4 Toddler Books For Teens
“Talk to me like I’m a 2-year old.” This is what Denzel Washington’s character says to Tom Hank’s character in the movie Philadelphia after the Tom Hanks character explains the discrimination he has been subject to because of his HIV diagnosis. This simplicity can be used with other complex subjects like, life.
You can get an amazing 350-page book and offer it to your teen, but more than likely they will not read it. They have no time and little interest. Now try a 15-page book with writing on every other page that is only a couple of sentences and pictures! Now, see if they read it.
These are some books that convey in simple brilliance the concept of being different while promoting self-esteem by liking what makes you different. The writing is simple, but clear, the pictures are inviting and beautiful. With these books, even a concrete thinker like your teen is going to get the take home point.
1. It’s Okay to be Different by Todd Parr
“It’s okay to need some help” “It’s okay to have a different nose.”
Todd Parr lists several ways that it is okay to be different. Sure some of them are particular to being younger, but even those are going to trigger your teen to consider the similar situation in a teenager. Maybe your teen’s teeth aren’t missing, but puberty creates a similar struggle with appearance.
2. I’m Gonna Like Me Letting Off a Little Self –Esteem by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cambell
“I’m gonna like me wearing flowers and plaid. I have my own style. I don’t follow some fad.”
The rhymes in this book make the text flow and read very quickly. There are also great examples of moral situations where the child does what’s right and likes themselves for it. The scenarios are easy for teens to relate to. Maybe not finding a diamond ring, but shoplifting on a dare at a department store may come up in your teen’s life.
3. I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont.
“I like myself. I’m glad I’m me. There’s no one else I’d rather be.”
The writing is bold and more interesting is the toddler who speaks the words with such nonchalant confidence. The hope is that it inspires your teen to love themselves more. Appreciate their differences more, better. The extremes of what she becomes and still like herself can challenge your teen to ask, “And I have a problem with a zit?”
4. Little OinK by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Jen Corace
“But there was one thing Little Oink did not like: Mess up time. Because that’s what you have to do when you’re a pig. Make a mess, mess, MESS!” 
The extra confidence demonstrated in this story about a pig that is born a pig with stereotypical pig parent expectations, but has nothing typical about him will not go unnoticed by your teen. This pig finds a way to make his parents happy AND make himself happy while embracing that which makes him different. What a great message to give to your teen.
When you have trouble trying to communicate a thought or lesson, sometimes the best place to look is in the toddler book section of your favorite bookstore.
Related posts:
