Kids typically aren\u2019t big fans of being talked at or preached to. These approaches can cause them to check out and miss out on a learning opportunity. We must keep our little ones engaged and entertained if we want them to learn a lesson. Humor, joy, and relatability are great teachers! As a mom and elementary educator, I value fun, colorful read-aloud stories that teach kids a life lesson without being too preachy. Here are several books that fit the bill.<\/p>\n
no no 9780593173053 The Creature of Habit<\/i> by Jennifer E. Smith, illustrated by Leo Espinosa <\/p>\n
Lesson:<\/b> It can feel great to try something new!<\/p>\n
It\u2019s easy to get stuck in our ways. The Creature of Habit knows this firsthand! This book, which takes place on a colorful tropical island, helps kids see that change can be good and new experiences can be rewarding. This book makes an excellent read-aloud before a life change \u2014 big or small \u2014 like a transfer to a new school or a new morning routine.<\/p>\n
9780593174173 Ruby and the Itsy-Bitsy (Icky) Bug<\/i> by Allison Wortche, illustrated by Sally Walker <\/p>\n
Lesson:<\/b> Once you get to know something, it might not be as scary as you thought.<\/p>\n
When Ruby discovers a bug outside her bedroom window, she\u2019s disgusted! Ruby\u2019s transformation in the story will encourage readers to approach things they dislike with an open mind. Parents working to support their littles through fear or aversion will appreciate this book.<\/p>\n
9781623542658 Abuelita and I Make Flan <\/i> by Adriana Hern\u00e1ndez Bergstrom, illustrated by Adriana Hern\u00e1ndez Bergstrom <\/p>\n
Lesson:<\/b> Honesty is the best policy.<\/p>\n
Have you ever broken an item and feared telling its owner what happened? In this story, young Anita learns to be honest after breaking Abuelita\u2019s special plate. Readers will empathize with Anita\u2019s struggle and connect with the story\u2019s relatable premise. This is an excellent introduction to Cuban culture and cuisine. <\/p>\n
9780593387085 My Fade Is Fresh<\/i> by Shauntay Grant, illustrated by Kitt Thomas <\/p>\n
Lesson:<\/b> It\u2019s important to speak your mind and stay true to yourself.<\/p>\n
A little girl goes to the barbershop knowing precisely what hairstyle she wants. While those around her try to influence her decision, she remains resolute! This book challenges gendered hairstyles and encourages kids to be their true selves. <\/p>\n
9781536221985 Tisha and the Blossoms<\/i> by Wendy Meddour, illustrated by Daniel Egn\u00e9us <\/p>\n
Lesson:<\/b> A slower pace can feel good.<\/p>\n
When we embrace a slower pace, we relax enough to notice more of the world around us. After a hectic and fast-paced day, Tisha tells her mom that a slowdown is in order. The afternoon that commences is lovely and may encourage readers to follow suit. This is an excellent pick for parents and educators wanting to promote mindfulness in their homes and classrooms.<\/p>\n
9781536216790 The Mouse Who Carried a House on His Back<\/i> by Jonathan Stutzman, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault <\/p>\n
Lesson:<\/b> You can always make room for another.<\/p>\n
This story of a little mouse with a portable home and a growing heart will inspire readers to consider how they can make others feel welcome. I absolutely adore this title\u2019s illustrations \u2014 the die-cut art is fun and whimsical!<\/p>\n
9780593428160 Blue Bison Needs a Haircut<\/i> by Scott Rothman, illustrated by Pete Oswald <\/p>\n
Lesson:<\/b> Sometimes waiting is necessary.<\/p>\n
Desperately needing a haircut, Blue Bison is frustrated when he discovers that every place is closed! What will he do? I love Blue Bison\u2019s animated expressions and know kids will, too. This hilarious book will keep kids entertained all the way through.<\/p>\n
9780593352588 The Wills and the Won\u2019ts<\/i> by Angela Woolfe, illustrated by Roland Garrigue <\/p>\n
Lesson:<\/b> It\u2019s better to come together than to build a wall.<\/p>\n
