Best media literacy picture books for kids

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There are some great media literacy picture books that will help you talk to your child about the hidden messages we receive through the media.  Media literacy is the ability to identify different media types and understand the messages they’re sending. And with kids constantly being exposed to many of these messages through TV, movies, music, books, magazines, radio, billboards, advertising, video games and more, it is a skill they need to develop.

One of the easiest ways to start talking about media literacy with your child is with some media literacy picture books.  You can either read them with your child or let your child read the book themselves and talk about it together afterwards. They will provide plenty of opportunities to start conversations with your child.

The books in this list are about media literacy. Books about internet safety, social media safety, pornography and sexting are in separate book lists.

New books for children about media literacy are often being published, so please contact me if you know of a book that should be included in this list.

You can find more children’s books to keep kids safe on the internet + prevent porn exposure, in the main list.

If you’re looking for more internet safety and online porn resources, then don’t forget to visit my Pornography 101 page.

Not sure what to teach about sex ed at this age?

This printable checklist shows you the priority topics for this age, simple scripts to try, reassurance for common worries, and the next step to take.

Children’s books about media literacy

You’ll find an age-specific list of books about media literacy. All of the books on this topic are currently showing.

All of the ages are visible, regardless of whether they’re relevant (or not). If no books appear for your chosen age, then it means there aren’t any relevant books.

To find relevant books for your child’s age, click on their age, and the appropriate books will appear.

NOTE: Before passing any book to your child or reading it with them, you should read it yourself first. I might think it is a great book for a certain age child or that the information is valuable, but you may disagree. Try to choose books that reflect your values and the messages you want your child to receive.

  • cover of Petra's Power to See A Media Literacy Adventure by Educate & Empower Kids

    Petra’s Power to See: A Media Literacy Adventure by Educate & Empower Kids

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  • cover of Body Drama Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers by Nancy Redd

    Body Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers by Nancy Amanda Redd

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  • cover of Media Muscle by Lisa Cox

    Media Muscle by Lisa Cox

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  • cover of does my bum look big in this ad

    Does my bum look big in this ad? by Lisa Cox

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  • cover of the surfing penguin by Kim Maslin

    The Surfing Penguin by Kim Maslin

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  • cover of What is Right and Wrong? Who Decides? Where Do Values Come From? And Other Big Questions by Michael Rosen & Annemarie Young

    What is Right and Wrong? Who Decides? Where Do Values Come From? And Other Big Questions

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  • cover of Clicks - How to Be Your Best Self Online by Natasha Devon

    Clicks – How to Be Your Best Self Online by Natasha Devon

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  • cover of The Tweeting Galah by Kim Maslin

    The Tweeting Galah by Kim Maslin

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  • cover of Messages About Me Wade's Story A Boy's Quest for Healthy Body Image by Educate & Empower Kids

    Messages About Me: Wade’s Story: A Boy’s Quest for Healthy Body Image by Educate & Empower Kids

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  • cover of Messages About Me: Sydney's Story: A Girl's Journey to Healthy Body Image by Educate & Empower Kids

    Messages About Me: Sydney’s Story: A Girl’s Journey to Healthy Body Image by Educate & Empower Kids

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Find practical tools to educate kids about porn & internet safety in the Sex Ed Shop

These are some of the few media literacy picture books that have been written for children. As I find more, I will add them to this list. They are all really good books that you will find useful for starting to talk about media literacy.

If you’re looking for more internet safety and online porn resources, then don’t forget to visit my Pornography 101 page.

Happy reading!
❤️ Cath

Not sure what to teach about sex ed at this age?

This printable checklist shows you the priority topics for this age, simple scripts to try, reassurance for common worries, and the next step to take.