Reading can open up a whole new world to a child. Many children’s books are merely entertaining. However, the following five choices can make a positive impact on a child’s life for years to come.
The Velveteen Rabbit Teaches Children Vulnerability
In this classic children’s book by Margery Williams, the main character is a brand new stuffed bunny who learns what it means to become “real.” Over time, as the boy in the story showers him with love and affection, the rabbit’s newness is worn away. He becomes ragged and shabby and is temporarily discarded. But then something amazing happens. He finally becomes real! This transformation symbolizes how being vulnerable can sometimes hurt but can also lead to building strong bonds with those we love.
Source: AmazonThe Giving Tree Teaches Children About Selflessness
Have you ever been around people who constantly take from others without even saying thank you? In contrast, have you been around people who are constantly doing things for others without looking for anything in return? Which type of person would you rather be around? More importantly, which type of person would you rather be? These are deep topics raised by Shel Silverstein’s powerful children’s book The Giving Tree. It is the story of a strong bond between a boy and a tree. Their relationship, though, is very one-sided. At first, the boy eats the tree’s apples and swings on the branches, which doesn’t harm the tree. Later, he sells her apples to make money. Then, he builds a home from her branches and a boat from her trunk. Throughout the story, the tree’s love for the boy remains constant. At the end of the story, he returns to her as an old man and rests on her stump. The tree is happy because she loves the boy more than herself. This story teaches kids the power of selfless love.
The Story of Ferdinand Teaches Children the Importance of Being Your True Self
In the beloved book The Story of Ferdinand by Monroe Leaf, the reader is introduced to the lovable and gentle bull, Ferdinand. He isn’t like the other bulls. Instead of fighting, he likes to sit quietly and smell the flowers. The Matador accidentally chooses him for a bullfight when he sees Ferdinand acting aggressively right after being stung by a bee. On the day of the bullfight, the Matador is shocked and embarrassed when Ferdinand shows no interest whatsoever in the fighting. Finally, he is returned to his favorite spot beneath the tree to enjoy his tranquil lifestyle. This story teaches children the importance of being true to who they are and not falling for peer pressure.
Source: AmazonYertle the Turtle Teaches Children the Importance of Kindness
Yertle the Turtle is a story by one of the most acclaimed children’s book writers of all time: Dr. Suess. Yertle was the king of a turtle pond. He had very lofty ambitions: to sit on a high throne and be the ruler of all he could see. The only problem was that he built his throne by stacking his subjects one on top of the other and sitting on top of their backs! Eventually, Yertle’s thone came tumbling down when a young turtle burped. This story can teach children the importance of being kind, especially to those under their leadership.
The Little Engine That Could Teaches Children the Importance of Perseverence
Have you ever been called upon to accomplish a monumental task? One children’s book that will inspire kids to keep going until they get the job done is The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper. This heartwarming tale begins with a problem. There is a group of toys waiting to be taken over the mountain so the children can play with them. Three different engines all refuse to help the stranded toys. The shiny engine feels too proud, the big engine feels too important, and the rusty old engine feels too weak. Finally, a small, blue engine offers to help the toys. As she makes her way up the mountain, the little blue engine chants, “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.” Sure enough, she accomplishes the task and the children are thrilled to receive their new toys. Kids can learn from this plucky little engine that they can accomplish great things when they display courage and perseverance.
These enjoyable stories will capture children’s attention. They may not even realize the important lessons they’re learning along the way. The more they read them, the more wisdom these precious stories will impart to their minds and hearts.
