In this age where little girls are getting the same “princess” story over and over, it’s time to mix it up with stories of young girls and women from all around the world and and from all walks of life. Here’s a list of children’s stories with strong female protagonists who will inspire your baby girl to be her own hero!
1. “Amelia to Zora: Twenty Six Women Who Changed the World” by Cynthia Chin-Lee
Tell your little girl she can do great things by teaching her about all the women who have done great and extraordinary things! From A to Z, this picture book has detailed collages and illustrations that draw from the various events in the lives of 26 inspiring women.
Available at Kinokuniya Malaysia.
2. “The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes” by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein
Nine year old Beatrice Bottomwell has never made a mistake in her life, and then she does. This book offers a lesson on learning from your mistakes, letting go, and enjoying the ride. A great book for little girls who are perfectionists or afraid to make mistakes.
Available at Kinokuniya Malaysia.
3. “The Fountain of Fair Fortune” by J.K. Rowling
The ‘Fountain of Fair Fortune’ is one of the many stories in J.K. Rowling’s ‘The Tales of Beedle the Bard‘, but one of the few from the collection with a happy ending. The sisters Asha, Altheada and Amata are accomplished witches who set out to solve their own problems.
Available at MPH Online.
4. “The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq” by Jeanette Winter
Alia Muhammad Baker is a librarian in Basra, Iraq. This is the true story of how, even in the time of war, book lover Alia bravely protects and saves the city’s 30,000 books.
Available at MPH Online.
5. “The Watcher” by Jeanette Winter
Acclaimed picture book biographer Jeanette Winter chronicles the life of Dr. Jane Goodall, from her childhood in London, to her years in the African forests of Gombe, Tanzania. This is a great book for young animal lovers and budding scientists.
Available at Kinokuniya Malaysia.
6. “I Like Myself” by Karen Beaumont
As energetic and imaginative as Dr. Seuss, ‘I Like Myself’ encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves from the inside out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! Here’s a little girl who knows what really matters.
Available at Kinokuniya Malaysia.
7. “Frida Kahlo: The Artist Who Painted Herself” by Margaret Frith
Introduce your little girl to the amazing work of Mexico’s most celebrated female artist, Frida Kahlo, in this picture book biography told from the viewpoint of a girl who is doing a report on the famous artist.
Available at Kinokuniya Malaysia.
8. “I Am Helen Keller” by Brad Meltzer
Helen Keller‘s story can teach little girls to overcome any obstacle that might come their way. In spite of Helen’s rare disease that left her deaf and blind, she learned to speak sign language and read Braille and grew up to become a social activist, leading the fight for people with disabilities and so many other causes.
Available at Kinokuniya Malaysia.
9. “Rickshaw Girl” by Mitali Perkins
Naima is young girl from a poor family in Bangladesh. She wants to do something to help her family, but as she isn’t a boy she can’t drive her father’s rickshaw and add to the family’s income. Find out how she uses her unique talents to help her family out of a tight spot.
Available at Kinokuniya Malaysia.
10. “Blueberry Girl” by Neil Gaiman
A bit on the heavy side, Neil Gaiman’s ‘Blueberry Girl’ is a beautiful piece of literature on a much loved baby who grows into a young adventurous and brave woman.
Available at Kinokuniya Malaysia.
11. “Not All Princesses Dress In Pink” by Jane Yolen & Heidi E. Y. Stemple
Why do princesses have to like the colour pink anyway? This children’s book tells one and all that princesses come in all kinds. The charming illustrations prove that girls who jump in mud can do so whist wearing tiaras!
Available at Kinokuniya Malaysia.
12. “Princeless” comic book series by Jeremy Whitley
This is an one of a kind action/adventure graphic novel about a girl who’s tired of waiting to be rescued and ready to save herself!
Available at Kinokuniya Malaysia.
13. “One Grain of Rice: A Mathematical Folktale” by Demi
Rani, a clever girl from India, outsmarts a very selfish raja (king) and saves her village using… math!
The narrative and illustrations create a real sense of the culture and atmosphere of ancient India.
Available at Kinokuniya Malaysia.
14. “Wonder Woman: The Story of the Amazon Princess” by Ralph Cosentino
Last but not least, this list would not be complete without the one and only Wonder Woman. This picture book is written in a simple, engaging manner with bright, bold artwork inspired by the original comic book art, Wonder Woman. Introduce your little girl to this legendary super hero: a protector of humankind, with a mission to teach peace and kindness to all.
Available at Kinokuniya Malaysia.
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Image Credit: ew.com, goodreads.com, wikipedia.com, amightygirl.com, amazon.com.
