50 Inspiring Children’s Books with a Positive Message

Julie Handler | May 17, 2012 | Loving, Playing

“The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”―Dr. Seuss

EDITOR’S NOTE: Don’t miss Part 2 of this list that has been published HERE.

With technology developing at a record pace and kids mastering iPads before they’re even out of diapers, it’s more important than ever to instill the love of reading in our children.

Although it’s never too late, the importance of getting kids to develop a love for reading early on often correlates with a love for learning, a passion for lifelong reading, and so many other positive traits that ultimately lead to the empowerment needed for success.

In our home we have acquired quite the collection of literary gems—in fact, we have more books than toys. I’ve happened upon wonderful books in all kinds of random places, so I’m always on the lookout. Of course, the library is always a great option, which we frequent at least every other week—a ritual which we started before the girls could even walk. Another one of my favorite places to find amazing books is museum bookshops. You would be surprised at the treasures you may come across there.

Since reading is a passion for us, we wanted to share some our favorite children’s books that contain a poignant, powerful message. If you know of a children’s book that has an inspirational message that is not on our list, please share in the comments below.

50 CHILDREN’S BOOKS WITH A POSITIVE MESSAGE

(in alphabetical order)

1. A Bad Case of the Stripes by David Shannon

2. All I See Is Part Of Me by Chara M. Curtis

3. An Awesome Book! by Dallas Clayton

4. An Awesome Book of Thanks! by Dallas Clayton

5. Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg

6.Buddha at Bedtime: Tales of Love and Wisdom for You to Read with Your Child to Enchant, Enlighten and Inspire by Dharmachari Nagaraja

7. Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Jane Dyer

8. Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are by Dr. Seuss

9. Enemy Pie by Derek Munson

10. Fancy Nancy Poet Extraordinaire by Jane O’Connor, Robin Preiss Glasser

11. Have You Filled A Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud

12. I Believe in Me: A Book of Affirmations by Connie Bowen

13. I Think, I Am! by Louise L. Hay

14. If the World Were a Village by David J. Smith

15. Iggy Peck Architect by Andrea Beaty

16. Incredible You! 10 Ways To Let Your Greatness Shine Through by Wayne Dyer

17. Ish by Peter H. Reynolds

18. Limu: The Blue Turtle by Kimo Armitage

19. Limu the Blue Turtle and His Hawaiian Garden by Kimu Armitage

20. Little Pea by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

21. LMNO Peas by Keith Baker

22. My First Oxford Book of Poems by John Foster

23. My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss

24. Mr. Men 40th Anniversary Box Set by Roger Hargreaves

25. Not a Box by Antoinette Portis

26. On My Way To A Happy Life by Deepak Chopra

27. Oh The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss

28. One by Kathryn Otoshi

29. One Love by Cedella Marley

30. Only One You by Linda Kranz

31. Peaceful Piggy Meditation by Kerry Lee Maclean

32. Press Here by Herve Tullet

33. Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage to Be Who You Are by Maria Dismondy

34. Stand Tall Molly Lou Mellon by Patty Lovell

35. Thank You, World by Alice McGinty

36. The Dot by Peter Reynolds

37. The Gift of Nothing by Patrick McDonnell

38. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

39. The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

40. The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper

41. The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

42. The North Star by Peter H. Reynolds

43. The Three Questions (Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy) by Jon J. Muth

44. The Very Fairy Princess by Julie Andrews & Emma Walton Hamilton

45. The Weaver by Thacher Hurd & Elisa Kleven

46. The Yellow Tutu by Kirsten Bramsen

47. We are all Born Free by Amnesty International

48. You Be You by Linda Kranz

49. You Can Be Anything by Gary Craig

50. Zen Shorts by Jon J. Muth

Julie Handler is a co-founder of Positively Positive. Follow Julie on TWITTER.

