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Here's a list of some of the Queen's favorite things to support self-esteem and self-care.
Books for ages 3-4 and up:
If You're Afraid of the Dark, Remember the Night Rainbow by Cooper Edens. Magical and healing advice for catastrophes large and small speaks to the freedom in letting go.
Life Doesn't Frighten Me at All by Maya Angelou with illustrations by Jean-Michel Basquiat. Ms. Angelou's beautiful poem set to Mr. Basquiat's powerful paintings speak to young children about not being frightened by monsters, things that go bump in the night, and other terrors of young life.
Hurty Feelings by Helen Lester. Fragility the Hippo gets her feelings hurt and learns how to take a compliment.
Moss Pillows, Island Light and First Tomato by Rosemary Wells. A young bunny has a horrible day, only to be whisked away by the Bunny Queen Janet for the lovely "day that could have been." Three separate books.
Yesterday I Had the Blues by Jeron Ashford Frame. Family member's feelings described in all the colors of the rainbow…a fun way to illustrate how our feelings change from day to day and moment to moment.
For ages 5 and up:
The Enchanted Hair Tale by Alexis De Veaux. A young boy is mocked for his magical dreadlocks and runs away, only to learn some valuable lessons about courage and being who you really are.
A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon. Young Camilla Cream deprives herself of a food she loves due to worries of being "uncool." As a result, she develops a mysterious skin condition that transforms her into whatever people want her to be. A good approach to body image issues and concerns about popularity. For age 6 and up
The Day the Whale Came by Eve Bunting. Tommy learns how to stand up for his own beliefs on a day when a dead whale is brought to his town as a traveling exhibit. A moving look at friendship, doing the right thing, and our relationship with the natural world. For ages 7 and up.
Madame LeGrande and Her So High to the Sky Uproarious Pompadour by Candace Fleming. A comic tale about the perils of being a fashion victim, set in France during the age of wigs and hoop skirts.
Moon and Otter and Frog by Laura Simms. A retelling of a Modoc legend about Moon's search for a bride, and the Little Ugly Green Frog who marries him. A shimmering tale of inner beauty, jealousy and grace. For ages 5 and up.
The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes. Wanda wears the same dress to school each day. She is taunted by her classmates for being poor, but at home she sketches a hundred dresses. Her family moves away after being shunned for being Polish, leaving her classmates with her beautiful drawings and much to ponder. For ages 8 and up.
For adults:
The World According to Mr. Rogers by Fred Rogers. This collection of stories, anecdotes and insights from the beloved children's television personality remind us of his gentle wisdom.
The Hidden Messages in Water by Masaru Emoto. Dr. Emoto's magical photographs of water crystals show the impact of language on water (and by extension on every cell in our body! A dazzling and beautiful book, with text for adults, and photos that all ages can enjoy.
Celebrate Your Self by Dorothy Corkille Briggs. A clear, readable book with concrete and highly effective tools for improving self-esteem.
Other:
www.celticseasalt.com provides Celtic sea salt and other healthful foods.
www.diamondorganics.com ships organic produce overnight anywhere in the US.
www.dienviro.com for information on green cleaning and other ways to prevent exposure to toxins that cause cancer and other health problems in children. This site is the creation of Deirdre Imus, children's environmental health advocate.
www.drmiller.com offers books, tapes, CDs and more from one of the pioneers of Mind-Body medicine. Dr. Miller was a member of the California Task Force to Promote Self-Esteem.
www.fittobetidy.com clutter clearing expert Noreen Baker provides easy-to-implement steps that help you feel at ease in your inner and outer space.
www.self-esteem-nase.org is a national organization devoted to integrating self-esteem into American society so that every individual experiences personal happiness. They offer membership, information including a reference and bibliography section, programs and helpful links, including international resources.
Queen of Self-Esteem® and the "Q with Crown" logo are registered trademarks owned by Queen of Self-Esteem LLC.