Towards the end of the summer I was getting aggravated. I felt nothing was going my way and that my kids weren’t behaving as well as I thought they could. I wanted to instill a positive attitude and good habits into their lives, but wasn’t sure how to go about it, so I started with books.
Even more than reading, my kids love listening to stories when I read them. They are receptive to the messages we read together and I found it was a great way to start conversations about what is going on in their lives and what they find challenging.
Some of the books below even come with conversation guides, which I loved. These are some stories we’ve been loving recently – in no particular order.
The 4 Best Books I Bought for My Kids
#1: The 7 Habits of Happy Kids
by Sean Covey, Stacy Curtis
In The 7 Habits of Happy Kids, Sean Covey uses beautifully illustrated stories to bring his family’s successful philosophy to the youngest child.
For the Seven Oaks friends, there is always something to do. Whether they’re singing along with Pokey Porcupine’s harmonica or playing soccer with Jumper Rabbit, everyone is having fun and learning all sorts of things. These seven stories show how practicing the 7 Habits makes this possible for the whole Seven Oaks Community.
From learning how to take charge of their own lives to discovering how balance is best, the Seven Oaks friends have tons of adventures and find out how each and every kid can be a happy kid!
#2: The Energy Bus for Kids
A Story about Staying Positive and Overcoming Challenges
by Jon Gordon, Korey Scott
An illustrated adaptation of the bestselling business fable, The Energy Bus, teaches children the benefits of staying positive.
In this illustrated adaptation of the bestselling fable, The Energy Bus, author Jon Gordon shows children how to overcome negativity, bullies and everyday challenges to be their best. The Energy Bus For Kids is a story that will teach kids how to find their inner motivation and pass on that positive energy to others.
- The Energy Bus For Kids presents five rules for the “Ride of Your Life”
- Teaches kids how to fuel your ride with positive energy
- Shares with kids how to love the people you share your journey with and how to enjoy the ride
Positive kids become positive adults. So get kids on the Energy Bus and infuse their lives with a newfound vision, attitude, and positivity.
#3: I Just Don’t Like the Sound of No!
My story about accepting No for an answer and disagreeing…the right way! (Best Me I Can Be! Series)
by Julia Cook
‘NO’ is RJ’s least favorite word . . . and he tries his best to convince his dad, his mom, and his teacher to turn “No” into “Maybe” or “We’ll see” or “Later” or “I’ll think about it.”
I Just Don’t Like the Sound of NO! is another title in the BEST ME I Can Be! series of books from the Boys Town Press to teach children social skills that can make home life happier and school more successful.
#4: Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse
by Kevin Henkes
Lilly loves everything about school, especially her cool teacher, Mr. Slinger. But when Lilly brings her purple plastic purse and its treasures to school and can’t wait until sharing time, Mr. Slinger confiscates her prized possessions. Lilly’s fury leads to revenge and then to remorse and she sets out to make amends.
Lilly, the star of Chester’s Way and Julius, the Baby of the World, is back. And this time she has her name in the title – something she’s wanted all along. If you thought Lilly was funny before, you are in for a treat. So hurry up and start reading. Lilly can’t wait for you to find out more about her.
Full disclosure – I didn’t buy this book. We got it from PJ Library for free! Didn’t know you could get free Jewish books? Check it out here. Also, check out my post on how you can download free Jewish music.
Read more:
What are your thoughts on these books? What books have you and your children been loving lately?
Until next time,
Shaindy
Great timing. My aunt just told me she wants to send my kids some books for Chanukah. I’ll tell her about some of these. Thanks
Glad this came out at the right time! Let me know which ones are your favorite!