* Above featured image taken by me of my two daughters

149 Comments

Tags: Books, Children's Books, Happy Children, Julie Handler, Kids, Parent As Teacher, Parent Modeling, Parental involvement, Parenting, Reading

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Linda Davidson

Love the Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein. I also love his book, The Missing Piece. Love Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne. Thanks for sharing your favorite kids books. Reading to kids is so important. My kids are in college and high school and they both love to read and write! Love Positively Positive.
- Lynkukla
  
  Classics such as Ferdinand, A Carrot Seed, and Make Way for Ducklings. Thanks for doing this.
  - http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
    
    Thank you!
    - Jennifer
      
      Thanks Jooles!! You have mentioned some books that I have never heard of and will be adding to our library. I would love to offer some more great ones that my children love:
      1. What is Peace by Etan Boritzer2. What is Right by Etan Boritzer
      3. What is God by Etan Boritzer
      4. The Hermit and the Well by Thich Nhat Hanh
      5. Milton’s Secret by Echart Tolle and Robert S. Friedman
      6. No Exuses by Dr. Wayne Dyer
      7. It’s Not What You Got by Dr. Wayne Dyer
      8. Poetry Speaks to Children
      9. Poetry for Young People by Maya Angelou
    - Jennifer
      
      Thanks Jooles! You have mentioned some books that I have never heard of and will be adding to our library. I would love to offer some of my children’s favorites:
      1. Poetry for Young People by Maya Angelou
      2. What is Peace by Etan Boritzer
      3. What is Right by Etan Boritzer
      4. What is God by Etan Boritzer
      5. Poetry Speaks to Children
      6. Milton’s Secret by Eckhart Tolle and Robert S Friedman
      7. The Hermit and the Well by Thich Nhat Hanh
      8. Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman
      9. It’s Not What You’ve Got by Dr. Wayne Dyer
      10. Clarice Bean What Planet Are You From by Lauren Child
      - http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
        
        Fantastic! Thanks for these great suggestions!
      - Nedunn22
        
        All 5 of Wayne Dyers children’s books are wonderful!!
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Thank you for the suggestions! Sounds like you living proof of the value of reading!
Sondra Sutton

Our family also loves any book by Jamie Lee Curtis – honest, funny and inspiring;)
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Yes, I’m doing a part 2 and will definitely include a Jamie Lee Curtis book! Thanks!
  - Tender Teacher
    
    Oh, please consider Because Brian Hugged His Mother. A great story about impact. Also the Twelve Gifts of Birth is pretty special, too! Thank you for this wonderful list! As a third grade teacher who integrates Emotional Intelligence into my curriculum, I am always on the lookout for great books!
Marie

The Little Boy Who Loved Dirt and Almost Became a Superslobby Judith Vigna My children loved this book as a ‘feel good’ book and I have lent it to countless other families, that also all loved it - suitable for the very young and upwards
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Will definitely check it out, thx!
Jkbooty

Hug time by Patrick McDonnell is a super sweet book with a great message!
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Thank you!
Kerynbk

I’ve never understood why people like the giving tree. i think the man was self-centered and selfish and the book has bad lessons in it.
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Thanks for your opinion. Life is all about interpretation!
- Kachina60
  
  I agree Kerynbk, the boy/man/old man was a vampire, he sucked the life out of the tree. I heard the late Leo Buscaglia say that there comes a time when you have to cut somebody loose before they destoy your life, no matter how much you love them.
  - Rachelgators
    
    I feel the same way about the Rainbow Fish. The fish was so giving in letting other fish have scales, but the other fish didn’t show any kind of appreciation. They just took from the fish selfishly. The message should be that we accept everyone for who they are, whether beautiful or not.
- Michele
  
  The Tree is like a good parent who loves and loves no matter what.
- Sumac14228
  
  The Giving Tree is a beautiful book about a love so deep that it is bottomless. How better to illustrate this than the love a parent feels for his child?
  - Sumac14228
    
    In fact when you think about it, isn’t that the basic theme of the Bible? What more could a parent sacrifice than his own child? The bond is eternal.
kara

Please, please, please read Woolbur, which is ALL about being proud of oneself and thinking that being different is great. My students love it (I’m a first grade teacher) and it’s truly a great story for those kids that think outside of the box.
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Thank you! Can’t wait to read it!
Andrea

