By Dara L. Cain
Rowan Public Library
Self-esteem is a genuine respect for or positive impression of one’s self.
Possessing positive self-esteem is important to promoting healthy self-development in children. The following is a bibliography of fun, educational and engaging children’s books that raise the subject of self-esteem and can be found at the Rowan Public Library.
“I Like Myself!” by Karen Beaumont is a rhyming picture book about a young girl who expresses confidence in her individuality and encourages children to love themselves “inside, outside, upside down, from head to toe and all around…”
Illustrator David Catrow will have kids laughing when they see the main character with purple polka dotted lips dancing in a bird bath with no care in the world as to what others may think of her.
In “It’s Okay to be Different,” author and illustrator Todd Parr uses simple text and rainbow colored illustrations to teach youngsters to accept who they are by understanding the many differences that exist among individuals.
There are many differences that are OK, such as “It’s okay to wear glasses,” “It’s okay to talk about your feelings’ and “It’s okay to be adopted.”
Three bears wonder if their parents have a favorite child in the book, “You’re All My Favorites” by Sam McBratney. The young bears are reassured when Mommy and Daddy Bear convince each of their concerned cubs that an endless love exists for all of them.
“The Lovables in the Kingdom of Self-Esteem,” by Diane Loomans, portrays 24 animal characters, each personifying a different quality of self-esteem. Children will be able to identify with the qualities that personify a healthy self-image and will learn how to develop positive images of themselves.
Gordon Korman’s novel, “Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire,” is about Zoe, a third-grader who makes up elaborate stories in order to be liked by others. When an exciting event really does take place in her life, nobody believes her. In the end, a friend assures her that she is special for just being herself.
In the chapter book “Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining,” by Anne Mazer, Abby believes her three siblings outshine her. In search of her own “super special” talent, Abby is determined to become a fifth-grade soccer star but in the process learns that her genuine talents already make her unique and special.
The silly title alone, “There’s a Boy in the Girl’s Bathroom,” by Louis Sachar, will entice children to read this wonderful story full of insight and comedy. Bradley is a bright and imaginative 11- year-old boy who doesn’t have any friends. When Bradley befriends the new school counselor who is kind and funny, she helps him to believe in himself and gradually restores his self-confidence.
Don’t forget to check out these great reads on self-esteem at Rowan Public Library.
Computer classes: Classes are free. Sessions are 90 minutes long. Class size is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Dates and times are subject to change without notice.
Headquarters ó Monday, 7 p.m., Introduction to Morning Star; Thursday, 2:30 p.m., Absolute Beginners Class; May 11, 7 p.m., Introduction to Yahoo e-mail; May 14, 2:30 p.m., Introduction to Learning Express Library; May 18, 7 p.m., Computer Tips and Tricks; May 21, 2:30 p.m., Creating Flyers with Microsoft Publisher.
South ó Thursday, 11 a.m., Genealogy – Census Records; May 18, 7 p.m., Postcards from the Web.
Children’s: This summer the library invites you to let your imaginations run wild. Join the children’s staff for a fun-filled summer of programs and reading. Registration for all artists, singers, dancers and tumblers from 1-year-olds to rising fifth-graders begins May 18 at all library locations. For more information, call 704-216-8243,
Tuesday Night at the Movies: All movies are at 6:30 p.m. All movies are rated G, PG or PG 13; some movies are inappropriate for younger audiences. Children should be accompanied by an adult. Free popcorn and lemonade.
May movies were chosen by the East Branch Teen Advisory Board.
Tuesday, “Twilight”; May 12, “Forrest Gump”; May 19, “The Prestige”; May 26, “Cloverfield.”
Displays: Headquarters ó artwork by Delores Medlin, history room by RPL; South ó Charles Goodnight by Pam Nance; East ó stained glass by James Brady.Literacy: Call the Rowan County Literacy Council at 704-216-8266 for more information on teaching or receiving literacy tutoring for English speakers or for those for whom English is a second language.