A list of children’s books that can teach your kids about bravery, courage, independence and more
IT’S A bonus if parents can not only find books their kids like, but ones that they can learn from. Whether it’s individuality, change, friendship or independence you’re trying to teach them, be assured a good book out there has simplified the message for children.
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IT’S A bonus if parents can not only find books their kids will like to read or hear, but help them learn some life skills along the way.
Whenever you go through new phases with your kids, you can seek the help of books to make it through — whether it’s encouraging them to be themselves, helping them learn to deal with their emotions or supporting their independence — you can be guaranteed someone somewhere has simplified the message for children.
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So, we have compiled a list of some of the best children’s books complete with hidden messages to boost their confidence and encourage their inspire their imagination.
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The Lion Inside
Written by Rachel Bright and illustrated by Jim Field
This feel-good rhyming story tells the tale of a little mouse who just wants to be heard. He realises along the way that sometimes when you want things to change, you first have to change you. The little mouse eventually builds up the courage to ask a lion for help and it becomes apparent that no matter your size — we all have a mouse and a lion inside. A sweet book perfect for a younger audience.
Mr Tiger Goes Wild
By Peter Brown
Mr Tiger has lived the “perfect” life. He lives in a proper house, wears proper clothes and behaves in a proper manner. But what happens when he realises he’s different? This book follows Mr Tiger’s adventure as he breaks free from society and discovers who he is. Mr Tiger Goes Wild sends a strong message that it’s A-OK to be yourself, no matter who you are.
Giraffes Can’t Dance
Written by Giles Andreae and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees
Sometimes you just need your own tune. The best-selling Giraffes Can’t Dance follows Gerald the giraffe on his journey to learn to dance. He struggles with being made fun of, but eventually some encouraging words from a friend and believing in himself lead him to dance like no ones watching.
Pig the Pug
By Aaron Blabey
Pig is a pug and I’m sorry to say, if you don’t own this book it will ruin your day. Pig the Pug is greedy, rude and selfish and he learns one of life’s biggest lessons, that sharing is caring, the hard way. The Pig the Pug series are a collection of books, all which have great life lessons for children, from not telling lies to not being a sore loser — Aaron Blabey covers it all.
A Very, Very Fast Eddie
By Lisa Kerr
Fast Eddie is very, very fast. He’s always racing around too busy to stop and enjoy the little things in life, until one day when he has no choice but to slow down. A fun and interactive book for little ones, reminding them that it’s OK to slow down and enjoy the moment.
The Very Noisy Bear
By Nick Bland
This book is perfect for reading out loud. The Very Noisy Bear meets some new friends in the jingle jangle jungle and is encouraged to give everything a go before he finds what’s best for him. The Very Noisy Bear is also part of a series including The Very Brave Bear and The Very Cranky Bear.
Oh, The Places You’ll Go
By Dr. Seuss
An inspiring book reminding children they can be anything they want and go anywhere they please. Dr. Seuss books are classics and this is no exception. Oh, The Places You’ll go is the perfect book no matter your age because sometimes we all need to be reminded to face our fears, be independent, brave and why it’s good to consider the road less travelled.
We’re going on a bear hunt
By Michael Rosen
This tells the so-sweet story of a family who troop off together on an adventure through all kinds of terrain (right next to their family house, naturally) to find a bear (And just so you know, they’re not literally hunting it, just looking for it.) It’s all about the power of imagination and adventure, and a family who enjoy the journey just as much as the destination. The twist at the end is all about the safety and security of the family home.
The Magic Faraway Tree
By Enid Blyton
Critics accused Enic over the years of spreading xenophobic, racist, sexist and elitist messages. But we think classics like this one shouldn’t be dampened down by political correctness. Three children who find a huge mysterious tree in woods near their house climb it to find quirky characters have made their homes inside and magical rotating lands at the top, can teach kids plenty about letting their imaginations run wild, and the power of friendship, adventure and diversity.
The Secret Garden
By Frances Hodgson-Burnett
This turn-of-the-century children’s classic is a breath of fresh air for parents trying to show their kids the value of life away from screens. Telling the story of Mary, a spoilt, privileged girl who is suddently left an orphan, The Secret Garden tells her story after she moves from India to England to live with her uncle, and discovers a walled garden in the grounds of his house. This tale explores how to deal with tragedy and change, the cycle of life and the renewing forces of the great outdoors.
The Hairy Maclary books
by Lynley Dodd
For all the pet lovers lovers out there, this 20-book series follows the wanderings of lovable dog Hairy Maclary and his pack of four-legged mates, all who have their own quirks and personality traits. Great for teaching kids how four-legged family members can enrich their lives.
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