A wonderful list! Thank you, I shall enjoy reading the unknowns. For feel good and enjoyment, I would add anything by Robert Munsch, full of independent characters and thinking outside the box. The Bee Tree by Patricia Polacco is a lesson on the joys of reading. And, Yuck, a Love Story by Don Gillmor just because it is delightful.
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Thank you for what sound like great suggestions!
Xianhorn

Great to see you here, Julie! So glad you are sharing with all of us! I can’t wait to suggest these to friends and share them with my kids in the future! This (like you) is just great!!! Blessings as always!
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Thanks Xian!!! Love you!
http://www.facebook.com/sandra.grijalva.cook Sandra Grijalva Cook

You forgot Pete the Cat. Wonderful message to see things with optimism
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Thanks!
- Kitty
  
  We LOVE Pete the Cat, especially his Brand New White Shoes!!
HotMamaShida

Great list!! One more, “Of Thee I Sing” by Barack Obama.
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Thank you!
Wes

“Oh the Places You’ll go” is 27 ??!! Seriously i Live my life by that book. I am 30 years old and I still read it to myself at least once a year.
- Brian
  
  Hi Wes. I believe this is in alphabetical order, I’m sure that one would’ve scored higher. I think I need to read that again, too.
  - http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
    
    Love it guys!!! How brilliant is Dr. Seuss!
    Alphabetical order of course.. Too hard otherwise!
Kachina60

What about the Rainbow Fish? I love that book! What a neat list! Thank you.
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Yes, this one I was going back and forth with. Will definitely add it to Part 2! Thx!
Kate

“The Big Orange Splot” by Daniel Pinkwater. “I’ve
read and enjoyed many other Pinkwater books as an adult, but this one
is still my favorite because of its sheer nonsense in the pursuit of happiness. ” Susan McKinley Ross
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  So many great suggestions!
Torres_01

“You Are Special” by Max Lucado
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Gotta check that one out!
Michele

Fantastic list, and so timely…. my 1st grandchild is on the way! Thank you!
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Fabulous, congrats!!!
Sheilah

Great list! Thank you! I wanted to add a few more suggestions:
- No Excuses: How What You Say Can Get In Your Way (Dr. Wayne Dyer/Kristina Tracy)
- Whoever You Are by Mem Fox
And I wholeheartedly second the recommendation for the Barack Obama book. It’s really awesome and inspiring. Keep this stuff coming! Thanks!
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Absolutely!!! Thank you!
Arita Trahan

Ahh – delightful synchronicity! I am on facebook at an unusual time and see my friend’s post introducing me to you for the first time. My own book “The Santa Story and Tina” is going to thrill you with its positive message! I’d love to send you one (the printer is readying them for shipment as I write). See it here - http://amzn.to/JBzyrl
What fun this list is and what fun this site is! Thank you.
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Excellent!! I will e-mail with the info! Thanks!
Lori

Swimmy by Leo Lionni
A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Thank you!!!
Heather

Anh’s Anger by Gail Silver. I went to a mindfulness class at my son’s elementary school last night and had this book read to us. Amazing.
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Awesome, thank you for sharing that!
Leanne

Thank you for your lovely list. Reading it brought back happy memories of leading circle times at the day care centres where I was fortune to work. My addition: ‘I’ll Love You Forever’ by Robert Munsch
Leanne
http://sweatercursed.blogspot.com
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Thank you!
RebeccaPi

I love your list! I even found some I haven’t read. (Id’ never even heard of The Gift of Nothing!) Thank you for sharing! I’ve also put together a list of great books on my blog. After finding out my husband was abusing our kids, and after the kids and I left, I put together a blog on going through hard things and still smiling. Since books are one of the things I love most, I included pages with lists of some of our all-time favorite books! www.1001ThingsToBeHappyAbout.com

Thank you so much for sharing great book ideas!
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Thanks for sharing that Rebecca. Happy to hear that you removed yourself from a bad situation. Wishing you continued healing and positivity!
Krististhilaire

Love you forever, robert munch
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Thank you!
- http://twitter.com/AlexandraGnoske Alexandra Gnoske
  
