Review: I Can’t Do That, Yet: Growth Mindset

This month we’ve been talking about the growth mindset, and how you can apply it to your life. But what if you always had that way of thinking? What if you grew up knowing that effort and perseverance was key?

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I Can’t Do That, Yet: Growth Mindset by Esther Pia Cordova is a beautifully illustrated little book to help teach growth mindset in children. Filled with eye-catching watercolors and insightful advice, I Can’t Do That, Yet: Growth Mindset lets children discover for themselves how having a growth mindset will help them achieve their goals.

The book follows a little girl, Enna, as she gets ready for bed and goes off to sleep. When her father asks her to read the bedtime story, Enna proclaims that she can’t.

Later, in Enna’s dreams, she meets multiple versions of herself, a software developer, a doctor and others. The older Enna proclaims she did this by doing the hard work, and never giving up. She says to Enna that the only difference between her younger self and her is time. What she learns is priceless: while she may not be able to do something now, she definitely can try.

About the Author

Esther Pia Cordova had a lot of anxiety about doing her homework alone as a child. What if she failed? It was only after attending a coding boot camp that she learned about the growth mindset and the power of “yet”. She has written several books for children about growth mindset and a coloring book, also. You can find out more about Esther Pia Cordova here.

The Take-Away

I loved how this book really concentrated on the fact that Enna could be anyone she chose to be, if she only applied herself. With whimsical illustrations by Maima W. Adiputri done in stunning watercolors, this book is sure to please! I think this book will help children see that anything worth doing is a process, and encourage them to trust in the growth potential each of us has.

If you’d like to get copy for yourself, you can get it here [affiliate link]. We will also be giving a copy away! Enter our giveaway here. I loved the message of the “power of yet” and I think you will find it a helpful teaching tool on growth mindset for little ones, not to mention encouraging them to feel empowered to try.

What are some ways you teach your child about growing and learning? Do you think learning about growth mindsets as a child will benefit them? Share your experiences, strengths and hopes below. Until next time!