5 Books with Good Messages for Kids

Reading bedtime stories with your child is a rite of passage for a parent. Whether your child is sitting in your lap, or you’re snuggled up together in their bed, reading children’s books is relaxing and enjoyable for you both. Finding the right books to read can be tough when there are so many options available today. There are the “old favorites” you remember your parents reading to you as a child, and there are the new discoveries with timely references in today’s evolving world. That’s why we’ve put together a list of five books with good messages for kids to keep in your home library.

1. I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont

 When a child looks in the mirror and loves what he sees, we as parents feel comforted. A child with high self esteem and a healthy self-image can make him a stronger, more independent, content adult, which is what we’re all hoping for as parents. The author of I Like Myself stresses the importance of liking who we are – each and every part. “I like my eyes, my ears, my nose…” she states, but as we grow older, how many of us have said, “I hate my nose,” or “I wish I had blue eyes”? We don’t want that message to be replayed in our child’s brain. We want him to love himself the way we love him. The messages in this book can be read aloud by you, but more importantly, your child can read the words aloud to himself, saying over and over again, “I like me…”! And, that’s the message we hope our children say to themselves every day when they walk out the door into the world.

2. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

This book was published in 1986, however, the message transcends all time. It’s a revolving story of the enduring love of mother and child through the years that tugs on your heartstrings. The message for children is that mom’s love is never-ending, and her child will always be her baby regardless of age and growth. As you read this book with your child, he is promised that you will always be there for him and that your love never stops. Yes, life brings change, but the love of a mother never changes. That stability and safety is comforting for a young child and something he can count on for years to come. 

3. The Smile That Went Around The World by Patrice Karst

“You never know how far a smile can go,” is the message of this endearing book by Patrice Karst. Justin and his mother start off their day going to a party bringing a plate full of cookies. Justin notices a small group of people in the street holding a sign that reads “homeless and hungry”. He decides to share his cookies with these hungry strangers and the smile that transforms his face passes to the driver of the car behind him. And, so the smile spreads on and on and on as it travels the world through each individual it reaches. Until one day, that same smile returns to Justin on the soccer field by his Coach. The cyclical story of how a smile is contagious warms the heart and teaches children the importance of bringing joy to others in the simplest way. Smiling is something all children can do – and do often – to brighten the lives of others around them. 

4. Some Dogs Do by Jez Alborough

The dreams and imagination of a child can be crushed by others who don’t believe in him. This poetic picture book demonstrates the importance of supporting your child as an individual and encouraging him to dream big. Sid, the young pup, in this story believes he can fly. But he’s told by his classmates and his teacher that “Dogs don’t fly!” Sid believes he can until he’s told many times, over and over, that it’s just not possible. This discourages Sid as he walks home feeling lonely and sad. However, with the support and belief of his father, Sid realizes he can fly. As his dad encourages him, Sid’s self-esteem goes sky high. Our job as parents is to help our children dream big and create a world where all things are possible.  Even when others don’t believe they can do it, they must believe in themselves. This book provides many opportunities for discussion on how your child can let their imaginations fly!

5. Chloe, Instead by Micah Player

We are all different. No one is just like you, and no one is just like your child. Although siblings share their parents’ DNA, each is her own person. This book follows a girl named Molly who finds out her younger sister, Chloe, is nothing like her. She gets frustrated with Chloe, but then realizes that maybe Chloe has talents that are different than hers. This humorous book teaches your child to find the good in each person by noticing their strengths – even if it’s your irritating sibling – and to love their differences. It’s a great resource for parents who have multiple children in their family to explain the unique gifts each family member brings to the household. It challenges them to search for ways to get along with each other, to be patient with each other, and, most importantly, to love each other. 

Though this list is limited to five, there are multitudes of books out there that encourage respect, love, responsibility, differences, and many more messages that children need to hear.  We hope this list of books helps you when reading with your kids. What are some of your favorites? Which books changed how your child thought of themselves?  Connect with us on Instagram @MapsCookingKids or on Twitter @MapsCookingKids. Until next time, Agape, be kind, and happy parenting.