14 Fantastic Books to Encourage Children to Be Unique
We have rounded up some books to encourage children to be unique. I have always loved the humor and joy that movies bring and I love a happy ending. However, now that I have a daughter of my own, I started looking at some of the classic Disney films a little more critically. Why didn’t Cinderella ever stand up for herself? How could Ariel find the love of her life and get married at 16?
I want to make sure that my daughter has role models with a little more substance than some of the princesses from 50 years ago. This task left me on a search for books that would show another side of princesses. I wanted my daughter (and my sons) to see you can be strong, independent, smart, and themselves. We’ve rounded up 14 books about being unique.
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Books to Encourage Uniqueness
Free to Be You and Me by Marlo Thomas and Friends
The first book I ever remember with this message is the story of Atalanta. I love this book about being yourself. It is a book that is still relevant (35 + years after its original publication) and definitely ahead of its time.
The story of Atalanta is no different. She refuses to marry just because her father wants her to and is determined to live her own life. This is an amazing children’s book about being different!
My Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis
This is one of the wonderful books to encourage uniqueness. It is a story of love and acceptance. This nonfiction book is the story of a 4-year-old boy who happily expresses himself by dressing up in dresses and sparkly clothing.
He does not conform to gender norms. This book is a great way to open the dialogue about accepting people for who they are and embracing differences.
The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf
We absolutely love this children’s book about being different. Ferdinand is a bull who is supposed to fight but he is content to sit and smell the flowers. We love the message of this sweet and wonderful book.
Giraffes Can’t Dance
Author: Giles Andreae
Illustrator: Guy Parker-Rees
Year: 1999
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1 – 5
Plot
Gerald is a giraffe who wants to dance but things that is can’t. Thanks to a friend who encourages him, Gerald finds a way to embrace his differences.
Why Jackie loves it
I absolutely love this book about following your heart and being true to yourself. The bonus of rhyming makes this book that much more special. This is one of the children’s books about being different that I was happy to read over and over.
Find this book in: Animal Books for Kids / Books for 2-Year-Olds / Rhyming Books
Children’s Books About Being Different: Princesses
The Paper Bag Princess
Author: Robert Munsch
Illustrator: Michael Martchenko
Year: 1980
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 6
Plot
This is a hilarious story about the princess who outwits a dragon, rescues the prince, and realizes she doesn’t need him to be happy!!! It is a classic, wonderful story. Like most of Robert Munsch’s books, it is funny and silly and the perfect read-aloud.
Why Jackie loves it
Robert Munsch and his collection of smart and mostly hilarious children’s books are a household name in Canada. I have the entire collection of books, which was given to me when my oldest was born. While I Love You Forever may be Munsch’s most famous book, this one is my favorite.
Find this book in: Best Books for 6-year-olds / Best Canadian Authors / Dragon Books for Kids
Part-time Princess
Author: Deborah Underwood
Illustrator: Cambria Evans
Year: 2013
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 7
Plot
The story features an average girl by day who becomes a princess at night. But she is no ordinary princess. She fights trolls and puts out fires and is home in time for tea with her mom. I love books that allow girls to explore the idea of non-conventional roles.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the great books to encourage uniqueness and was actually recommended to me by an employee of Barnes and Noble when I wanted to grab a baby gift.
Find this book in: Best Books for 7-year-olds
Not All Princesses Dress in Pink by Jane Yolen
We love books to encourage uniqueness and this one fits the bill perfectly. It questions some of the stereotypes that all princesses dress in pink. Some princesses use power tools and wear overalls.
Some princesses wear red dresses and stinky socks. It’s not the clothes that determine if you are a princess at heart. The heart of this story is for children to look into their importance and unlimited potential.
Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots?
Author: Carmela LaVigna Coyle
Illustrator: Mike Gordon, Carl Gordon
Year: 2003
Genre: Picture Books
Age: 2 – 6
Plot
In this fun story, a little girl is wondering what it’s like to be a real life princess by asking questions like “Do princesses wear hiking boots?” I love that not only does this book ask questions, but it also looks at gender norms and questions them as well.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is a more advanced question book to read to kids. The idea that your child can grow up to be anything they choose is a more advanced concept but, the story itself has engaging illustrations that open the door to asking so many more questions.
Find this book in: Books to Encourage Children to Be Unique / Best Books for 6-year-olds
Princess Smarty Pants
Author: Babette Cole
Illustrator: Babette Cole
Year: 1997
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 8
Plot
This children’s book about being different is a hilarious tale in which Princess Smarty Pants does not want to get married. She finds some unique solutions to her situations and ensures that she can continue to be the princess that she wants to be – single and happy!
Why Jackie loves it
I’m delighted to see an independent princess in this book, it’s one of my favorites to read to my daughter!
Find this book in: Best Books for 8-year-olds
The Princess and the Pony by Kate Beaton
This is one of the books to encourage uniqueness that is too cute- literally. Princess Pinecone wants a big strong horse fit for a warrior. However, she gets a pony that does not fit that description.
What she learns is that even big strong warriors have a soft side as well. We love this book!
Princess Bess Gets Dressed by Margery Cuyler
This children’s book about being different is an adorable story about Princess Bess. She has so many outfits to change into for all her royal duties.
However, at the end of the day, her favorite thing to wear is…..well, you have to read to find out. But, deep down, a princess is just like everybody else.
More Books to Encourage Children to Be Unique
Leo the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus
This is one of the classic books to encourage uniqueness. Leo’s father is worried that he is not speaking, reading, writing, or drawing. But his mother is not worried. She knows that her son will do all the things he is meant to do in his own time.
Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
Julian wants to be a mermaid but, how will his grandmother react? This book is a wonderful story about unconditional love and acceptance. This is a wonderful children’s book about being different
Pink is for Boys by Robb Pearlman
This book addresses the stereotype that pink is for girls. The book encourages boys and girls to do what they love.
Are you sharing any gender-bending, stereotype-breaking books with your littles? Let us know if we missed any on our list!
Best Books for a 4-Year-Old to Develop Pre-Reading Skills
If you want more books for your 4-year-old, check out these great books.
Best Books for a 5-Year-Old Getting Ready to Read
If you love these and are looking for more, check out this list!
