Books to Inspire: October 2026

The Body: A Guide For Occupants

By Bill Bryson

Have you ever stopped to think about how extraordinary your body really is? In “The Body” Bill Bryson takes us on a fascinating, funny, and sometimes surprising journey through the bodies we live in every day.

From bones and brains to sleep, movement, nutrition, and aging, Bryson reminds us that our bodies are constantly working for us; usually without us giving them much thought or credit.

For this month’s theme of body positivity and healthy habits, this book offers a refreshing perspective. Rather than focusing on how our bodies look, it encourages us to appreciate what they do. Understanding our bodies can help us approach movement, food, rest, and healthy choices from a place of care and respect. This is an entertaining read that might just leave you more amazed by, and grateful for the body you call home.

“The Body: A Guide for Occupants” by Bill Bryson was published in the United States by Doubleday in 2019. A copy can be found in the non-fiction section of Neilson Hays Library.

I Like Myself! 

Written by Karen Beaumont, illustrated by David Catrow

Karen Beaumont’s “I Like Myself!” is a joyful and playful celebration of confidence, individuality, and being comfortable with who you are. Through energetic rhymes and David Catrow’s wonderfully expressive illustrations, a spirited young girl shares all the reasons she likes herself—inside and out.

The story connects beautifully to our theme of body positivity and healthy habits by showing children that self-worth isn’t determined by appearance or what others think. Instead, it encourages them to appreciate the qualities that make them unique and to approach themselves with kindness and confidence.

Funny, colorful, and full of personality, “I Like Myself!” is also a lovely way for families to begin conversations about self-esteem and positive body image. Its message is simple but important: our differences are worth celebrating, and learning to value ourselves is an important part of growing up.

“I Like Myself!” by Karen Beaumont, illustrated by David Catrow, was published in the United States by Harcourt in 2004. A copy can be found in the children’s section of Neilson Hays Library.

Prepared by Kit Lang @mskitlang. The Neilson Hays Library is Thailand’s premier English-language library. The Children's Program offers Saturday Story Time, a cozy Children's Corner, and special holiday events. Adult Programs include concerts, art exhibitions, book clubs, and book sales. Located in a UNESCO-awarded historic building with a garden and cafe on site: 195 Surawong Road, Bangkok 10500, Thailand. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.