Growth Mindset Books for Kids That Teach Important Life Lessons

Here’s a list of the best growth mindset books about life lessons for kids that share meaningful morals and values.

As a childcare worker and a parent, I have noticed how deeply children are touched by growth mindset books for kids that share meaningful morals and values. This makes reading books about life lessons to kids is an easy way to share valuable lessons with the children in our lives. You might also like this list of kids’ books that help children understand their feelings and emotions.

Most of the children’s growth mindset books on this list are written by educators, doctors, spiritual teachers, and respected authors of adult books that recognize the need to share these essential life-changing topics with the leaders of tomorrow–our children. And this makes Children’s books that teach valuable lessons just as important for adults to read. May we all be inspired by this list of books for kids that teach children important life lessons!

Related: Books That Help Kids Develop Healthy Personal Boundaries

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Growth Mindset Books for Kids

Initially, this collection of life-changing children’s books that teach important life lessons was placed according to the publisher’s recommended age ranges, with books for younger children listed first.

Many publishers have been doing away with the silly practice of limiting age ranges on universally loved books, so I decided to do the same. Besides, most of these books about life lessons are just as beneficial for adults to read!

This is not a static book list for children–I have updated it and will continue to update this children’s book list, add more books that teach children moral values, and share wonderful messages when I find them.

Help children learn to see the world differently with these beautiful books about valuable life lessons that will stick with them long after reading them. Be sure to bookmark this page and check back often to see all the growth mindset books we continue to find for children! You might also enjoy this list of Anger Management Books for Kids.

**Click on the title of each children’s book about life lessons for purchase information and reviews.**

Books for Kids That Teach Important Life Lessons

This list of children’s growth mindset books shares powerful lessons about courage and grit, differences in perspective, adventures, empathy, how to claim your power, learn from mistakes, be you, love yourself, get along better with classmates, and even deal with those days full of tears. May we all be inspired by this list of books about life lessons for kids.

Related: Self-Regulation Strategies for Kids

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

The first book on the list is a childhood favorite, and Shel Silverstein has long been one of my favorite authors. This book about the value of giving and “Where the Sidewalk Ends” were two of my favorite books as a child. “The Giving Tree” is a wonderful book for readers of all ages that offers a sweet interpretation of the gift of giving and unjudgemental acceptance of another’s capacity to love in return.

Beautiful Hands by Bret Baumgarten and Kathryn Otoshi

Little hands can do so many beautiful things. So the author created this book to inspire children everywhere to use their power to help themselves and others achieve their dreams! 

Some Helpful Tips for a Better World and a Happier Life by Rebecca Doughty

Here’s an extraordinary book with tips to make this a better world and a happier place. This book has affected my daughter so profoundly that she makes funny faces in the mirror every day… one of the many excellent tips in this sweet book.

Only One You by Linda Kranz

“There’s only one you in this great big world. So make it a better place!” How can you not love a book with that important lesson?

Here’s a story about a mother and father sharing some wisdom they have gained with their eager son through the years. Their simple yet powerful words are meant to comfort and guide him as he explores the world on his own.

Related: Books About Love Between Parent and Child

Amazing Children’s Growth Mindset Books

You Be You by Linda Kranz

A companion book to the bestselling Only One You listed above. With its universal theme that life is the most incredible journey of all and its celebration of the differences between all creatures, You Be You offers a positive message to readers of all ages.

Beautiful Oops by Barney Salzburg

This sweet book illustrates a life lesson that all parents want their children to learn, It’s Okay to make mistakes because a mistake can be an adventure in creativity!

All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon

A celebration of the world and humankind told through simple rhyming text and beautiful illustrations. There is so much about this book that catches a child’s imagination and how it can help enrich their understanding of the world around them.

What Do You Do with an Idea by Kobi Yamada

An excellent book that will inspire your kids and your whole family! Here’s a story for anyone who’s ever had an idea that seemed too big, odd, or complex. Learn how to nurture your thoughts, and you can change the world.

The author has written a few more beautiful books that teach children powerful life lessons. I like to think that we may have inspired each other to continue to share lessons like these with the most important people in the world–our children.

