Our favorite picture books and family read aloud to instill contentment in your kids.
The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau
From Riley:
As a parent, there’s books you read that speak to you just as much as your kids. This is one of those books. We’ve returned to this book 10+ times now and it can be read year round. Even my husband gives this a 10/10 and has opened up conversations with our 4 year old about wanting what others have and how true joy comes from thinking and giving. If you only buy one book from this list, it should be this one!
From the Publisher:
The heartwarming, strongly moral tale supports important values, and the detailed illustrations, featuring dozens of lovingly rendered quilt patterns, offer hours of delight.
Ages: 3-8
Sidewalk Flowers by JonArno Lawson & Sydney Smith
From Riley:
A wordless picture book can feel intimidating, but it gives you such an opportunity for creativity, wonder and connection. I love how the story can change each time you read it and for older siblings, they can even narrate their own version. I recommend looking through the entire book before you start so you can get an idea of the story you want to build.
From the Publisher:
In this wordless picture book, a little girl collects wildflowers while her distracted father pays her little attention. Each flower becomes a gift, and whether the gift is noticed or ignored, both giver and recipient are transformed by their encounter.
Ages: 3-6
Simon and the Better Bone by Corey R. Tabor
From Riley:
Your kids will love these beautiful illustrations and see the consequences of not being satisfied with what you have. Bonus: It’s a top bound book with two-page long spreads that kids will love!
From the Publisher:
Corey R. Tabor reimagines Aesop’s “The Dog and His Reflection” in a clever, charming tale of empathy and generosity.
Lucy and the Saturday Surprise by Melissa Kruger
From Riley:
I love this book to help our kids see the pattern of envy: see, covert, desire and hide. If you have multiple kids that struggle wanting what their siblings have, this is a must read.
From the Publisher:
Everyone struggles with wanting what others have. Lucy and the Saturday Surprise helps children understand the dangers of letting desire fester into envy.
Ages: 3-7
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
From Kaylie:
As a mom of a 7 and 10 year old, who are in the thick of learning what it means to be truly grateful and content, I love the wealth of opportunities in Where the Mountain Meets the Moon to talk about contentment, happiness, putting others above ourselves, etc. Kids learn and remember so much from stories and not only is Minli’s overarching story rich and thought provoking, but there are many stories used within the book that give wonderful analogies and nuggets of wisdom that are more easily grasped because of the way they’re presented. It keeps kids engaged and learning when they may not even realize it!
From the Publisher:
Minli sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon to ask him how she can change her family's fortune. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest for the ultimate answer.
Ages: 7-10
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