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