9 Positive, Feel-Good Books for Family Storytime
by Katie Hurley, LCSW
There’s something about autumn that inspires families to gather by the fireplace and read together. Some of my happiest childhood memories were made in my family living room. My father was always the master of voices and he brought our favorite characters to life while we giggled with delight over hot chocolate and cookies.
Reading together is so much more than entertainment, though. When families read together, kids learn important life lessons. They learn about kindness, empathy, and caring for others. They also strengthen their bonds with their parents and siblings.
We have endless shelves of books in this house, it seems, but a few favorites stand out as great books for family storytime.
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The Dot
Available from:The Dot tells the story of Vashti, a little girl who learns to unleash her creativity when a teacher encourages her to simply make her mark. Empathy oozes from the pages of this beautifully illustrated book as Vashti finds her voice and later pays it forward.
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I’d Know You Anywhere, My Love
This is the story of a mother’s love. No matter the changes children experience as they learn and grow, a parent always knows their child. The subtext is beautiful: Get out there and be you. I’ll know you anywhere.
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The Three Questions
This story follows a young boy named Nikolai as he embarks on a journey to figure out how to be a good person. Seeking advice from a wise old turtle, Nikolai helps others and faces adversity on his way to self-discovery. This is a heartwarming tale about understanding what really matters in this world.
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The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes
Beatrice Bottemwell never makes mistakes. She’s perfectly perfect in every way. Until she isn’t. What Beatrice discovers when things begin to go awry is that there is more to life than getting things just right. This a wonderful and entertaining story for families to read together. We all make mistakes — sometimes the hard part is learning to embrace those imperfections and move on.
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Exclamation Mark
This laugh-out-loud story about an exclamation point trying to find his place will inspire quiet kids everywhere to make their mark! After many attempts to try to be like everyone else, he finally finds that his own strengths are what make him unique. A great tale for all elementary school children.
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One
Blue is a quiet color. Red is a hothead who likes to pick on blue. And so begins the story of how 1 stood up for the colors and inspired the message that everybody counts. This book is a must read for all families. It inspires kindness, empathy, and standing up for others.
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Love Is You & Me.
This adorable story reminds us that love is the greatest gift of all. Love lifts us up when we’re feeling low. Love connects us when we’re far apart. Love inspires us to be who we want to be and dream what we want to dream.
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Someday
Grab the tissues for this one! This beautiful story chronicles the love between mother and child, highlighting every mother’s dream — for her child to live life to the fullest. The story follows the child from infancy to old age, reminding us that a parent’s love is forever.
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Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You
Nancy Tillman does it again with this gorgeously illustrated story about the power of love. Love is the one thing our kids can take with them wherever they go, and it’s up to us to make sure that they know how far our love stretches. This book will inspire endless hugs, kisses, and cuddles as the whole family considers how far love can reach.
