Children’s books are one of the great asset of literature. They act similar to teachers because they are amongst many resources that helps children open their eyes to the cruelty and beauty of the world. Also, they carry essential values that readers may bring and live up to when they grow up. These values include but are not limited to love, kindness, gratitude, forgiveness, patience, courage, and respect. Children literature is also a good avenue for children’s communication skill development. It also can help these young minds shape up their behaviors and attitude towards socializing, problem-solving, and life in general.
It is important for kids to learn to harness their skills in reading and comprehension in order for them to understand and process information accurately especially when they come of age. There are numerous benefits children’s literature brings, such as teaching life lessons, expanding vocabulary, developing comprehension, enhancing speaking skills, building confidence, and increasing awareness about the world. Hence, this article has compiled some of the best children’s books with important lessons that kids can carry on as they grow and deal with life.
- The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
First published in April 1943, this classic fairytale is narrated by a pilot who had crashed landed in the Sahara Desert. It centers on who the narrator called The Little Prince and the bond that they created. The pilot began telling the tale by talking about his journey dealing with adults when he was a kid and his own experience a grown-up. Everything comes into view when he met the Little Prince in the desert where he was left stranded. They got acquainted with one another and began telling each other stories. The Little Prince talked about how he lived alone in his planet, when he met different people and creatures when he visited various asteroids, who he loved, and what tamed him. The mixture of emotions that boiled up from the stories of the Little Prince that touched not just the narrator’s heart but also the reader’s. This book teaches the value of friendship, solitude, and love in a simple but best way.
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio
This award-winning book by R.J Palacio is inspired by the song of Natalie Merchant called Wonder. The story revolves around the main character, Auggie Pullman, and how he made a difference. Growing up enclosed to his home with only his family, his dog, and Star Wars to get along with every day, going out and experiencing life outside their home with a Treacher Collins Syndrome is not a piece of cake for Auggie. Going to an actual school for the first time in his life is terrifying for him. As the story progressed, issues about bullying, prejudice, and isolation were raised. However, this book is not titled “Wonder” if it only tackles the bad. Even though life gets rough for little Auggie, he continued to face the bullies, began making friends, and proved to everybody that he is also a kid that contains greatness regardless of what he looks like. This novel encourages children to be kind, bold, and courageous.
- Charlie the Click Bug by Ray Sobrino Jr.
Charlie the Click Bug is one of the stories written by Ray Sobrino Jr. aside from Ralphie the Roach and Esther and the Revolution. The fable spins around a tiny bug with an epilepsy who, unlike others, cannot control his clicking. This story is relatable to every child with medical conditions who fears or worries that they may not have a place in society. Fitting in is always a difficult thing to do, especially if you overthink about it. However, this story shows that each child is capable of overcoming all ordeals that come their way no matter what their condition may be. Being brave against all odds is the value that is mixed in this tale.
- Matilda by Roald Dahl
Good always wins over evil. This is what Matilda is all about. It tells the readers that a child with gifts and wonder can conquer all the bad and awful things done to her. The novel focuses on the story of a gifted child Matilda who is raised in a household where learning is considered unimportant. Her parents are also abusive and insensitive. The little girl is full of enthusiasm towards learning, thus she was sent to a school with a headmistress who hates children. With Matilda’s thirst for learning, she befriended her teacher, Miss Honey, who discovered the girl’s talent. The protagonist soon realizes her full talent, which is telekinesis, and began to face their evil authoritarian headmistress.
- A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
A Little Princess is a tale about a wealthy little girl that has been bullied and maltreated but still continue to show kindness amidst all the misfortunes that life has given her. Sara Crewe is the protagonist of the story. She was sent to a boarding school by her father. For the boarding school’s headmistress, Sara is a jewel because she is the only heiress to the wealth of Captain Crewe. The little girl was showered with attention, privileges, and special treatment. However, when her father died, she was turned into a maid with everything taken away from her — attention, good food, comfortable bed, and more. With that, she discovered who her true friends are and learned to face life on her own. This classic novel for children by Frances Hodgson Burnett teaches the readers to always find the good in every situation and remember to be kind.
Children’s novels help kids to slowly understand that the world is not only about the good but also about the bad. Indeed, these great stories contain lessons and wisdom that everyone — not just children but also adults, can learn and live by.
Oliver’s Twist 