Books on Positive Traits in Children
Submitted by kterry on Wed, 08/15/2012 - 13:34
Metrofamily Magazine is going to start doing a column on developing positive traits in childrens. The editor asked me if I can get someone to recommend some good books that emphasize positive character traits. Can you guys give me some suggestions and a short sentence or two about why these books are good to develop certain character traits. Some of their possible columns will be the typical traits: empathy, charity, forgiveness, truthfulness, giving....etc.
They are going to be running this every month and highlighting one book (and mentioning who the person is that recommended it) each month. And we must have the book in system.
Thanks for your help! Just post your book sentence review as a reply or just email me.
- Log in to post comments
Comments
This month they are specifically looking for a suggestion for a title about encouraging kids to take initiative.....
Bud & me: the true adventures of the Abernathy boys, by Alta Abernathy
I have three that come to mind that I liked as a kid (okay, so they might be a little bit old), but they're still good!
1. Henry Reed, Inc & Henry Reed's Babysitting Service by Keith Robertson. It's fun and about Henry's adventures in learning about making American entreprenism and making money. He has his friend, Midge, (a girl) who is equally enthusiastic.
2) Homer Price by Robert McCloskey. Six short stories about small-town life. Homer runs into all sorts of adventures, but he's not afraid to stand up to bandits and a non-stopping doughnut machine.
Both of the above books are funny. Both are illustrated by Robert McCloskey of Make Way for Ducklings fame.
3) Henry Huggins series by Beverly Cleary. Henry gets exasperated by his neighbor, Ramona, and sometimes has trouble with his dog, Ribsy, but he still tries new things.
A new one--Percy Jackson series. Percy has many adventures when he finds out his never-seen dad is a Greek god (literally).
I would say these books would be good for both boys and girls about 8 and up, with Percy Jackson for slightly older readers.
Have You Filled a Bucket Today: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids by Carol McCloud is a book in our system that might work for kids 4 and up. It encourages positive behavior as children see how rewarding it is to express daily kindness, appreciation, and love. Bucket filling and dipping are effective metaphors for understanding the effects of our actions and words on the well being of others and ourselves.
Of course there is The Dog Poop Initiative (based on a true story) by Kirk Weisler. We don't own this book in system, but it is a very effective message about how the soccer game can't be played until someone addresses the poop on the field issue. Boys would especially enjoy this book (obviously); it's amazing how many people overlook, walk around, etc. Finally the situation gets resolved and it's not who you think that comes to the rescue.
Hope this helps.
Love these!!
from Ann Meeks @BI
I thought of another one that's an "easy." "Harold and the Purple Crayon" because I think that's such an imaginative book with such cute illustrations. And also, because Harold creates a whold world with a purple crayon. When he wants pie or needs a policeman to help him get home, he just draws it!
I would definitely recommend The Empty Pot by Demi. It is an Easy (perfect for children ages 5-8) and we own it in the library system.
The Empty Pot by Demi is a wonderful story with beautiful illustrations. A Chinese folktale about a young boy named Ping displays most of all that honesty always prevails.