Books for Children

Lots of children's books have positive messages about children and for children. Reading positive books will help to build your child's self-esteem. This list of books deals with the difficult side of esteem: sexual abuse and how to deal with difficult feelings.

Confident
By Janine Amos. Austin, Tex.: Raintree Stech-Vaughn, c1994

Three stories and follow up discussion explore how a lack of confidence can affect people and how they can learn to feel good about themselves.

Daniel and his therapist
By Lynda Morgan. Auckland: Papers Inc., 1988

'For sexually abused children who have braved the telling, this book allows them to feel supported and understood. It shows them the next stage of therapy can be a safe and welcome experience' apply' (Mental Health Foundation of NZ).

I have a secret
By Heather Chambers. Auckland: Papers Inc., 1990

Written for young children and those who care for them, the book is designed to show children that we understand their fears and to teach them that: Telling makes me safe (Mental Health Foundation of NZ).

I'm worried
By Brian Moses. Hove, UK: Wayland, 1997

Looks at ways children can cope with feelings of fear and anxiety.

Just because I am: A child's book of affirmation
By Lauren Murphy Payne. Minneapolis: Free Spirit, 1994

Affirming and empowering messages for children to help strengthen and support their self esteem.

Let's talk about...
A series by Joy Berry. New York: Ashton Scholastic

Titles in the series include:
Feeling angry
Feeling sad
Feeling afraid
Saying no
Being helpful
Needing attention

'Explains how to handle even the toughest situations and emotions'.

Mary's castle
By Tina Barham. Wellington: Added Value Solutions, 1994

Suggests ways of coping with all kinds of feelings and emotions, especially negative feelings which are often repressed or denied.

What's wrong with bottoms
By Jenny Hessell. Auckland: Century Hutchinson, 1987

'Written specifically for children on the subject of sexual abuse' (Family Planning Association).

He aha te mate 0 te tou?
By Jenny Hessell & Mandy Nelson 1993

What's wrong with bottoms translated into Maori.

These books may be obtained through your local library or bookseller. Some are also sold by the Family Planning Association and Mental Health Foundation. Contact these organisations directly for information on the resources they have available.