Raise your hand if you grew up watching “Reading Rainbow!” That show is still iconic because it taught children the magic of reading. We can visit places in books that we might not ever actually visit. We can meet people whose presence we will probably never really be in. That’s the power of a book.
Not only do we get to go new places, but we also get to learn new things. We get inspired. We find encouragement. Imagine the power of a book in the hands of a child!
In this article, we’re sharing our top 12 children’s books for children that teach and inspire.
1. Wondrous You: Empowering Poems for Magical Kids is a delightful book of universal truths and empowering 
messages for kids told through inspiring poetry and colorfully-illustrated affirmations. The book reinforces important concepts such as healing begins within and words have power.
2. Fairy Cornbread brings readers into Zoe’s world, introducing concepts of family, giving, and courage, all with a 
drop of magic and a sprinkle of suspense. It’s a fun and engaging picture book featuring a modern day African-American family. It’s a dose of of culture, tradition and love.
3. My Lil’ Ladybug Friend (The Brooke Lynn Adventures): On a quest to find a ladybug she befriended the day 
before, Brooke Lynn learns perseverance pays off. Bravely, she searches for her newfound friend. Being kind, positive and mindful of her surroundings pays off – right in her own back yard!
4. The Adventures of Joshua and Pip: On a blissfully bright day, Joshua decides to fly his cardboard box down Oak 
Tree Hill. Unfortunately, his attempts all end in failure. Joshua experiences many emotions. Suddenly, a new kid shows up. Will Pip have the answer Joshua needs to make his cardboard box fly?
5. Robotastic! is a brand-new children’s book about robots and friendship. It is a STEM book that 
teaches hard work and perseverance– not just wishes– are what make dreams come true. Robotastic! started as a bedtime story by a mom to her three kids, and has turned into so much more.
6. Quinten Visits the Beach: A Story About Coping with Autism Quinten, like most kids with autism, can’t always 
communicate his needs verbally. As he overcomes each challenge, the reader can see his thought process as he manages each problem. Quinten learns to cope with his autism in a new environment and eventually figures out what is fun for him to do at the beach.
7. The Vehicles of the Town is a rhyming picture book for kids 2-4. Take a journey 
through the city and explore different vehicles and places! Pass by construction sites, watch firefighters in action, ask a police officer for help, and more! Enjoy the ride with cute illustrations and a short rhyming story, which makes it also a perfect read for bedtime.
8. The Kid Biz series is designed to plant the seed of entrepreneurship in children ages 5 to 8 as they learn how to 
earn money. In the series, the three main characters–Daisy, Robert, and Karim–are neighborhood friends who devise witty ideas to earn money for cool toys, trips, and prizes. There are currently four books in the series. Children who read the books will learn the importance of finances, friendship, and fortitude.
9. Who God says I Am – Girls Edition & Boys Edition: I am’s are a positive affirmations of who your children are in 
Christ. A gentle reminder of their importance to Christ and the world. The I am’s give your children the confidence needed to pursue their calling and help them know their true identity in Christ.
10. What do you see when you take a look at me? is an introduction to the subject of perseverance and resilience. Research shows that 
children who develop resilience are better equipped to learn from failure and adapt to change. The simple, yet powerful words and detailed illustrations, allows the reader to connect with the characters’ positive traits and enables children to emerge from challenging experiences with a positive sense of themselves and their futures.
11. My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams: Posed in traditional ballet attire, the friends had no idea that a chance encounter at the Lee 
Monument would catapult them into the spotlight while serving as a beacon of hope for millions of young activists around the world. This book encourages young people to use their gifts to promote social change.
12. A Million More Kisses: As their relationship blossoms, Nonnie gets dementia and we watch the 
family take care of her at home! Geronimo learns trust, patience, empathy and self discipline!
What lessons did you learn from your favorite children’s books as a child? We’d love to hear from you!
