All parents want their kids to be intelligent, kind, loving and honest. But most of the time we get too occupied with daily routine and keeping our kids fed, clothed and healthy is sometimes the only thing we can offer. Everyone of us understands that it is hardly ever enough and it is vital to teach our little ones important life’s lessons and develop their own worldviews. 

How to find the right words at the end of the long working day? The best way out in such situation will be children’s stories and old good fairy-tails to read before going to bed. Sometimes all we need is just a quiet hour of cuddling together on a sofa and diving into the world of seemingly simple books which will unobtrusively let a natural discussion unfold. 

So look through these ten titles which we compiled especially for the above-mentioned purposes.  

 

Leo the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus

All Leo’s friends can read, write, speak, draw and eat neatly while he cannot do anything of that yet. Leo’s father gets worried, but patient mother explains that Leo is just a late bloomer. In the end Leo does “bloom” in his good time pleasing his parents and himself. 

What does it teach our kids?

You will shine in your own good time and it is more than okay. 

 

William’s Doll by Charlotte Zolotow

William’s brother and friends call him a creep and a sissy. His father buys him a basketball and electric train set. And although William loves these toys and plays with them a lot he still wants a doll. Father is very upset about it, but grandmother explains that William just wishes to train for when he will have a baby and family of his own. 

What does it teach our kids?

Do not limit yourself by gender stereotypes. Nurturing and raising kids is a father’s job as well. 

 

Henry Builds a Cabin by D.B. Johnson

This simple story takes its inspiration from Thoreau’s life at Walden Pond. It tells about Bear Henry who proceeds to build the house of his dreams – a cabin with one room.  

What does it teach our kids?

Enjoy simple living. Big is not necessarily better.

 

The Little Brute Family by Russell Hoban

This is a must read for your kids. This sweet story  tells us about the Little Brutes who spend their days complaining and feeling miserable about life, and everything seems to go wrong. One day Baby Brute discovers a little good feeling, which spreads and transforms the whole family.

What does it teach our kids?

Try to concentrate on good things rather than bad and you will see more about this world. Your attitude means everything.

 

Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs by Tomie dePaola

This is a little bit sad story that tells us about four-year-old Tommy who adores visiting his two grandmothers every Sunday. But one day he rushes upstairs and finds out that his Nana Upstairs is not in her bed as usual. This book was one of the first  children’s stories written to help kids deal with the death of our loved ones.

What does it teach our kids?

Special family memories remain with us, even if someone who we loved passed away.

 

Horton Hatches the Egg by Dr. Seuss

This simply written story is about little Elephant Horton who got coaxed to sit on the egg of a lazy bird, who told she would return and never actually did. But Horton, on the other hand, keeps his word. “I meant what I said and I said what I meant; an elephant’s faithful one hundred percent.”

What does it teach our kids?

It’s very important to keep your promises once you promised something. Faithfulness has its own rewards.

 

Whoever You Are by Mem Fox

Whoever You Are  reminds us that children may have different looks, live in different countries, and eat different foods, but they all smile, laugh, and cry.

What does it teach our kids?

We live in a big, fascinating world and it is full of people just like us no matter how they look and where they live.

 

Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Briggs Martin  tells us the true story about a little boy whose biggest passion was studying snowflakes. Later it turned into his life’s work. His parents invest all their life savings in the necessary equipment to take their son’s interest to the next level.

What does it teach our kids?

Exploring your interests and following your dreams is important.

 

The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton

A lovely story tells us about the little house which  lives in the country where it is surrounded by children who play in its peaceful garden. It feels happy. As time passes and eventually it finds itself in the center of a crowded city. It feels alone. But in the end it gets moved to the place where it finds love and happiness again. 

What does it teach our kids?

Advancement isn’t always progress. The natural world is our inheritance.

 

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf

While the other bulls fight with each other, Ferdinand  loves to sit under a tree and smell flowers. One day, when a group of men arrive to observe the bulls fighting, Ferdinand happens to sit on a bee. The actions that result lead the men to conclude that they might have found the fiercest bull in the pasture. Imagine their surprise when they get him in the ring!

What does it teach our kids?

It is more important to be who you are rather than becoming who others think you are supposed to be. 

While reading with your kids you invest in your relationships, in their character and in their future. So make sure you spend enough time on this activity as it is one of the most important fundamentals of your kids’ successful life. 

Do you have any of these stories in your home library? Which of them do you think are the best for our little ones? Share your feedback in the comments below. 

 

Tags: books must read kids life lesson