My Favorite Children's Books
When I became a parent and began reading to my children each night, I quickly learned that there are a lot of awful children’s books out there. Some have bad writing, some have subpar illustrations, and others simply don’t make sense.
When I would stumble across a truly good children’s book, it was like discovering gold. I believe there are 4 key components that make a children’s book great:
Engaging Content: A great book captivates not just the child, but the adult reading it aloud. It's should be a story that both enjoy and look forward to reading together.
Stunning Illustrations: The artwork should be visually appealing and should complement and enhance the story, making the experience immersive.
Meaningful Message: Whether through humor or heartfelt narratives, the story should teach a valuable lesson or moral principle that inspires or uplifts.
Concise Storytelling: With children's short attention spans, the story needs to be just the right length and not drag on.
With this criteria in mind, I started keeping a list of children’s books that are truly great. This list has since become my go-to gift for friends welcoming new additions to their families. While diapers and baby toys are standard and practical gifts, I opted for something I hoped would be unique and meaningful—a collection of stories that could create special shared memories and offer both entertainment and valuable lessons.
Below are a list of 15 children’s books that are truly great. They are worth reading whether you are a child or an adult. They are entertaining, beautiful, just the right length, and they teach profound lessons about how to navigate the world and be the best version of yourself that you can be. Enjoy!
Five Facets of Health: Week 41
If you're new to the 5 Facets of Health, learn more here. Avoid trying to implement everything at once! These suggestions are meant to spark ideas. To build healthy habits, focus on one or two aspects over the next week.
Physical Health
Intuitive eating is an important skill to develop for optimal health. Before you eat, pause and ask yourself if you are actually hungry or if you are just bored or are craving something. Slow down as you eat to give yourself time to realize that you’re full. If you listen to your body, you’ll become better at making healthy choices and controlling your portion size.
"Listen to your body. It's smarter than you."
— Unknown
Action: Before every meal this week, take a moment to assess your hunger levels. Ask yourself, "Am I eating out of hunger or habit?" Use your findings to guide your eating choices.
Mental Health
Embracing curiosity can significantly enhance mental resilience. When faced with challenges, instead of succumbing to fear or frustration, approach the situation with a sense of wonder about how you will adapt and overcome. This shift from apprehension to exploration can transform the way you tackle life's obstacles, opening up new pathways for problem-solving and personal growth.
"The mind that opens to a new idea never returns to its original size."
— Albert Einstein
Action: Each day, identify one challenge or uncertainty you face. Spend a few minutes considering different angles or outcomes, fostering a mindset of curiosity rather than concern.
Emotional/Social Health
Granting others the benefit of the doubt by presuming positive intent can significantly improve your emotional and social well-being. Misunderstandings and frustrations are often the result of misinterpretations. By choosing empathy and understanding over skepticism, you foster a more compassionate and fulfilling way to interact with the world around you.
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
— Ian Maclaren
Action: This week, when someone's actions bewilder or upset you, pause to consider their possible motivations. Approach the situation with empathy, and if appropriate, initiate a conversation to clarify their intent.
Spiritual Health
Integrating moments of quiet reflection into your daily routine can deepen your spiritual connection, whether to a higher power, the universe, or your inner self. The constant noise and busyness of modern life often drown out the quiet whispers of insight and guidance. By creating space for stillness, you open yourself to profound experiences of connection and understanding.
"In the silence, we can find ourselves, and in ourselves, we can find truth."
— Unknown
Action: Dedicate a few minutes each morning or evening to sit in silence. Use this time to reflect, meditate, or pray. Observe the impact on your spiritual well-being over the week.
Financial Health
Achieving financial success is more feasible when you focus your efforts on areas that leverage your passion and expertise. This alignment enhances your ability to spot opportunities and persevere through challenges. Investing in what you know and love not only promises better returns but also makes the journey more enjoyable and fulfilling.
"Invest in what you know; your success and satisfaction will be your own."
— Warren Buffett
Action: Reflect on your passions and areas of expertise. Identify one way you can invest your time or resources this week to further your financial knowledge or explore a new opportunity within these areas.