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My mom (before children or B.C. as we joke!) co-owned a bookstore in a town near us. As a result, we grew up with tons of children’s books. Even though I am an adult, I sure do love children’s books for their ability to translate complex ideas into simpler ones—like the feeling of joy!
Here are five children’s books I think demonstrate the idea of living with more joy! See if any of them resonate with you to read with a child—or yourself!
#1: The Best Part of the Day by Sarah Ban Breathnach
This is such a fun read! Taking you through the seasons, The Best Part of the Day shows the reader all the good-and joy- there is in each and every day. It’s a powerful reminder to take the time to think about what went well during your day, a lesson that both children and adults can learn!
“Each part of the year brings lots of good reasons to treasure the gifts we find in each season.” -Sarah Ban Breathnach, The Best Part of the Day
#2: Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
If I had to pick a favorite children’s book, this is honestly it! Miss Rumphius follows one woman’s journey from identifying her dreams as a child, to living them! It’s such a wonderful book about going after the dreams that will bring you joy! A winner of the American Book Award, this book is truly such a gem!
” ‘When I grow up, I too will go to faraway places, and when I grow old, I too will live beside the sea.’ ” -Barbara Cooney, Miss Rumphius
#3: Bless Us All by Cynthia Rylant
Similar to The Best Part of The Day, Bless Us All takes us month by month through the year and reminds us to see all the blessings present in each month. It’s a terrific reminder in the joy of taking time to be grateful!
“Bless the wonders, bless the glories, Bless the world and all its stories.” -Cynthia Rylant, Bless Us All
#4: The Third Story Cat by Leslie Baker
The Third Story Cat follows the tale of a kitty cat who lives in a third-story apartment and has dreams of going to the park it sees across the street. Then, one day, the cat decides to go! Much like Miss Rumphius, the book gives the reader a fantastic message in having the courage to go after your dreams and to live with more joy even when one may face some obstacles along the way!
“Alice was a third-story cat. […] Every day Alice would look out the window and wish that she could visit the park across the street—even just once.” -Leslie Baker, The Third Story Cat
#5: Mirette on the High Wire by Emily Arnold McCully
A Caldecott Medal book, Mirette on the High Wire follows one little girl as she discovers her passion—and something that brings her joy— walking on a high wire. It follows the little girl as she sees her mentor struggle with fear and failure, and—ultimately— sees her show us that bravery is needed to pursue your joy!
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