Sometimes I think I’ve learned more about life from children’s books than any self-help book or class I’ve taken as an adult. When life starts to seem too complicated, I like to read these books to remind myself that it’s really not that complicated, it’s only life.
I’ve read a lot of children’s books as an elementary school teacher, but these are some of my favorites…
1. The Fantastic Flying Books of Morris Lessmore written by William Joyce and illustrated by Joe Bluhm
This book reminds me not just to live, but to live well.
2. The Lonely Book written by Kate Bernheimer and illustrated by Chris Sheban
This book reminded me that a book can be your best friend and can help you get through hard times.
3. A Story for Bear written by Dennis Haseley and illustrated by Jim LaMarche
This book helps me remember how wonderful life is. A cabin in the woods, reading good books to animals, what’s not to love?
4. The Old Woman Who Named Things written by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Kathryn Brown
This one reminds me not to put up walls. Its better to lose love than to never have loved at all.
5. The Raft written and illustrated by Jim LaMarche
This one helps me remember that nature is good for the soul and the imagination.
6. The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend written and illustrated by Dan Santat
This one taught me not to wait around for my dreams to come true, but to go out and make them happen. It helped me realize that I can do the unimaginable.
7. The Gardener written by Sarah Stewart and illustrated by David Small
This one taught me that simple things like planting a garden can make all the difference in happiness.
8. Julia’s House for Lost Creatures written and illustrated by Ben Hatke
This one reminded me that a house full of creatures may be stressful, but being with those we love is better than being alone.
9. The Junkyard Wonders by Patricia Polacco
This books helped me see that everyone is special in their own way, and hardships help ordinary people become extraordinary.
10. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon written by Patty Lovell and illustrated by David Catrow
This one taught me that if I love myself, others will love me too.
Life’s really not that complicated, and when you forget that, read one of these children’s books.