At long last, a groundbreaking body positivity book tailored for children has arrived. Written by emerging authors, Mia Thompson and Sarah Collins, “Her Body Can” is designed to empower young girls with messages of self-love and acceptance.
The Shift in Children’s Literature
Traditionally, the children’s section of bookstores has been dominated by images of conventionally attractive figures—slim and fair, reminiscent of childhood toys like Barbie. However, the landscape of children’s literature has transformed, showcasing a greater diversity of characters and stories. Despite this shift, there remains a glaring absence of literature addressing a vital topic in today’s society: body positivity. Recognizing this gap, Thompson and Collins, both Atlanta-based bloggers and mothers, took it upon themselves to fill it. Their new release, “Her Body Can,” is a timely and necessary contribution.
Empowering Messages
The book’s description on Amazon proclaims, “Her body is beautiful — strong, kind, and wise. All bodies are lovely no matter their size.” “Her Body Can” offers a collection of poetic affirmations aimed at nurturing self-esteem in young girls. It encourages them to embrace their uniqueness and recognize their bodies’ capabilities rather than focusing on societal standards of beauty. The authors emphasize that girls should understand their inherent worth lies in their ability to love themselves fully.
Target Audience and Early Intervention
Targeted at girls from infancy to age eight, this pioneering book is set to teach them that their bodies are capable of great things, regardless of appearance. In an interview, Thompson and Collins elaborated on their motivation for focusing on younger girls. They noted that many girls begin to feel dissatisfied with their bodies by age 13, with up to half of girls in grades K to 8 expressing concerns about their weight. This early intervention aims to instill a sense of confidence before societal pressures can take hold.
Diversity and Representation
The authors are committed to showcasing a diverse range of characters in their book, including children of varying abilities, races, sizes, and backgrounds. “We wanted to illustrate a plus-size girl living her best life, unapologetically,” Collins remarked, highlighting the importance of representation for children who may feel marginalized.
The Importance of Body Positivity
The need for this book is more pressing than ever. “Body positivity is a crucial movement among adults, but it’s essential to instill these values in children from a young age,” Thompson asserted. She reflected on her own experiences with self-acceptance, wishing she had access to such positive messages during her formative years. The book aims to foster not only self-love among readers but also an appreciation for the differences in others.
Challenging Fatphobia
Ultimately, “Her Body Can” seeks to challenge the pervasive “fatphobic” attitudes surrounding body image, making it easier for parents and educators to promote self-love. You can find “Her Body Can” available on Amazon for $16. For more insights on related topics, check out our other blog post at this link or visit this site for expert advice on self-love and acceptance. Additionally, for comprehensive information on fertility and related health matters, explore this excellent resource at Science Daily.
Conclusion
In summary, “Her Body Can” is a vital book that encourages young girls to love themselves and embrace their individuality, setting a foundation for lifelong self-esteem and acceptance.