Our Favorite Picture Books That Teach Life Lessons + Supporting Small Bookshops
We LOVE to read in this house. We also love perusing small bookshops, and with everything going on right now we really worry about them staying in business! You can support indie bookshops from home by purchasing your books via bookshop.org. You can choose a specific shop you want to support, or let it be dispersed across all small bookshops. How cool is that? So, today I’ve rounded up some of our favorite picture books like teach important life lessons/morals and I’ve linked to them via bookshop.org! This is NOT sponsored, I just really love books and small bookshops! See below for the list :)
Unplugged- symbolic story of how important it is to unplug and enjoy real life and real people. “Blip liked being plugged into her computer. But all she could think about was how great it was to be unplugged.”
Peace is an Offering- beautiful poetry about how peace is all around us, we just have to be open to seeing it. “Peace is gratitude for simple things. Light through a leaf, a dragonfly’s wings.”
Families, Families, Families- cute, lighthearted book that shows how all families look different but convey the same thing—love. A great way to have the conversation about family makeups with your child and illustrate that family is a feeling, support, love. “…if you love each other, then you are family.”
The Carrot Seed- a short story that teaches about patience, perseverance and belief. “And then one day, a carrot came up, just as the little boy had known it would.”
Be You!- a wonderful reminder to all to stay true to yourself. Your uniqueness is special!
Henry & Leo- a very sweet book with gorgeous, unique mixed media artwork that will hit home with anyone who has a special stuffed animal :)
What Do You Do With an Idea- an inspirational story about allowing your ideas to grow and stay with you, instead of pushing them away. “And then I realized what you do with an idea…You change the world.”
Plant a Kiss- such a sweet story about how sharing brings joy to both those you share with and yourself! A great message on being kind and unselfish.
Little Toot- to me this book illustrates that it’s never too late too work hard and become a hero. Sometimes finding and being open to that big opportunity is what it takes to turn your life around! Balancing play and work is an important skill to foster and a way to show respect for both yourself and others. “Little Toot was a hero! After that Little Toot became quite a different tugboat.”
Big Bear’s Big Boat- teaches that listening to others’ input is courteous and exploring their ideas can be valuable, but staying true to yourself is most important. “…this boat is not my dream. A bear should never let go of his own dream.”
Little Excavator- fun rhyming text prove no matter how small you are (whether in size, age or position), you can be helpful! “ Good job, Little Excavator! Time to take a bow. There’s work to do, just for you, HERE and NOW.”
All the World- a beautiful story with beautiful illustrations about how we are all the world. “Hope and peace and love and trust, all the world is all of us.”
Otis- a sweet story about the power of friendship. Another book that showcases how being small (or old!) doesn’t equate to weakness! Also demonstrates how outside appraisal isn’t always important or necessary. “No one needed a fancy blue ribbon to tell them that that the calf was a special calf, Otis was a special tractor, and the two of them were special friends.”
Giraffes Can’t Dance- a fun story about finding your own beat! ““We all can dance”, he said, “when we find music that we love.””
The Best Nest- a great classic illustrating “the grass is always greener” idea. Be grateful for what you have. “…there’s no nest like an old nest…”
Little Boy- relays the important message of finding the beauty in the everyday moments, allowing your child to be a child, and slowing down to enjoy the simple things. “Little boy, you remind me how so much depends on days made of now.”
Be Kind- a book full of ideas on ways to spread kindness! “Did someone new move to town? Make a welcome card that you and your friends sign. Wider circles of friends mean more fun for everyone.”
