when we are standing at the base of the mountain of a creative project and struggling with our inner battles of self-sabotage, self-doubt, overwhelm, fears, and the interference of outside distractions and influences.

One of the strategies he offers is called "turning pro"; he…

By Steven Pressfield,

Why should I read it?

21 authors picked The War of Art as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A succinct, engaging, and practical guide forsucceeding in any creative sphere, The War ofArt is nothing less than Sun-Tzu for the soul.

What keeps so many of us from doing what we long to do?

Why is there a naysayer within? How can we avoid theroadblocks of any creative endeavor—be it starting up a dreambusiness venture, writing a novel, or painting a masterpiece?

Bestselling novelist Steven Pressfield identifies the enemy thatevery one of us must face, outlines a battle plan to conquer thisinternal foe, then pinpoints just how to achieve the greatest success.

The War of Art emphasizes the resolve…


Book cover of Your Erroneous Zones: Step-By-Step Advice for Escaping the Trap of Negative Thinking and Taking Control of Your Life

Jan Cullinane Author Of The New Retirement: The Ultimate Guide to the Rest of Your Life, 3rd edition

From my list on comprehensive retirement to make you happy.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve lived in four states because of corporate transfers. My background is college teaching/administration, and for each relocation, I found a new job, house, and social groups. This is what retirement is about, the opportunity to learn, re-invent, re-define yourself, and pursue new opportunities and passions. My biology/psychology/relocation background prepared me to address the non-financial aspects of retirement, and I know CPAs/CFPs willing to share their financial expertise. I’ve authored five retirement books, I’m the “Healthy Living” columnist for a magazine, and I’ve been speaking/writing about retirement for the past 22 years. I have a B.S., an M.Ed., and I’m ABD for my doctorate. I can also speak backwards fluently!

Jan's book list on comprehensive retirement to make you happy

Jan Cullinane Why did Jan love this book?

This book was originally published in 1976. It was the first time I internalized the concept that we may not be able to control what happens to us, but we can control how we react to things. This simple thought was – and is – transformational. It’s something that guides my actions to this day. Dyer provides readers with the tools to identify faulty thinking and to change our behavior to become happier and more successful. 

By Wayne W. Dyer,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Your Erroneous Zones as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

THE RECORD-BREAKING, #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER – OVER 35 MILLION COPIES SOLD

The first book by Wayne Dyer, author of the multimillion-copy bestseller Pulling Your Own Strings and national bestsellers There’s a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem and Wisdom of the Ages, a positive and practical guide to breaking free from the trap of negative thinking and enjoying life to the fullest.

If you're plagued by guilt or worry and find yourself unwittingly falling into the same old self-destructive patterns, then you have "erroneous zones" – whole facets of your approach to life that act as barriers to your…


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