I am very picky about books in our home, and I’m encouraging other parents to be picky as well. There are so many incredible books out there, it’s not really worth reading any that aren’t . . . well, worth reading. Here’s a bunch of children’s books that teach values, to get you started. And all of them have been approved by my kids. I don’t have time right now to add book blurbs and photos to each book on this list. But I guarantee these books are worth your time. But I have reviewed most of these on Instagram.
First, a Favorite Anthology by Richard & Linda Eyre: Joy School. This has many of our favorite stories focused on how to have joy, including why we have rules and how gratitude can help us be happy. Check it out.
Books that Value Charity and Kindness
Fleming, Candace Boxes for Katje
Kerascoët I Walk with Vanessa: A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness
Pearson, Emily Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed
Schertle, Alice Little Blue Truck
Verde, Susan The Water Princess
Books that Value Strong Families
Best, Cari Red Light, Green Light, Mama and Me
Dillon, Diane and Leo Love and the Rocking Chair
Downey, Roma Love is a Family
Henkes, Kevin Penny and Her Song and other Penny books
Kanevsky, Polly Here Is the Baby
Medina, Meg Mango, Abuela, and Me
Sala, Laurenne You Made Me a Dad
Sala, Laurenne You Made Me a Mother
Taylor, Sydney All-of-a-Kind Family
Wilder, Laura Ingalls Little House Books and check out the My First Little House Books for little ones and the My Little House Chapter Books for kids who can’t quite sit through the original. Both of these are great stepping stones.
Books that Value Individuality and Creativity
Bright, Rachel The Lion Inside
Byers, Grace I Am Enough
Kenney, Sean Building Amazing Creations: Sean Kenney’s Art with LEGO Bricks
Lucado, Max You Are Special
Perry, LaTashia M. Hair Like Mine
Reynolds, Peter H. Be You
Reynolds, Peter H. Creatilogy: Dot, Ish, Sky Color
Reynolds, Peter H. Going Places
Reynolds, Peter H. Playing from the Heart
Reynolds, Peter H. Sydney & Simon: Full Steam Ahead!
Reynolds, Peter H. Sydney & Simon: To the Moon!
Thompkins-Bigelow, Jamilah Your Name Is a Song
White, E. B. Charlotte’s Web
Books that Value Choices and Accountability for Actions
Levy, Adir What Should Danny Do?
Books that Value the Earth and Creations
Arnosky, Jim Crinkleroot’s Guide to Giving Back to Nature
Farrell, Alison The Hike
Graham, Bob How to Heal a Broken Wing
Oswald, Pete Hike
Sartore, Joel National Geographic The Photo Ark: One Man’s Quest to Document the World’s Animals
Swanson, Shari Honey: The Dog Who Saved Abe Lincoln
Books that Value and Respect Our Bodies
Allen, Debbie Dancing in the Wings
Bennett, Howard The Fantastic Body: What Makes You Tick & How You Get Sick
Davidson, Sue Human Body (DK Revealed)
pro familia, My Body Belongs to Me from My Head to My Toes
Tarpley, Natasha Anastasia I Love My Hair!
Webb, Amy When Charley Met Emma
Books that Value Hard Work and Resiliency
Byers, Grace I Believe I Can
Lagercrantz, Rose My Happy Life
Santat, Dan After the Fall
Spires, Ashley The Most Magnificent Thing
Spires, Ashley The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do
Uegaki, Chieri Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin
Books that Value Gratitude
Spinelli, Eileen Thankful
Mayer, Mercer Being Thankful
Wilson, Karma Bear Says Thanks (we love all these Bear books)
This values book list is always being updated, so be sure to check back! And I’d love to hear your recommendations.