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January 25, 2017 by Carrie

Books that teach life lessons: read these aloud to your kids

Books that teach life lessons to kids are an important part of your parenting arsenal. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has read books to a child to help them work through some issue.

Some of the best picture books for kids are the ones that subtly teach. If the book knocks you over the head with a moral, it’s distasteful to child and adult reader alike. But when it instructs in an enjoyable way as a natural part of the story working itself out, it’s pure delight.

Books that teach life lessons

Fantastic read aloud books that teach life lessons to kids

Here are a few of our family’s favorite read-aloud books and who they might benefit the most.

When your child feels discouraged by their smallness

The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Grey Bridge: just because you’re small and not as flashy, doesn’t mean you don’t have an important job. We all have a purpose. Bonus points for showing that pride often masks insecurity.  

For the child who needs to know that big dreams can come true if you focus and work hard. 

Mirette on the High Wire – when fear overcomes you and makes you forget what you are born to do, read this and think only of the wire. And trust that when you’re ready, the teacher appears.

For the kid who needs to look on the bright side

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes: life can be tough and unpredictable. Stuff happens. You gotta roll with the punches, baby. 

To help a child find their voice in a family filled with strong personalities

Wee Gillis – my maternal grandmother, whom I’m named after, was a Scot, so I love reading this story. Scots can have strong personalities and opinions! Here’s how not to lose yourself in a family of Scotsmen.

For the child who needs to take a break from screentime

Blackout – because there’s far more to life than screens.

To the child who longs to do great things but is stifled by circumstance.

Miss Rumphius – an ordinary person can leave a legacy (this is a true story). Sometimes our big dreams don’t come true, but that doesn’t mean we can’t change the world.

To the child who has lost someone close to them.

Sarah, Plain and Tall– a family is made, not born. Love (the feeling) comes after love the action, not before.

For the child who needs to understand the importance of obedience

Little House in the Big Woods – Or, how not to get eaten by a bear (spoiler alert: obey instantly). This book is also great for kids who have no clue how spoiled they are in these modern times.

For the child who feels different, and who has trouble fitting in. 

A Series of Unfortunate Events – it’s the things that make us different that make us special, and we can use those unique gifts to help the people important to us. Important bonus lesson: adults are not always good, nor do they always have your best interests at heart. Thus, trust your instincts!

What are your favorite read-aloud books that teach life lessons to kids?

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Filed Under: Books

About Carrie

Carrie writes about raising a large family frugally and simply, surviving a cult and healing from cPTSD. More about her here.

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Comments

  1. Alexis @FITnancials says

    January 25, 2017 at 8:06 pm

    A Series Of Unfortunate Events – One of my favorite series to read as a child. I love that they came out with a Netflix series!

  2. Carrie says

    January 26, 2017 at 5:44 am

    @Alexis – wow, you must be really young! I taught my oldest child, 18, how to read using ASoUE. We saw the movie when it came out (with Jim Carrey as Olaf), and yes, he is watching the Netflix series too. 😉

  3. Angela says

    January 26, 2017 at 11:33 am

    oh, Carrie! I’ve just stumbled onto your blog by chance, and I am in love! I saw you made a twitter comment about Laura Vanderkam’s quote that was tweeted by Marie Kondo, and I decided to click on your link. I’m so glad I did!
    I love these book suggestions! I have two children 4 & 6 and I love to read but have struggled in finding a reading routine and materials that are fun and teach a message.

    I am really looking forward to continuing to read your blog!

    Bisous,
    Angela

  4. Carrie says

    January 26, 2017 at 1:54 pm

    So glad to meet you Angela, thanks for commenting and I look forward to hearing from you again 🙂

  5. Amber says

    January 26, 2017 at 8:51 pm

    We have only read half f these! I will be doing some library requests. ?

  6. Carrie says

    January 27, 2017 at 6:21 am

    Yay! I get most of my book recommendations from blogs I read. I’m glad it was helpful.

  7. Sarah Prince says

    January 31, 2017 at 10:28 am

    I remember Sarah, Plain and Tall as a kid. I’ll have to add that one to our library. We always read book before before and some of our are getting a bit worn out.

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Welcome! I'm Carrie, and I write about raising my large family frugally as a single mom, mental health, and surviving a cult. I hope you find value here! Read more about me

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