The Wills and the Won\u2019ts cannot agree on anything. The solution? They will build a wall between their two communities. Reminiscent of Dr. Seuss\u2019s The Sneetches, this rhyming title has themes of tolerance and cooperation. Teachers supporting their students through classroom conflict will really appreciate its message.<\/p>\n
9781536207743 Joy Ride<\/i> by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illustrated by Ana Ram\u00edrez Gonz\u00e1lez <\/p>\n
Lesson:<\/b> How you feel matters more than what others think of you.<\/p>\n
It can feel awful when someone makes you feel bad about something you love. Joy experiences this when her peers make fun of the bike that she poured her time and love into alongside her supportive grandpa. This book is perfect for kids who care what their peers think.<\/p>\n
9780525553304 Time to Recharge, Harper!<\/i> by Kelly Leigh Miller <\/p>\n
Lesson:<\/b> Rest is important.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a fact: Kids don\u2019t like napping (at least my kid doesn\u2019t). Time to Recharge, Harper! is about a little robot who does NOT want to go down for a nap. This book will help readers see the importance of rest and hopefully make nap time go more smoothly for everyone.<\/p>\n
9780399186301 Maxine and the Greatest Garden Ever<\/i> by Ruth Spiro and Holly Hatam <\/p>\n
Lesson:<\/b> Friendship matters more than success.<\/p>\n
Maxine and her friend Leo want to create the greatest garden ever. After butting heads, Maxine reflects on how to make things right with her friend. In a world focused on achievement, teaching our kids how to be good people is critical. Showing them to care for and value the people in their lives is the perfect place to start.<\/p>\n
9781984813022 Don’t Hug Doug (He Doesn’t Like It)<\/i> <\/p>\n
Lesson:<\/b> Don\u2019t touch people without their consent.<\/p>\n
This colorful title uses humor to teach kids the importance of consent. It tells readers they can hug a whole host of things (a slug, a porcupine, etc.) but NOT Doug. Doug doesn\u2019t like hugs. I love that this title teaches kids a simple way to determine if they can hug someone \u2014 by asking! <\/p>\n
9781984815521 Teo’s Tutu<\/i> by Maryann Jacob Macias, illustrated by Alea Marley <\/p>\n
Lesson:<\/b> Being true to yourself is the bravest thing of all.<\/p>\n
Anxious, T\u00e9o joins his first ballet class in his pink tutu. With time and hard work, the class reaches recital time, and T\u00e9o needs to decide what costume he will choose \u2014 pants and shirt or leotard and tutu. It will hearten readers to see T\u00e9o stay true to himself, even when it\u2019s hard. I appreciate how this title questions gender norms without including a bullying narrative.<\/p>\n
9780593326374 Out of a Jar<\/i> by Deborah Marcero <\/p>\n
Lesson:<\/b> Being true to yourself is the bravest thing of all.<\/p>\n
Anxious, T\u00e9o joins his first ballet class in his pink tutu. With time and hard work, the class reaches recital time, and T\u00e9o needs to decide what costume he will choose \u2014 pants and shirt or leotard and tutu. It will hearten readers to see T\u00e9o stay true to himself, even when it\u2019s hard. I appreciate how this title questions gender norms without including a bullying narrative.<\/p>\n
9781984815651 Laxmi\u2019s Mooch<\/i> by Shelly Anand, illustrated by Nabi H. Ali <\/p>\n
Lesson:<\/b> Our bodies are perfect however they are.<\/p>\n
Laxmi has a small mooch, or a bit of hair above her lip. When her classmates say she looks like a cat with whiskers, she goes home upset and self-conscious. Her parents set a brilliant example for adults reading this book with children, as they do a fantastic job at making Laxmi feel better. This title encourages kids to embrace their bodies as they are, body hair and all. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Fun, colorful read-aloud stories that teach kids a life lesson without being too preachy, these books fit the bill.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":74,"featured_media":91664,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[59,1161,1337],"coauthors":[1336],"class_list":["post-89696","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-picture-books","tag-caring-and-growing-up","tag-learning","ages_stages-growing-reader"],"yoast_head":"\n