5 Inspiring Children’s Books to Celebrate Women’s Day with Kids (Ages 4–10)

 

My 7-year-old once laughed when her daddy wore a pink shirt. She had this preconceived notion that pink was only for girls. She also disliked wearing T-shirts and pants and preferred only frocks. She even rejected a pencil box with Spiderman on it because she believed it was meant for boys.

That was when I realised how easily children pick up ideas about what girls and boys “should” like or do. The storybooks they read and the movies they watch often shape these early impressions.

So I began looking for children’s books that celebrate confidence, kindness, courage, and individuality — values that help children understand that girls can be strong, brave, creative, and anything they choose to be.

Perfect for children aged 4 – 10, these books also celebrate the love of mothers, inspiring girls, and remarkable women, making them a meaningful way to introduce the spirit of International Women’s Day to young readers.

Here are five wonderful books that help introduce the spirit of Women’s Day to young readers.

Books That Celebrate Confidence, Courage, and Kindness

These books gently introduce themes of strength, love, courage, and self-belief — wonderful values to celebrate on Women’s Day.

Women’s Day Books Featured in This List

If you're looking for meaningful books to read with children on International Women’s Day, here are the titles featured in this list:

1. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls – Elena Favilli & Francesca Cavallo
2. Ruby – Michael Emberley
3. The Wonderful Things You Will Be – Emily Winfield Martin
4. I Love My Mummy – Giles Andreae and illustrated by Emma Dodd
5. I Love to Dance – Anna Walker 

1. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls – Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo

Little girls are often unsure about what they would like to become when they grow up. One day they want to be a singer, and the next day a doctor. Some dream of becoming painters, while others imagine themselves as writers or inventors. My little one first wanted to be an astronaut and later a scientist. She then wondered if girls could be boxers or weightlifters, and finally decided it might be easier to be a queen — or perhaps a swimmer.

Luckily, I came across this remarkable collection that introduces young readers to extraordinary women from around the world — real-life figures who broke stereotypes, followed their dreams, and became what they truly wanted to be.

Through 100 short stories written in simple and engaging language, children discover inspiring examples of courage, determination, and confidence while realising they too can pursue any dream or profession imaginable.

The striking illustrations make each story visually memorable and add to the charm of the book.

While older children may enjoy reading these stories independently, younger readers can enjoy them as short bedtime reads with parents.

Best for: Inspiring confidence and introducing real-life female role models

 

2. Ruby – Michael Emberley

Did your child grow up listening to Little Red Riding Hood as a bedtime story? Breaking the old stereotype where Red Riding Hood was in danger and needed to be rescued, Ruby offers a fresh and clever twist on the classic tale.

Ruby is a little mouse who sets off to visit her ailing grandmother, carrying a basket of delicious cheese pies. While the beginning feels familiar, much like the traditional story, things take an unexpected turn when Ruby finds herself face to face with danger.

Instead of waiting to be rescued, little Ruby uses her quick thinking and presence of mind to save both herself and her grandmother from trouble. This modern retelling will especially delight young readers who enjoy stories where bravery and cleverness save the day.

The story works beautifully as a read-aloud for children aged 5–7, while slightly older readers aged 8–10 can also enjoy it during their own quiet reading time.

Best for: Encouraging presence of mind and independence

 

3. The Wonderful Things You Will Be – Emily Winfield Martin

Every parent secretly wonders what their child will grow up to become. Will they be kind? Brave? Creative? Or perhaps a little bit of everything?

The Wonderful Things You Will Be is a beautifully illustrated picture book that celebrates all the possibilities that lie ahead for every child. Through gentle, poetic lines and dreamy illustrations, the story reminds children that no matter what they grow up to be, they are already loved for who they are.

While the book is not specifically about girls, its message of confidence, kindness, and individuality makes it a meaningful read for both boys and girls. It gently encourages children to grow into thoughtful and compassionate individuals — a lovely sentiment to reflect upon while celebrating the spirit of Women’s Day with young readers.

I have also included this book in my curated list of favourite picture books for young readers. You can explore the full collection here: 10 Must-Read Picture Books for Kids (2–7).

Perfect for quiet bedtime reading, this picture book is often treasured by families for years.

Best for: Building confidence and celebrating individuality

 

4. I Love My Mummy – Giles Andreae and illustrated by Emma Dodd

The bond between a mother and child is one of the most comforting relationships a young child experiences. I Love My Mummy captures this beautiful connection through simple words and warm illustrations that toddlers instantly relate to.

From cuddles and playtime to small everyday moments, the story highlights the many ways a mother shows love and care. For young children, especially toddlers, these familiar scenes make the story feel comforting and reassuring.

It also makes a lovely read to celebrate the love and strength of mothers on occasions like International Women’s Day.

Reading this book together also creates a wonderful opportunity for children to express their own affection for their mothers and appreciate the special role they play in their lives.

It is a gentle and affectionate read that fits perfectly into bedtime routines.

You can also explore my detailed review of I Love My Mummy to see why it has become such a comforting read for toddlers.

Best for: Celebrating mother–child love and family bonding

 

5. I Love to Dance – Anna Walker

Not every child expresses themselves the same way, and I Love to Dance celebrates exactly that.
Ollie the Zebra loves to dance — anywhere and everywhere. Whether he is brushing his teeth or simply walking around, Ollie dances freely without worrying about what others might think.

Through playful illustrations and a cheerful storyline, the book encourages children to embrace what makes them happy and unique. It sends a lovely message that confidence comes from enjoying what you love, not from fitting into someone else’s expectations.

This uplifting story is especially delightful for children who love music, movement, and creative expression. It also fits beautifully into a Women’s Day reading list, reminding young girls that confidence and individuality are something to celebrate.

Best for: Encouraging self-expression and confidence

 

Celebrating Women’s Day Through Stories

Stories have a powerful way of shaping how children see the world. The books we read with them today often influence how they understand kindness, courage, confidence, and empathy tomorrow.

Introducing young readers to stories that celebrate strong girls, loving mothers, and inspiring women helps them grow with a broader understanding of what they can become. Whether it is learning confidence from Ollie’s joyful dancing, courage from Ruby’s clever thinking, or inspiration from the real-life heroes in Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, each of these books gently encourages children to believe in themselves.

Reading together also creates meaningful moments between parents and children — the perfect way to celebrate the spirit of International Women’s Day at home.

If you enjoy discovering thoughtful books for young readers, you may also like exploring my other curated book lists:

• 10 Must-Read Picture Books for Kids (2–7)
• 10 Best Animal Books for Toddlers and Preschoolers (Ages 2–6)
• 5 Best Summer Picture Books for Kids

These collections bring together some of the most engaging, comforting, and memorable stories that children love to return to again and again.

Save this list for later if you're looking for inspiring children’s books that celebrate strong girls, loving mothers, and remarkable women on International Women’s Day.

Which of these books would your child love the most? Let me know in the comments!