  Yes! This one makes me cry every time.
Lylah Katz

We love Only One You and A Case of the Stripes! Great list!
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Yes, my family too!! Thanks!
craig Inglis

“Lucky” by Craig Inglis is a very positive book about not giving up when the going gets tough. Check out website Luckythechildrensbook.com for reviews and details about the book
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Thanks Craig, I’ll check it out!
Jessica

I love your list, there are so many great authors out there, I suggest this book it has a good message and amazing art work http://www.amazon.com/Murmur-Rooster-Jessica-Santiesteban-Howard
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Thanks Jessica! That link did not seem to work, what is the title?
  - W.C. Griffin
    
    This is an awesome list! Will definitely be keeping a hold of this and searching for the titles that I don’t already have!
    
    Did a quick search, I believe the book she’s referring to is called Murmur Rooster by Jessica Santiesteban Howard. Here’s a working amazon link
    http://www.amazon.com/Murmur-Rooster-ebook/dp/B00788KNO0
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001645458619 Maija-Liisa Sarkkinen Shelley

Thank you! I have my first GrandBaby and am so open to new material. I’ll be copying and saving this list for sure.

I wanted to add one I simply adore: The Paper Bag Princess.
Although it a great lesson for girls, I bought and read it to my sons.
Here’s a blurb from wiki:

The Paper Bag Princess is a children’s book written by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Michael Martchenko. It was first published on 1 May 1980 by Annick Press. The book reverses the princess and dragon stereotype. As a result, it has won critical acclaim from feminists, including an endorsement from the National Organization for Women, which sells the book on its website.
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Congratulations!!!
  Oh yes that is a fantastic book and already on my Part 2!
Miggy_vicky0426

Thank you so much for this list! It’s always great when a parent can also have an epiphany or enlightenment while reading to their kids. I know I constantly find myself in an, “ah ha” moment during bedtime readings.
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Absolutely! I’m with you!
regan20

Great list, I’d add “I love you stinky face” by Lisa McCourt
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Thank you!
Stormycat2012

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. The moral of this story is don’t say that you don’t like something until you have at least tried it. This story was read to my daughter, as a small child, many times and I applied this principle at meal times. Because of this book, my daughter developed a love of vegetables as a small child that most parents would have to fight with their children to eat….spinach, turnip greens, hominy, okra, etc. Instead of following the leader and listening to her friends, she would be her own person and at least give something a try before saying yuck.
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Love that!! Great book for sure! So hard with Dr. Seuss as his work is just brilliant.. As you can see I had 3 of his titles on the list.
  A Bad Case of the Stripes is a modern version of this classic.
http://www.GloWoman.org/ Bets

Award-winning author/illustrator Paul Geraghty’s books all contain an uplifting and inspiring message for children. http://www.paulgeraghty.net
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Thanks!!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002229366512 Sameena Miller

Correct me if I am wrong….but there are absolutely NO Positive children’s books written by African American Authors…except for Bob Marley?, b/c as an educator, I could think of 10 @ the top of my head…It’s not about “race”, however, I am just sick of these lists that are declared to be “golden”…
but everyone wants to end racism right?….well it starts when the child is young, and are introduced to learn about and accept, different cultures. One of the ways that children learn and gain self esteem is by visualization, and if they are taught that everything “positive is, looks, written by white”, where is the self love, love for others, acceptance of others established?
All I am saying is that as a Parent, as a Teacher, as a Human, I would like to see a diversified list and choice on these Positive book lists.
- Ramona
  
  Can you offer a couple of titles that I can look up? Thanks!
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002229366512 Sameena Miller
    
    Colors Come From God Just Like Me by Carolyne A Forche
    
    The Princess Who Lost Her Hair by Tololwa M. Mollel
    
    Something Beautiful by Sharon Dennis Wyeth
    
    Brown like me by Noel Lamperti
    
    I love My Hair by,
    Natasha Tarpley
    
    Shades of Black A Celebration Of Our Children by Sandra L.
    Pinckney
    
    Cornrows By Camille Yarborough
    
    Boundless Grace By Mary Hoffman
    The Color of Home By Mary Hoffman
    In The Garden W/ Dr. Carver By Susan Grigsby
    Matthew and Tilly By Rebecca C. Jones
    Me and Neesie By Eloise Greenfield
    
