Supporting children to develop resilience is one of the most powerful gifts we can offer!
Life is full of challenges, big and small, and children who are supported to persevere, problem-solve and believe in themselves are better equipped to navigate the ups and downs they will inevitably encounter. Resilience by Jayneen Sanders is a gentle and empowering picture book that beautifully explores these ideas in ways that feel accessible, hopeful and deeply affirming for young children.
- Title: “Resilience“
- Written by: Jayneen Sanders
- Illustrated by: Sofia Cardoso
- Age Group: 4 years and above
- Links to EYLF
- Principles: Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships
- Practices: Holistic, integrated and interconnected approaches
- Outcomes: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing & Children have a strong sense of identity
At the heart of the story we meet Emmi, a resilient, independent and courageous child who always tries her best. Through rhythmic verse and engaging illustrations, readers follow Emmi as she faces a range of everyday challenges. Some attempts don’t go as planned. Some moments feel tricky. Yet Emmi keeps trying. She learns, adapts and grows.
The message is clear and reassuring: setbacks are part of learning, and effort matters just as much as success.
One of the strengths of “Resilience” is the way it normalises struggle without making it feel overwhelming. Emmi is not portrayed as someone who never experiences difficulty or troubles. Instead, she is shown as someone who experiences challenge and continues anyway. This distinction is important. It helps children understand that resilience is not about being perfect or fearless, it is about persistence, courage and having a go, even when things feel hard.
Why We Love It
We love “Resilience” because it offers children a compassionate and realistic view of learning. It does not promise quick fixes or effortless success. Instead, it celebrates the process, the trying, the practising, the small steps forward. The language is simple yet powerful, making complex concepts such as perseverance and problem-solving easy for young children to grasp.
The story also provides adults with meaningful language they can reuse in everyday moments: “You kept trying,” “That was tricky,” “What could you try next?”
These phrases gently shift the focus from outcome to effort, supporting a growth mindset and helping children build confidence in their own capabilities.
We also appreciate that the book includes discussion questions and suggested activities, making it a practical tool rather than just a story. This supports educators, families and caregivers to extend children’s thinking, deepen understanding, and embed resilience into daily experiences.
The illustrations further enhance the message, capturing a range of emotions and situations that children can easily relate to. They invite conversation, reflection and connection.
“Resilience” is also a valuable resource for educators, families and caregivers more broadly. The inclusion of discussion questions and suggested activities at the back of the book provides practical ways to extend children’s thinking and embed the concepts into everyday experiences. These prompts open up opportunities for meaningful conversations, such as:
- What does it mean to try your best?
- How does your body feel when something is tricky?
- What could you try if something doesn’t work the first time?
These kinds of reflective questions support children to build emotional literacy alongside resilience, helping them name their feelings and recognise their own coping strategies.
In early learning environments, this book can be used as part of a wider focus on social and emotional learning. It lends itself beautifully to group discussions, story retellings, drawing responses, role play and problem-solving activities. It also provides educators with language that can be echoed throughout the day.
Best suited for children aged from 4 years, “Resilience” offers an affirming reminder that children already possess incredible inner strengths and with supportive relationships and encouragement, these strengths can flourish.
This book is a gentle, hopeful and practical resource that supports children to believe in themselves, embrace challenges and develop the confidence to keep going, even when the path feels bumpy. A beautiful addition to any early childhood or primary learning space!
