Reviews

Book Review – I Can Believe In Myself by Jack Canfield, Miriam Laundry, & illustrated by Eva Morales

Book Review

I Can Believe In Myself

by Jack Canfield and Miriam Laundry

Eva Morales (illustrator)

Publisher: Health Communications Inc.

32 Pages

Publication Date: 2/23/2021

 

I can believe in myself is a children’s book that focuses on a girl named Molly who struggles with believing that she is capable of making a presentation to her class. She focuses on the words “I can’t” and doubts herself and her capabilities. All she can focus on is speaking in front of the class and it consumes her. She comes up with various excuses to give her teacher to get out of it, but her teacher is patient and supportive.

As the book progresses, so does Molly’s story about her and her friends. She supports her friends more than she supports herself and she gains the knowledge and perspective she needs to learn to be confident in herself and realize she can do the things she is scared of. She gives her speech to the class about being able to do things and even creates a way to shred her and her classmates’ thoughts about what they can’t do.

I feel like this book is a really positive book that could help a lot of children who struggle with self-doubt and anxiety. I think it would be a great addition to any parents or teacher’s collection. I know that if I had a book like this when I was a child, it would have inspired me to have faith in myself and get over fears. Children can be so hard on themselves and a lot of children struggle to perform in public, and as the book explores, doubt themselves in many ways as they are discovering themselves.

A feature I really enjoyed was at the end. The authors put in some activities for parents and teachers. This includes some exercises/rituals on shredding, burying or burning the child’s “I can’t” statements. It also includes some science facts about how the body is tense and weaker when you focused on what you can’t do vs how you become stronger mentally and physically when you believe in yourself. It gives a great example of how to demonstrate this. Another activity involves having children write positive affirmations on what they can do and close their eyes and visualize themselves being successful. The last activity in the book has the children take care of an index card with some “I can” words that they can reference and have them see how long they can keep it in good shape.

I really think that the story, illustrations and activities are a really good combination that can benefit a lot of people out there. The focus on a child’s struggles is a nice change from the typical books you see. People in general need to believe in themselves more, and teaching children from an early age can help in developing self-confidence, hope and helping yourself and your friends.

This book was a very refreshing and positive read, and the story was even motivational for me as an adult. Molly herself is a well-developed character, and I would recommend this to anyone who has children, especially those who have or teach children with socialization and anxiety issues.

I Can Believe in Myself on Amazon

 

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About the Author:

Merry meet! I’m Jazz and I’m a Canadian oddball. I love roller derby, kickboxing, spending time with my dog and husband & love all things art, craft and pagan!

I was raised by a Roman Catholic family but discovered Buddhism, then Paganism while in elementary school and have followed the Pagan path ever since.

My main deity is Gaia as she approached me in a dream and I feel a very strong connection to her.

I love working with runes and absorbing knowledge and working on my never ending book of shadows.

I have always been drawn to the arts & have done many crafts and randomness for as long as I can remember. I find it peaceful and it helps settle my mind. I enjoy drawing, painting, cross stitching, doll making, jewelry making and more! I hope to spread my love and passions with others and put as much positivity in the world as possible.

Feel free to check out my Facebook and Instagram! Thanks for popping by and Blessed Be!