    Also books written by Latino Authors:
    
    Family Pictures by
    Carmen Lomas Garza
    
    The Most Beautiful Place in the World by Ann Cameron
    
    My Mexico by Tony Johnston
    
    Nacho and Lolita by Pam Munoz Ryan
    And thats just to name a few that I have in my library for the children in my class as well as my 7 yr old daughter
    - Ramona
      
      Thank you! My son LOVES books and I love that so many of the books we’ve found have diversity in them. But I’m not sure about the authors themselves, so now I’ll go “reinforce” our library. Have a great day.
      - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002229366512 Sameena Miller
        
        You have a nice day as well…you are very welcomed
    - Kimbagd
      
      Also recommend: Wings by Christopher-Myers and
      
      The Araboolies of Liberty Street by Sam Swope and Barry Root.
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Appreciate the response however in putting together this list I was not looking at what skin color each author was but rather the message of each book.
  With that being said I’m always looking for great ideas, hence the encouragement for readers to add their suggestions as well. Thanks for adding yours, I will be sure to read as many as possible as I am working on a part 2.
  In the mean time check out these books on the list WE ARE ALL BORN FREE, THANK YOU WORLD, IF THE WORLD WERE A VILLAGE, ALL I SEE IS PART OF ME , THE WEAVER just to name a few.
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002229366512 Sameena Miller
    
    Sometimes it never dawns on people to look at a diversity of books….being that we live in “The Melting Pot”….however they are out there, but not as publicized as it should be. I am well aware of all of these positive books that you’ve mentioned. However it doesn’t eradicate that MOST “lists”, incld. yours, omits a large group of children, and when you see what it does to their psychological self esteem, as an educator, it breaks my heart, as it should everyone’s.
    I have seen many of the lists that numerous people have put together as well as yours over the 18 years of teaching, and I could never help to notice a lot of authors/ books of color were, dismissed, over looked, nor ever mentioned or included, while children of different cultural backgrounds, from ages 3 – 16 felt as if they didn’t belong to a world they existed in, b/c “Positive”books that are promoted to read, LACKED their images. However, I am glad to say that at least in my school district in Brooklyn, NY, I was able to petition to get books of various ethnicity included on these positive reading lists (however it was a long up hill battle, which in few words tell you a lot at how people are “not concerned” w/ looking at the skin color)
    The rhetorical commentary made by you, regarding that “I did not seek out info.” based on a persons pigmentation, which might I add, is an OFTEN used explanation in this so called color blind America that we live in. However, the psycho dynamic still exist in Black and Latino children in 2012 where they still think that the white doll looks better than the back doll, and are not concerned w/ the thought that, Hey, Each doll is a Beautiful Creation. It is unfortunate that we have been taught, in this color blind world that the “ideal” is to look european, which has been skillfully promoted thorough children’s books, education system, history, media, even certain cultural phrases in everyday life. All I am saying, is that ALL children, esp. children of color needs a cultural frame of reference, that SHOULD be included EQUALLY in POSITIVE children’s book LISTS, and they are out there, as I have mentioned a few. We don’t live in a “Color Blinded” society, and that’s a fact….however, we can get there, and it starts by a Fair, Equal representation that promotes Positive Children’s Books that includes authors and variations of color/culture of ALL backgrounds.
Timekeeperd

Drum City by Thea Guidone is another wonderful choice!
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Thank you!
Hmmmm

I clicked on the first book on the list and up came page after page of people claiming that the book gave their children nightmares.. how “inspiring”…
http://stevesthinkingspace.wordpress.com/ Steve

Very cool!! Does anyone know of such a list for Young Adult books?
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Thanks! Yes, definitely a need for a Young Adult list as well!
S J

