Helping Kids See Strength in Themselves (and Others)

Featuring the award winning picture book Donkey Dell by Jaybie D.

Children are constantly learning who they are — and sometimes, the labels they hear early on stick harder than we’d like.

“You're so stubborn.”
“Why can’t you just go with the flow?”
“Do you always have to do things your way?”

While these statements may be said in passing, they can quietly shape how a child sees themselves: as difficult, different, or not quite enough. But what if we could help kids reframe those same traits — not as flaws, but as superpowers in disguise?

That’s exactly what happens in Donkey Dell, a picture book that celebrates the surprising strengths hidden inside our most misunderstood qualities.

From Stubborn to Strong

In Donkey Dell, we meet a determined little donkey who refuses to budge — quite literally. He’s labeled “stubborn,” and doesn’t quite fit in. But as the story unfolds, Dell’s steady resolve turns out to be the very thing that saves the day. His persistence, his grounded nature, his refusal to give up — these aren’t problems. They’re powers.

And when Dell finds a place where he’s accepted, he learns that his strength isn’t something to hide or fix. It’s something to share.

Why This Matters for Kids

Books like Donkey Dell don’t just entertain — they build emotional muscle. Through the story, children explore powerful social-emotional themes like:

• Self-awareness: Recognizing their own behaviors and feelings
• Self-acceptance: Understanding that it's okay to be different
• Empathy: Realizing that others may be struggling with how they’re perceived too

When children see a character like Dell succeed because of — not in spite of — his unique personality, it opens the door for powerful conversations about identity, inclusion, and confidence.

How to Use This Book at Home or in the Classroom

Ask thoughtful questions:

• Have you ever felt misunderstood, like Dell?
• What’s one thing about yourself that you’re proud of?
• Is there something people have called a "bad thing" that you think is actually kind of awesome?

Try this activity:

Create a “Flip the Script” chart with your child or students. List common labels (like bossy, shy, wild, clingy), then help them brainstorm what positive qualities those might reflect. For example:

Common Label	Reframed Strength
Bossy	Natural leader
Shy	Deep thinker
Wild	Energetic & imaginative
Stubborn	Persistent & brave

 

Stick it on the fridge, hang it in a classroom, or add to a calm-down corner as a gentle reminder of how words shape perception.

Building Confidence Builds Compassion

When children learn to recognize the good in themselves, they also begin to recognize it in others. They learn that there’s more than one “right” way to be strong — and that everyone brings something special to the group.

That’s what makes Donkey Dell such a valuable tool: it’s not just a story about a donkey in a circus. It’s a celebration of identity, courage, and finding your place in a world that sometimes gets you wrong.

Because the truth is — the very thing that makes your child “a handful” today might be what makes them a hero tomorrow.

Want to Read It Together?

You can grab your own copy of Donkey Dell HERE.

And if you’re working on building emotional resilience with your child or students, check out our free printables: HERE