Where to Start with Alissa Holder's Books
If you are looking to introduce your young reader to Alissa Holder's uplifting and self-affirming stories, the best place to start is with her debut picture book, I Am Smart, I Am Blessed, I Can Do Anything! (2020). This book establishes the character of Ayaan and introduces the concept of daily positive affirmations in a friendly, relatable way.
Once your child has read and enjoyed the first book, you should move on to the sequel, I Am Amazing! (2022). This second book follows the same protagonist, Ayaan, as he puts his positive mindset into practice by helping others and overcoming doubts from his peers.
Publication Order of Alissa Holder's Children's Books
Alissa Holder's books were released in chronological order, making it simple for families to follow Ayaan's journey of self-belief and community care. Both books are co-authored with her sister, Zulekha Holder-Young, and feature vibrant illustrations by Nneka Myers. Here is the order of publication:
- I Am Smart, I Am Blessed, I Can Do Anything! (December 2020)
- I Am Amazing! (July 2022)
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into these delightful picture books, here are a few practical insights to enhance your reading experience:
- Real-Life Inspiration: The series was inspired by a viral video of Alissa's real-life son, Ayaan, reciting positive affirmations on his walk to school. This real-life connection shines through in the warm and authentic mother-son dynamic depicted in the stories.
- Co-Author and Illustrator: Alissa co-authored both books with her sister, Zulekha Holder-Young. The consistency in tone is matched by the visual style, as both books are illustrated by Nneka Myers, whose colorful, animation-style artwork is highly engaging for young children.
- Age Recommendations: These picture books are primarily aimed at children aged 3 to 7. The message of positive reinforcement, resilience, and kindness is universal, making them excellent read-aloud choices for preschool and early childhood classrooms.
- Standalone vs. Sequential: While reading them in publication order is recommended to see Ayaan's growth, each book is a standalone story. You do not need to read the first book to understand the second, but reading them together reinforces the power of positive self-talk.
Themes and Practical Reading Guidance
Holder’s books are excellent tools for parents and educators to introduce social-emotional learning (SEL). By using affirmations as a central narrative device, the books offer young readers practical strategies to tackle daily worries, boost self-esteem, and cultivate empathy for others. Many teachers use the signature phrase, "I am smart, I am blessed, I can do anything!" as a morning routine in early childhood classrooms.