If you are looking for more positive books to add to your children’s library, we have got the perfect list for you. We picked a few of our favorite children’s books filled with themes of kindness, empathy, resilience, and self-confidence that will teach your kids the skills they need to live a happier life. Happy reading!
Good Morning, I Love You, Violet! by Shauna Shapiro
Young Violet woke up one morning in a not-so-great mood. Nothing seemed to be going her way. She called herself clumsy for spilling a drink. She told herself she wasn’t good at sports because she couldn’t block a goal in soccer. One afternoon, her class was visited by a scientist who taught the children about kindness. Dr. Freedman explained to the class that talking unkindly to themselves can hurt their happiness. But if they start every day by saying, “Good morning, I love you,” they are planting seeds of kindness that will make their happiness grow. According to author Shauna Shapiro, Ph.D., Good Morning, I Love You, Violet uses the principles of positive psychology to help children train their minds to focus on calmness, contentment, and self-love.
Maria Finds Courage by Tony and Lauren Dungy
When Maria moves to a new town, feelings of anxiety spring up when her parents ask her to join a soccer team. Her nervousness about learning to play soccer and meeting people kept her from enjoying the new sport. Coaches Tony and Lauren encourage Maria to step out of her comfort zone and try something new. Soon she realizes soccer is fun and finds that her courage and resilience help her meet many new friends.
Watch now! Tony and Lauren Dungy share what inspired them to pass on their love of reading to future generations.
Master of Mindfulness: How to Be Your Own Superhero in Times of Stress by Laurie Grossman and Angelina Alvarez
Mindfulness creates a gap between emotion and reaction, giving children a chance to calm their minds and make better decisions. The tools and common-sense advice in this book stem from the authors’ work with a fifth-grade class in East Oakland, California. Learn how to do the Sharkfin technique at home or in class.
Captain Perseverance: How I Became a Superhero by Brod Bagert
Captain Perseverance wasn’t always confident tackling tough tasks such as learning fourth-grade long division or trying out for band. After every struggle and failed attempt, he kept on practicing. Sometimes it took months, sometimes a year, but he eventually mastered the tasks. Now Captain Perseverance is a champion for all, showing us that grit and determination are needed after we fall and achieving our goals puts us on the fast-track to happiness.
A Bright House by Alix Schwartz and Matt Geiler
One smile or an act of kindness can be life-changing! Just ask the sad little boy who only assumes the name Bright after an unexpected visit from his new friend, Hope. A tender tale of friendship and how each individual’s light shines ever brighter the more it’s shared. Illustrated by comedian Matt Geiler, aka the dancing pumpkin man. Available at brightandhope.com.
Magic Thinking for Kids by Marrielle Monte and Steven Celiceo
What if reinforcing positive thoughts could change your whole mood—or even your life? This upbeat and adorably illustrated book introduces the power of affirmations as “magic thinking.” In the first pages, a young magician tells readers, “You have the power to change your feelings by saying good thoughts out loud. That is an affirmation. Affirmations are like magic! If you feel good, you can feel great. If you feel awful, you can feel awesome.” You’ll find uplifting advice for both children and their parents.
For purchase information, just click on the book covers.