Great list! I own and enjoy many of these books with my son, and several are new to me so we can add them to our list. Another book that belongs on every kids list is Absolutely and Unconditionally by Bill Cumming. http://bit.ly/BillANU It’s a story of what every child wants and needs that parents may not exactly understand yet.
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Sounds great! Thx!!
Nancyseaver

Great List. Thanks for all your work. Looking forward to Part 2.
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Thank you Nancy!
Iola

On The Night You Were Born, by Nancy Tillman.
The message: there is only one You.
http://www.nancytillman.com/books/night/
- http://twitter.com/JulieBHandler Julie Handler
  
  Will check this out, thx!!
- http://www.facebook.com/susan.werb.9 Susan Werb
  
  OMGoodness, yes, a favorite! And On the Day You Were Born by Frasier……Both make for a wonderful birthday reading ritual!
Jere

Two amazing books for children are “The Wump World” and Shady Glade by illustrator and author Bill Peet. Every child should read these two books. My children did and loved them.
Valerie Power

Cassandra’s Angel by Gina Otto! (Our ALL time favorite)
The Crayon Box that Talked by Shane Derolf
Happy Adoption Day by John McCutcheon (because our family was created through adoption) )
Beth G

I Like Myself- Karen Beaumont, is one if our favorites!
keb

Wonderful list Aren’t children’s books the best?

I have some suggestions as well:

- All the World: by Liz Garton Scanlon – makes me cry, literally, every time I read this book. Amazing message about oneness in the world, and the ups & downs of life.
- I Had A Favorite Dress: by Boni Ashburn – mom re-fashions her daughter’s favorite dress once it gets too small!
- any Patrick O’Donnell books: he writes & illustrates his own books which feature adorable cat & dog characters. Also has a book called ‘Guardians of Being’ where he collaborated with Eckhart Tolle.
- any Todd Parr books: creates colorful books that allow kids of all ages to explore various topics (sometimes challenging ones) in a fun (and very accessible) way!
- ‘Help Me Be Good’ series: by Joy Berry – my mom bought the entire series for my brother & I when we were little – I don’t even know if these exist anymore! What was neat was that the author also had a video series (on VHS!) featuring the characters in the book, who were known as “The Human Race Club.” Kids were diverse in race, class, and ability! Her books & videos tackled complex issues in a way that was easy for kids to access & understand. Took a wonderfully non-judgmental vantage point in the books. Really a phenomenal series.

Ok, I’m done
Mexi

look up “All the colors of the earth” my daughter is mixed race and this book was so perfect for our family and a world of inclusion.
http://www.joshrosscreative.com Josh R.

Thank you for a great list. So many kids books are surprisingly dark. So it’s nice to see a more positive list.
Kimbagd

Great List! I would also recommend the following:

Wings by Christopher-Myers and

Ish by Peter Reynolds
- Kimbagd
  
  Oh and the Araboolies of Liberty Street by Sam Swope and Barry Root.
kikimiami

I have read many of these books to my children and I have to say that one of the best books I’ve EVER read to them was given to my son by his teacher. It is called “Jumping Mouse” by John Steptoe.
Momma Jorje

Thanks for this great list! I want to start adding these to our library request list. However, I would love to see age recommendations in the list. (I know, we always want MORE, right?)
Shaun

Great list but sorely lacking a bit of Pete the Cat??! http://berkelouw.com.au/catalogue/books/9780061906220/pete-the-cat-i-love-my-white-shoes

There’s a whole range of Eric Litwin books featuring Pete that I think really get young minds cranking!
Elissa

Inspiring, thank you! Always looking for recommendations. I love the simplicity of “Little Blue and Little Yellow” by Leo Leonni. My 3 children also love “You’re All My Favourites” by Sam McBratney. So many fantastic books out there! I think the list could go on forever
S Bell

Another really great book: Harry The happy Hopper.. about a frog with some wise perspective.
I actually found a site for it. Great book too!!
http://www.harrythehappyhopper.com/
Rebecca

You Are My I Love You – Maryann Cusimano. Tears for mama every time.
http://www.facebook.com/kendradorr Kendra Dorr

