Families who loved Gilly the Giraffe Learns to Love Herself by Dr. Karen Treisman often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when you notice your child being overly critical of themselves or shrinking back from new experiences due to a fear of not being good enough. Gilly the Giraffe focuses on the internal world of a child who feels different or inadequate, offering a therapeutic approach to silencing negative self-talk. It is particularly effective for children who struggle with perfectionism or comparison to peers. Written by a clinical psychologist, the story follows Gilly as she navigates feelings of worry and self-doubt. It moves beyond a simple story into a guided emotional exploration, making it a powerful tool for building self-esteem and resilience. It is best suited for children aged 5 to 10 who are ready to practice specific self-care and mindfulness tools to celebrate their own unique 'spots.'
