Books to Read...When You Want to Remember Your Potential

Happy December 26th! As the New Year approaches, we often try to make goals or New Year's resolutions. These books are important reminders that we are already enough, and our potential is limitless. Goals are important, but so is recognizing how far we've already come.

Why Not You?

By Ciara and Russell Wilson

Illustrated by Jessica Gibson

New York : Random House, 2022. Picture Book.

When we question whether our dreams are too big or our abilities are too small, remember to ask yourself, “why not you?” This book beautifully demonstrates the limitless potential we all have if we only allow ourselves to dream and work hard. Remember, “you are magic, through and through.”

I’m Growing Great

By Mechal Renee Roe

New York : Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 2022. Picture Book.

Sometimes we may feel like we’re not progressing fast enough or in the right way. With rhyming text that reminds us to be patient with ourselves and invite grace into our lives, readers are reminded that we are growing each day, and our growth is beautiful.

Perfectly Norman

By Tom Percival
New York, New York : Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2018. Picture Book.

Norman likes being perfectly normal, but when he grows a pair of extraordinary wings, he’s worried what everyone will think of him. He learns to be brave, and helps others be brave too. I particularly loved how Norman, depicted in bright yellow, stood out amongst the black and white backgrounds. The imagery and words are powerful reminders that we don’t have to be perfectly normal, just perfectly us.

The Amazing Idea of You
By Charlotte Sullivan Wild
Illustrated by Mary Lundquist
New York : Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2019. Picture Book.

This book is a powerful reminder that although we may be a seed, we have the potential within us to become a mighty tree. Each of us has amazing, original, creative, and maybe humorous ideas that we can share with the world, and we were once only an idea too.

Your Future is Bright
By Corey Finkle
Illustrated by Shelley Couvillion
New York : Henry Holt and Company, 2021. Picture Book.

An adorable picture book filled with diverse characters that detail all the many things we can grow up to become one day. With a positive message emphasizing that what truly matters is our kind hearts and dreaming big, the book focuses on who we are, rather than what we do.