15 Picture Books That Teach, Not Preach
by Elizabeth Harrison
Kids typically aren’t big fans of being talked at or preached to. These approaches can cause them to check out and miss out on a learning opportunity. We must keep our little ones engaged and entertained if we want them to learn a lesson. Humor, joy, and relatability are great teachers! As a mom and elementary educator, I value fun, colorful read-aloud stories that teach kids a life lesson without being too preachy. Here are several books that fit the bill.
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The Creature of Habit
Available from:Lesson: It can feel great to try something new!
It’s easy to get stuck in our ways. The Creature of Habit knows this firsthand! This book, which takes place on a colorful tropical island, helps kids see that change can be good and new experiences can be rewarding. This book makes an excellent read-aloud before a life change — big or small — like a transfer to a new school or a new morning routine.
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Ruby and the Itsy-Bitsy (Icky) Bug
Available from:Lesson: Once you get to know something, it might not be as scary as you thought.
When Ruby discovers a bug outside her bedroom window, she’s disgusted! Ruby’s transformation in the story will encourage readers to approach things they dislike with an open mind. Parents working to support their littles through fear or aversion will appreciate this book.
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Abuelita and I Make Flan
Available from:Lesson: Honesty is the best policy.
Have you ever broken an item and feared telling its owner what happened? In this story, young Anita learns to be honest after breaking Abuelita’s special plate. Readers will empathize with Anita’s struggle and connect with the story’s relatable premise. This is an excellent introduction to Cuban culture and cuisine.
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My Fade Is Fresh
Available from:Lesson: It’s important to speak your mind and stay true to yourself.
A little girl goes to the barbershop knowing precisely what hairstyle she wants. While those around her try to influence her decision, she remains resolute! This book challenges gendered hairstyles and encourages kids to be their true selves.
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Tisha and the Blossoms
Available from:Lesson: A slower pace can feel good.
When we embrace a slower pace, we relax enough to notice more of the world around us. After a hectic and fast-paced day, Tisha tells her mom that a slowdown is in order. The afternoon that commences is lovely and may encourage readers to follow suit. This is an excellent pick for parents and educators wanting to promote mindfulness in their homes and classrooms.
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The Mouse Who Carried a House on His Back
Available from:Lesson: You can always make room for another.
This story of a little mouse with a portable home and a growing heart will inspire readers to consider how they can make others feel welcome. I absolutely adore this title’s illustrations — the die-cut art is fun and whimsical!
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Blue Bison Needs a Haircut
Available from:Lesson: Sometimes waiting is necessary.
Desperately needing a haircut, Blue Bison is frustrated when he discovers that every place is closed! What will he do? I love Blue Bison’s animated expressions and know kids will, too. This hilarious book will keep kids entertained all the way through.
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The Wills and the Won’ts
Lesson: It’s better to come together than to build a wall.
The Wills and the Won’ts cannot agree on anything. The solution? They will build a wall between their two communities. Reminiscent of Dr. Seuss’s The Sneetches, this rhyming title has themes of tolerance and cooperation. Teachers supporting their students through classroom conflict will really appreciate its message.
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Joy Ride
Available from:Lesson: How you feel matters more than what others think of you.
It can feel awful when someone makes you feel bad about something you love. Joy experiences this when her peers make fun of the bike that she poured her time and love into alongside her supportive grandpa. This book is perfect for kids who care what their peers think.
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Time to Recharge, Harper!
Lesson: Rest is important.
It’s a fact: Kids don’t like napping (at least my kid doesn’t). Time to Recharge, Harper! is about a little robot who does NOT want to go down for a nap. This book will help readers see the importance of rest and hopefully make nap time go more smoothly for everyone.
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Maxine and the Greatest Garden Ever
Available from:Lesson: Friendship matters more than success.
Maxine and her friend Leo want to create the greatest garden ever. After butting heads, Maxine reflects on how to make things right with her friend. In a world focused on achievement, teaching our kids how to be good people is critical. Showing them to care for and value the people in their lives is the perfect place to start.
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Don't Hug Doug (He Doesn't Like It)
Available from:Lesson: Don’t touch people without their consent.
This colorful title uses humor to teach kids the importance of consent. It tells readers they can hug a whole host of things (a slug, a porcupine, etc.) but NOT Doug. Doug doesn’t like hugs. I love that this title teaches kids a simple way to determine if they can hug someone — by asking!
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Teo's Tutu
Available from:Lesson: Being true to yourself is the bravest thing of all.
Anxious, Téo joins his first ballet class in his pink tutu. With time and hard work, the class reaches recital time, and Téo needs to decide what costume he will choose — pants and shirt or leotard and tutu. It will hearten readers to see Téo stay true to himself, even when it’s hard. I appreciate how this title questions gender norms without including a bullying narrative.
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Out of a Jar
Available from:Lesson: Being true to yourself is the bravest thing of all.
Anxious, Téo joins his first ballet class in his pink tutu. With time and hard work, the class reaches recital time, and Téo needs to decide what costume he will choose — pants and shirt or leotard and tutu. It will hearten readers to see Téo stay true to himself, even when it’s hard. I appreciate how this title questions gender norms without including a bullying narrative.
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Laxmi’s Mooch
Available from:Lesson: Our bodies are perfect however they are.
Laxmi has a small mooch, or a bit of hair above her lip. When her classmates say she looks like a cat with whiskers, she goes home upset and self-conscious. Her parents set a brilliant example for adults reading this book with children, as they do a fantastic job at making Laxmi feel better. This title encourages kids to embrace their bodies as they are, body hair and all.
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