How full is your bucket for kids by Tom Rath. One of our very favorites!!!
Stacy

So many favorites on this list! I’m a nanny &I have read a good chunk of these before. One that I stumbled up (ironically, a college professor gave it to me because he thought I’d relate) was Leo The Late Bloomer. It basically has a great lesson for kids & parents & teaches you that things happen for people when they’re ready (which also reminds everyone to have some patience)
http://twitter.com/ElainaMWatkins Elaina

My children’s summer reading list just got longer. My deepest thanks for this list.
http://www.facebook.com/sitaramdas Daniel Sitaram Das Shankin

I was all tense until i got to the very end, zen shorts is one of my favorite children’s books!
Colleen Duncan Canavan

I actually just wrote my first children’s book that is on MeeGenius.com and is now avail on ipad, iphone, android as well as just a plain ol’ reg computer and it was inspired by my two children. My daughter “the big sister” and my son “the baby brother.” One day they were playing and he made her laugh and she bent down and took his face in the palm of her hands and said, “Thank you for coming to me baby brother” and it just melted my heart, so I wrote a book about it! It was in their 2012 author’s challenge children’s book contest and it was just published on Friday! It’s called “My Baby Brother” by Colleen Duncan Canavan and it’s all about the big sister feeling excited to get to be the one to teach her new baby brother everything she knows. I could tell my daughter felt empowered after I read it to her. And trust me, it took a while for her to accept this new baby “stranger” into her world! So the sweet moment they shared that inspired the book was the first of many after her having such a hard adjustment with having a new sibling. The book can be found under the “Family” category and it sells for $2.99. Thanks for letting me plug my 1st children’s book! haha! I’m very excited about it!
Celine

Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney should be added to this list- it’s a wonderful book with a positive message about the world and beautiful painted illustrations. It has been my favorite children’s book for years. I highly recommend it.
http://www.facebook.com/julie.leahy.ordung Julie Leahy Ordung

another great children’s book with a positive message is called: Peach and Blue check it out, you will fall in love!
deanne

There’s no such place as far away by Richard bach and old Turtle by douglas wood as both great and have wonderful illustrations.
damma

Please consider “Cowboy Tad the Triangle Man” about a cowboy who is afraid he will be bullied by the cowhands if they know his head has a point. One day he has to decide if he has the courage to warn them of a coming storm and risk his hat blowing off his head. This story deals with self-confidence, courage, friendship and acceptance of differences.
sharon

One of my personal favorites is Alligator Boy by Diane Goode – a great read about individuality!
winnotta

As excellent as this list is, most of the book covers show caucasian characters. How sad that we are not teaching diversity to our children along with these good messages.
http://www.facebook.com/susan.werb.9 Susan Werb

Wonderful list…especially love Curtis’ All I See is Part of Me….please add Positively Mother Goose by Loomans, Kolberg and Loomans and That’s Good! That’s Bad! by Catrow
http://www.facebook.com/caroline.kassabian.5 Caroline Kassabian

The OK Book … is excellent!
Pat

This list is very helpful! May I also recommend a list my church made? We took the church mission statement and found children’s books to match–on welcoming all God’s children, celebrating the transforming power of God … peace, social justice, personal empowerment, spiritual growth … openness to share beliefs, doubts, struggles, growth, in the context of mutual respect…Our purpose is to reach out taking the risk of opening ourselves to the possiblity of making the stranger a friend. http://www.amazon.com/Brea-Congregational-Churchs-Childrens-years/lm/R2SLZYKYJBS2VP
Dani

Great list, thanks a bunch! I’m about to have my first child and I really hope to instill my love of reading in them. My mom always read books when I was growing up, and encouraged me to read as well. I always feel so bad for people who don’t enjoy reading…
Joanne Wells

Hi Julie,
I’d love for you to review my books LUCKY DAY and PRINCESS FOXY BLUE to add to your list.. They are true stories with positive messages to teach children about responsibility and kind treatment of animals. If you would like me to send you free copies to review, you may contact me at jojosartandbooks@yahoo.com or on Facebook. Thanks! Joanne Wells
P.S. Wonderful books on your list!
Stephanie B.

