10 Books on Positive Thinking Every Kid Should Read

Books on positive thinking can help kids feel more confident, hopeful, and better equipped to handle challenges. Positive thinking is not about pretending everything is fine. It’s about choosing to focus on the good, even when times get tough.

Research shows that children who faced difficult life events are more likely to develop negative thinking patterns, which can lead to increased behavioral problems [*].

Another study found that replacing worries with positive thoughts helped lower anxiety and worry, even when those thoughts weren’t directly related to the worry itself [*].

These highlight how powerful it can be to teach kids how to reframe their thoughts in a more positive way.

One simple way to encourage this mindset is by providing the right book. Below are some of the best positivity books for kids that can help them build inner strength, confidence, and a more hopeful outlook, one page at a time.

Best Books on Positive Thinking for Kids

These carefully chosen stories are more than just fun reads. They help children build positive thinking habits, strengthen emotional skills, and approach challenges with optimism.

1. A World of Pausabilities by Frank J. Sileo

This rhyming story introduces kids to the idea of mindfulness and taking a moment to pause. Whether it’s to breathe, reflect, or notice something good, these small moments help children handle emotions and stay grounded.

It encourages kids to slow down, focus on the present, and shift their mindset when they’re feeling overwhelmed.

Price: $11.96 on Amazon, $15.95 on Barnes and Noble

2. Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud

When we do something kind, we fill someone’s bucket, and ours too. When we’re mean, we take away from it.

This story reminds kids that every interaction counts, and they have the choice to cultivate happiness for themselves and others. It helps children build empathy and develop positive social habits.

Price: $7.89 on Amazon, $10.95 on Barnes and Noble

3. The Whatifs by Emily Kilgore

Cora is a worrier. She’s full of "what if" questions and always wonders if something bad will happen. As her piano recital approaches, the worries pile up. But everything changes when a friend helps her discover positive "what ifs" that build her courage.

This story shows kids how to shift their focus from fear to possibility, so they can feel more confident and ready to take on challenges.

Price: $15.12 on Amazon

4. I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont

A joyful girl reminds kids that they’re amazing just as they are. With its silly rhymes and lively illustrations, the book teaches self-acceptance and confidence in a way that feels fun and easy to understand for kids.

The book promotes positive thinking by helping kids embrace self-love and feel proud of who they are, flaws and all.

Price: $11.21 on Amazon, $19.99 on Barnes and Noble

5. What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada

This book tells a story about a child who faces a problem, runs from it, but eventually learns to confront it head-on. In the end, the problem turns out to be an opportunity in disguise.

This book teaches kids to look at challenges as chances to grow, rather than something to fear.

Price: $10.64 on Amazon, $17.95 on Barnes and Noble

6. Be You! by Peter H. Reynolds

This book celebrates being different and encourages kids to embrace their individuality. Each page is a gentle reminder to follow your own path, trust your heart, and be proud of who you are.

It nurtures confidence and self-worth by helping kids value what makes them unique.

Price: $9.57 on Amazon, $17.99 on Barnes and Noble

7. Preston’s Positive Thoughts by Jenelle French

Whether it’s taking a test or trying out a hoverboard, Preston always doubted himself. But as he learns to replace negative self-talk with positive thoughts, he begins to see the power of his own mindset. He discovers that what he tells himself can change how he feels and acts.

This story helps children build self-awareness and gives them tools for nurturing a kinder, more encouraging inner voice.

Price: $10.17 on Amazon, $11.99 on Barnes and Noble

8. Good News, Bad News by Jeff Mack

Two friends, one always optimistic and one always pessimistic, experience a day full of ups and downs. The book shows how choosing a positive perspective can change how we experience life.

It helps kids see how they interpret events shapes how they feel. And that they can choose a positive outlook.

Price: $11.96 on Amazon, $16.99 on Barnes and Noble

9. The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

This story follows a young girl who wants to create the most magnificent thing but struggles with failure. She gets frustrated and wants to quit, but after a break and some encouragement, she tries again.

The story highlights how effort and learning from mistakes can lead to success, as long as you keep a positive outlook. The girl improves her invention by learning from what didn’t work. This teaches kids that their abilities can grow with practice.

Price: $11.29 on Amazon, $19,99 on Barnes and Noble

10. Positivity Is My Superpower: A Kid’s Book About Managing Negative Emotions and Feelings by Alicia Ortego

This tells about the story of Lucas, a young boy facing a major life change and all the stress that comes with it: worry, sadness, loneliness. With the help of his mom, he recognizes his negative feelings, then transforms them into positive thoughts and actions.

This book is a perfect pick for families and classrooms that aim to teach kids how to manage emotions in a healthy way.

Price: $14.23 on Amazon

The Bottom Line

Helping kids build a habit of positive thinking doesn’t mean shielding them from life’s challenges. It means giving them the tools to manage their emotions and overcome difficulties. Children’s books about positive thinking can be an accessible, enjoyable way to spark those skills.

Reading these books with your child opens the door for deeper conversations about emotions, problem-solving, and kindness. You can also extend the learning by using our Having A Positive Attitude handout to help your child apply these lessons in their everyday life.

References:

1. Panourgia C, Comoretto A. Do cognitive distortions explain the longitudinal relationship between life adversity and emotional and behavioural problems in secondary school children? Stress and Health. 2017; 33: 590–599. https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.2743
2. Claire Eagleson, Sarra Hayes, Andrew Mathews, Gemma Perman, Colette R. Hirsch, The power of positive thinking: Pathological worry is reduced by thought replacement in Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Behaviour Research and Therapy, Volume 78, 2016, Pages 13-18, ISSN 0005-7967, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2015.12.017.