One of the most important things we can do for our children is to help them develop a growth mindset. No matter how much we try to protect them, there will be those difficult challenges to face along the way. Giving them the power of “yet” encourages them to believe in themselves and embrace mistakes as opportunities to test out that new strategy – with a “never give up” attitude that supports them when things get tough. My daughter was amazed when she learned she could actually make her brain “grow” by learning new things!
There are so many inspirational picture books we can share to teach about persistence, encourage a positive attitude, and a passion for learning. Check out our list of best growth mindset picture books below!
Growth Mindset Books for Kids
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Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg
A sweet pop up and lift the flap book about turning a mistake into making something beautiful. This is an engaging and simple read for younger children. Best for ages 3-5.
The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi
This book is perfect for those times when we need a little encouragement and hope. All of us have a little companion that supports us as we try to learn new things – the Magical Yet! It doesn’t matter if you are young or old, the Yet is there to help us out and encourage us to reach our goals. Best for ages 4-8.
The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do by Ashley Spires
Lou and her friends have amazing adventures, but when her friends decide to climb the tree as a pirate ship, Lou isn’t so sure. She’s never climbed a tree before and she is scared. She makes all sorts of excuses until they convince her to give it a try. A gentle story about overcoming our fears and being brave to try new things. And although Lou falls the first time she climbs, we’re left knowing she will continue on until she gets it. Best for ages 3-7.
Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
A touching story about Gerald the giraffe who wants to dance but is told by all the other animals he can’t. When a little cricket gives him words of encouragement, Gerald is able to find his own unique style and becomes a beautiful dancer. This is a wonderful opportunity to talk about themes of friendship, kindness, confidence, and pursuing our dreams. A favorite in our house when the kids were young! Best for ages 2 – 8.
After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back up Again by Dan Santat
Ever wonder what happened to Humpty Dumpty after the fall? He was put together again, but then he was too afraid of heights to go back up! He misses the light and the birds and realizes he must overcome his fears to go after the things he loves. Another great choice with themes of courage and perseverance. Best for ages 4-8.
The Book of Mistakes by Corrina Luyken
In this book we learn that mistakes can be a source of inspiration when we use our imagination to turn them into something even better! This is such a clever book as we watch each “mistake” get transformed in the constantly evolving illustrations. Best for ages 4-8.
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
A little girl, her best friend (a dog), and an idea to create the “most Magnificent thing!” She knows exactly what she wants to do. But when she tries to make her dreams a reality, she just can’t seem to get it right – again and again. Getting angrier, and angrier, she gives up. But after she takes some time to calm down and give it another try, she finally succeeds. This is another favorite in our house. Best for ages 3-7.
What do you do with an idea? by Kobi Yamada
What do you do when you have an idea? Do you hide it or turn your back on it? Or do you stand up for it? Do you protect it, care for it, work with it, and give it your attention? This touching story is about a small child who has an idea. As the child’s confidence grows, so does the idea, until one day it takes flight and changes the world. Best for ages 5-8.
Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
Got an inventor in the house? You’ll have to read this book! Rosie wants to be an engineer and loves to design new things. Afraid of failing, she creates her gadgets at night and hides them under her bed. But when her great-great aunt comes for a visit and talks about her dream of flying, Rosie decides to make her dream a reality! Not everything turns out as planned, but she learns that “the only true failure can come if you quit.” Best for ages 5 – 8.
What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada
Ever face a problem that you can’t get rid of? Our character has one that follows him around like a storm cloud. He avoids the problem, but it just keeps getting bigger! Finally, even though he doesn’t want to and is afraid, he decides to face it. And when he does, he discovers there is something beautiful inside because every problem is an opportunity to grow, be brave, a do something good. Best for ages 5 – 8.
Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World by Susan Hood
A poetic picture book honoring the lives of fourteen young women who did amazing things against all odds. Read about Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, civil rights activist Ruby Bridges, Nobel Peach Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, and many more. A wonderful way to introduce your family to some of the most inspirational figures of our time. Best for ages 5- 9.
Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by JoAnn Deak
A fun way to teach our children how their brain works and can grow. A fascinating non-fiction book as we travel along with a diversity of characters who learn that it is through making mistakes and trying new things that we can strengthen our brains. Best for ages 5-8.
Galimoto by Karen Williams
A boy named Kondi from the Republic of Malawi works hard to gather all the metal scraps and wires he needs to make his dream toy – a galimoto. His brother laughs at his idea, but he doesn’t let that stop him and the new toy is ready for the village children to play with by nightfall. Best for ages 3 – 5.
The Girl who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett
Do you have a perfectionist in the house? Beatrice struggles throughout the story to get everything “just right.” She’s so afraid of making mistakes that she misses out on all the fun, like skating with her friends. Then one day she makes a HUGE mistake in front of everybody! But we learn that making mistakes is really not so bad and it’s better to let go and just have fun. Best for ages 4 – 8.
Y is for Yet: A Growth Mindset Alphabet by Shannon Anderson
A is for Ability, B is for Brain, C is for Challenges. This book is not just for our young learners, it is full of amazing messages about how to adopt a growth mindset and an “I can’t do it YET” attitude. Each page is a great conversation starter! Best for ages 4-8.
Enjoy your reading,
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