You must read Ms.Rumphious & Seven Silly Eaters, both have Great messages! Stephanie B. Virginia
Averil

Thank you, I also love

Giraffes Can’t Dance

by

Giles Andreae,
Guy Parker-Rees (Illustrator)
ellie

would love a list like this for 7-12 year old boys
http://www.facebook.com/ConnieBowenArtistAuthor Connie Bowen

Thank you so much, Julie, for including my “I Believe In Me” book in your article of 50 Inspiring Children’s Books with a Positive Message. I now have a new children’s affirmation eBook out entitled “I Create My World; the Power of Thought to Shape Our Lives: A Book of Affirmations.” It’s endorsed by Michael Bernard Beckwith and others.

Thank you, Julie.
I appreciate you so much!
Connie Bowen
http://www.facebook.com/ConnieBowenArtistAuthor Connie Bowen

I forgot to add: My new ebook “I Create My World; the Power of Thought to Shape Our Lives: A Book of Affirmations” is available on amazon’s Kindle and iTunes.
http://www.facebook.com/pieceofpeacearts Stephanie Crane

What I Be by Michael Franti
http://www.facebook.com/claire.daniel.52 Claire Daniel

Some Dogs Do by Jez Alborough is also really good! Loving the list, came accross it by accident.
Denise

I know this is an older thread but would like to add “Hope for the Flowers” by Trina Paulus and the Ferret series by Richard Bach. Thanks for sharing the list. Lots of great ones and several I hadn’t heard of yet but I’ll be reading soon!
http://www.facebook.com/kelly.s.chapman.7 Kelly Struempf Chapman

Incredible list!! I want to add PAPER BAG PRINCESS. for all little girls!
Kitty

All in a Day by Cynthia Rylant. Definitely belongs on this list
Roberta Schramm

I would highly recommend all of Elisabeth Rose Wild’s books…they are all wonderful and teach beautifully written lessons on being mindful and having connection to spirit and peace for children. She is the founder of “A Brighter Light in the World” and teaches mindfulness to inner city children in New York as a non profit organization.
Jen

One we just rediscovered and pulled off our shelf today is “Sylvester and the Magic Pebble” by William Steig.
http://www.facebook.com/mayrisrobles Mayra Robles

nice list, any title for coloring?
http://www.facebook.com/silvia.s.rodrigues Silvia Sofia Rodrigues

Me, All Alone, At the End of the World
http://www.facebook.com/kate.trafford Kate Trafford

A wonderful list, with quite a few ‘new’ ones for me to look out for!

I would also add these family favourites, which all have a powerfully positive / inspiring message:
- The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
- How Full is Your Bucket? For Kids by Tom Rath
- Little Soul and the Sun by Neale Donald Walsch

xxx
http://www.facebook.com/anna.hatridge Anna Hatridge

Thank you so much for this great list of books. I am a discussion leader for the Missouri Humanities Council’s Read From the Start program and your list is going to be very helpful to many families. I am recommending http://www.ReadFromTheStart.org as a great resource of information for all.
http://twitter.com/AlexandraGnoske Alexandra Gnoske

Wonderful! Always looking for great books. Wrote earlier this month on the importance of giving books as gifts to kids. It hasn’t made the best seller list, but check out ‘Loui Saves the Earth.’ Shows kids that no matter how young you are you can make a difference
yecats883

You are Special – Max Lucado
Adeline

my favorite book for little ones is I Love You This Much by Sue Buchanan and Lyn Hodges. All three of my children can quote it, my husband too!
Lisa Redfern

Another sweet book ~ Toby Bear and the Healing Light by Lisa Boulton. It teaches children the healing power of focused thought as told through a stuffed bear. http://www.TobyBearStories.com

What a great list ~THANK YOU ~ We love (#16) Incredible You …and will be adding more from your list to our library.
Audra

A relatively new book, Papa’s New Home, should be included on this list
Carousse

Any Ladybug Girl, she’s a big favourite of ours and she’s confident!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=684016619 Shiuli Lara Dutt

Thanks for this one ! will see how much my 4 yr old can understand