3 Children’s Books Kids Love that Teach Invaluable Lessons
My husband can read faster than anyone I know. The list of books he’s read far exceeds the number of books I’ve ever touched. Two of his brothers are librarians, and it seems that this inherited love for reading has been passed down to my daughter.
She loves books, and while part of me would like to attribute that to all the children’s books I’ve read her since birth (because science says to evoke a love of reading in a child, you must read to them daily….so we did), the other part of me accepts that my husband’s genes triumphed in this area. Either way, it works for me because I’d much have her reading than watching tv. (I have more alternatives to tv here.)
We’ve been through so many children’s books- books bought, gifted, and borrowed from the library. Through all of the books we’ve read, my personal favorites are always composed of three parts: they’re entertaining, the kids enjoy them, and they teach important lessons.
Three of my favorite children’s books do just that, so I’ve prepared a list for you of 3 children’s books kids love that teach invaluable lessons…
… SPOILER ALERT!!! The following synopses of each story contain spoilers…
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3 Children’s Books Kids Love that Teach Invaluable Lessons
I Had Trouble in Getting to Solla Sollew by Dr. Seuss
It is a mystery to me that this book has not gotten all the attention that it deserves. In fact, I’m wondering why it’s not one of Dr. Seuss’ more popular ones. I would not have even known about it, if not for a random conversation with the librarian at our local library when we lived in WA. By far, this is my favorite children’s story because of it’s powerful life lesson.
Synopsis: Despite his best efforts to avoid them, the main character in this book runs into a few troubles that leave him frustrated. After going off the advice of someone else, he decides to journey away from home to a land where troubles don’t exist. But the further along he goes on his journey, the more his troubles seem to grow in size and intensity. He ends up in all sorts of situations and places that require hard work, quick thinking, and sometimes a little help to get out of, until he finally makes it to his destination. At the gate, he is faced with a new challenge, which makes him realize that running from your troubles is a lot harder than facing them. At the end, he decides to go back home and face his troubles head on…
The Lesson: This book conveys such a powerful message to children about dealing with problems. No matter what they do or where they go, things won’t always be perfect, and learning to face your troubles is important, because you cannot escape them.
Favorite Quote: “But I’ve bought a big bat. I’m all ready, you see. Now my troubles are going to have trouble with me!”
A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon
You’ve probably already heard of this wonderful story. Written by award-winning artist and author, David Shannon, this book is not only a great read that teaches an important lesson, it’s also filled with gorgeous illustrations.
Synopsis: Because she was so concerned with what other people thought of her, the main character Camilla gives up her favorite food, lima beans, in an attempt to fit in with friends who hate them. On the first day of school, as she’s dressing to impress her friends, Camilla is faced with a major dilemma- her body becomes ridden with colorful stripes.
At school, she is bullied, and whatever the kids yell at her, she becomes. Doctors, specialists, experts and natural healers all try to “fix” her with pills, and natural herbs, but it further exacerbates her situation. Her body goes through all of these changes- multiple colors, shapes, and sizes, while everyone in town focuses on her condition. No medicine, poking or prodding can cure her- she remains “changed”.
Finally, a mysterious visitor offers her lima beans, and after some hesitation, Camilla decides not to care what others think and eats them. She’s immediately cured and becomes herself again.
The Lesson: This story brings up the subjects of peer pressure, bullying, and being true to oneself. It teaches children that Camilla is much better off just being herself, and that we shouldn’t let the opinions of others change who we are. It’s a wonderful lesson for school-aged children to learn.
Favorite Quote: “Afterward, Camilla wasn’t quite the same. Some of the kids at school said she was weird, but she didn’t care a bit.”
I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont
The copy that we have of this book is so beat up from the hundreds of times we’ve read it. My daughter absolutely loved this book- not just for the clever rhyming, but because of the story, and wonderful illustrations.
Synopsis: The main character lists all the reasons and ways she loves herself verse by verse. Physically, mentally, and emotionally, she declares her love for her appearance, her personality, her abilities, and unique qualities.
The Lesson: Self-love, appreciation, worth, and value. This story teaches children that they should love themselves no matter what.
Favorite Quote: “Inside, outside, upside down, from head to toe and all around, I like it all! It is all me! And me is all I want to be.”
But I’ve bought a big bat. I’m all ready, you see. Now my troubles are going to have trouble with me! #DrSeuss #ChildrensBooks Share on X
Books that We Love
I hope you’ll take the time to check these books out. Not only are they entertaining and beautifully illustrated, but they teach important lessons. If you have any good reads to add to this list, I’m always open to trying new books for the kids! (That’s how I found my favorite, I Had Trouble in Getting to Solla Sollew).
You can expect a few more posts coming in the future on children’s books, because as I mentioned before, I’ve raised a bookworm- and there are so many good children’s books out there that are great for kids and parents, alike!
Another entertaining book that doesn’t necessarily teach a lesson, but is entertaining for the kids AND gives parents a good laugh is The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt. 😉 You’ll have to read this one.
If you enjoyed this post, check out my posts Personalized Pizza Stone Activity for Kids and Swapping Toys for Sanity: Toy Organization Tips and/or check me out on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.
What great children’s books do you love to read with your little ones? Let me know in the comments below!
Pam
Pamela is a Freelance Writer, Blogger, WAHM of 3, and Veteran Military Wife living in Southwest Texas. Raised in the Northeast and having lived a few years in the Pacific Northwest, she likes to write about mom life, parenting, frugal living, experiences, and WINE. (Lots of wine!) When she’s not busy chasing toddlers around, you can find her on the blog or on social media. Check her out on Instagram: instagram.com/wineandlavender
We love A Bad Case of the Stripes. We’ll have to check out the others. I was completely unaware of this Dr Suess book until now as well!
Hi Anne! Thanks for stopping by! I Had Trouble in getting to Solla Sollew is my favorite Seuss book, and like I mentioned- I can’t believe that it hasn’t gotten much attention!! I hope you enjoy them.
My kids love “The Day the Crayons Quit”. Some pages I am laughing so hard I can barely get the story out. I’ve read this story so many times I can’t count and it still gets to me.
Hey Lindsay! Thanks for stopping by! We love The Day the Crayons Quit, too! We haven’t read the one after- The Day the Crayons Came Home, but it’s definitely on my list of books to check out. It’s great when us parents can enjoy the story just as much as the kids.