Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse
A Caldecott Honor–winning story about Alexander the mouse who wishes he was a wind-up mouse instead of a real mouse so that people wouldn't chase him with a broom. A beautifully written story of friendship that the whole family will love.
Author
Virtue
Amazon Reviews
Age Range
6-9 Year Olds
4.8 Stars
Friendship
Leo Lionni
A Bargain for Frances
Frances and Thelma are good friends until one day when Thelma tricks Frances into buying her old tea set. There are more Frances adventures available from Russell Hoban. Find more here
Author
Virtue
Amazon Reviews
Age Range
4-8 Year Olds
4.7 Stars
Resolving
Conflict
Russell Hoban
The Carrot Seed
A boy plants a carrot seed, but everyone tries to tell him that the seed won't grow. He waters the seed, he pulls weeds, and he patiently waits for his seed to grow.
Author
Virtue
Amazon Reviews
Age Range
4-8 Year Olds
4.5 Stars
Patience
Ruth Krauss
The Clown of God
Giovanni may be poor and homeless, but he has a talent. Giovanni can juggle. Tomie DePaola is one of the best author/illustrators around! Pick up The Clown of God to inspire your kids to use the talents they have been given.
Author
Virtue
Amazon Reviews
Age Range
4-8 Year Olds
4.9 Stars
Giftedness
Tomie DePaola
The Emperor's New Clothes
This is a fairy tale with an important moral at the center. Telling the truth often has a cost.
Authors
Virtue
Amazon Reviews
Age Range
7-9 Year Olds
3.5 Stars
Truthfulness
Hans Christian Andersen
John Henry: An American Legend
A tale tall that gives kids a hero who fights for what is right. This rhythmic telling of John Henry's story is a picture of selflessness, determination, and bravery.
Author
Virtue
Amazon Reviews
Age Range
4-8 Year Olds
4.4 Stars
Selflessness
Ezra Jack
Keats
Owl Moon
Another classic picture book to add to your home library. This is a moving story about the relationship between a father and his child.
Author
Virtue
Amazon Reviews
Age Range
3-7 Year Olds
4.8 Stars
Love
Jane Yolen
Sheila Rae, the Brave
From author/illustrator Kevin Henkes, we meet Sheila Rae who is not scared of anything. But when she gets lost, it is her "scaredy-cat" sister who comes to Sheila Rae's rescue.
Author
Virtue
Amazon Reviews
Age Range
4-8 Year Olds
4.4 Stars
Sympathy
Kevin Henkes
The Tortoise and the Hare
A timeless tale for the whole family that reminds us over and over again that slow and steady wins the race.
Author
Virtue
Amazon Reviews
Age Range
3-7 Year Olds
4.5 Stars
Perseverance
Janet Stevens
The Ugly Duckling
Most of us have heard the story of the ugly duckling. It has withstood the test of time as it points us to the reality that our identity isn't determined by what others think of us.
Author
Virtue
Amazon Reviews
Age Range
4-8 Year Olds
4.1 Stars
Identity
Hans Christian
Andersen