A few of Kobi Yamada’s newest books for kids that teach important life lessons are listed below:

• 1)What do You do With a Problem
• 2) What do You do With a Chance
• 3) What You Do Matters Boxed Set
• 4) What do You do With An Idea Gift Set

Related: Best Parenting Books

Inspiring Books About Life Lessons

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

This funny book offers a perfect example of the rewards of perseverance and creativity. A girl decides to make something magnificent. Her efforts show children the importance of planning, gathering supplies, building, and not giving up when a good idea doesn’t initially work out.

What Should Danny Do?  by Adir Levy and Ganit Levy

Show your child how important the power of their choice is with this fun interactive book. “What Should Danny Do?” is written in a “Choose Your Own Story” style, where children get to choose what Danny does as they follow him through his day.

You may also enjoy a book about important lessons by the same authors titled “What Should Danny Do? School Day.”

As children navigate through the different moral storylines and choices that Danny makes, they begin to see how their good and bad choices shape their lives into what they will be.

I think I am by Louise L. Hay

This book is not the most well-written children’s book in the world, but it delivers the powerful lesson that our thoughts create our reality in a way that children might understand.

Reading this book to our children can help them learn about the powerful idea that they have control over their thoughts and words and what happens in our lives.

The Thankful Book by Todd Parr

This silly little book shares things to be thankful for and can help teach gratitude any time of the year.

Related: Gratitude Books for Kids That Inspire Thankfulness

Children’s Books That Teach Important Life Lessons

An Awesome Book by Dallas Clayton

Based on the simple concept of dreaming big, An Awesome Book! is the inspiring debut work of Los Angeles writer and artist Dallas Clayton. Written in the vein of classic, imaginative tales, it is a sure hit for all generations, young and old.

An Awesome Book of Thanks by Dallas Clayton

Children can enjoy this whimsical little book of thanks year-round. It conveys all the ways one can be thankful and all the different things in life to be thankful for. While geared toward young children, it is a book for the masses that spans age groups, gender, geographical, racial, and religious boundaries.

You may also enjoy “An Awesome Book of Love” by the same author

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by James Dean

Pete, the cat, is a super cool dude that never lets anything ruin his good attitude. No matter what happens to Pete, “It’s all good.” The fun rhymes and lyrical text are sure to please every child.

There are several other “Pete the Cat” books,” and we love and recommend them all. Each fun story helps teach children to be resilient no matter what comes their way.

I Am Yoga by Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds

This sweet book teaches children and adults about the transformative power of yoga. Not only does it strengthen bodies and calm minds, but with a little imagination, it shows us that ANYTHING is possible! 

Related: Kids Yoga Tips for Getting Started

“I Am Yoga“ encourages children to explore the world of Yoga and make room in their hearts for the world beyond it. You may also like “I am Peace,” “I am Love,” and “I am Human” by the same authors.

Related: Social-Emotional Development Games for Children

Books For Kids with Powerful Lessons

Dreams Do Come True… All They Need Is You! by Mike Dooley

Through an inspiring story, this book shares the powerful message that thoughts become things. Its simple text will seed real beliefs in real children about how to manifest the lives of their best and most magical dreams.

Reach for the Stars: and Other Advice for Life’s Journey by Serge Bloch

This sweet little book is for anyone celebrating a milestone, from preschoolers to college grads. It is a wonderful way to encourage and congratulate those that feel ready to spread their wings and fly. 

One of Those Days by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Illustrated by Rebecca Doughty

This is a good little book about getting through those days when things don’t go the way you want them to. It shows children they are not alone in their ‘BIG’ feelings, bad moods, sadness, frustrations, and tears. Everyone has one of ‘those days’ sometimes.

Be Happy by Monica Sheehan

This sweet and inspirational book reminds us of the simple things that make for a happier life: making friends, being thankful, dreaming big, and most of all—being happy!

Related: Calm Down Sensory Bottles 101

Children’s Books About Growth MIndset

Whoever You Are by Mem Fox and illustrated by Leslie Staub

This simple and beautifully illustrated book urges us to accept our differences, recognize our similarities, and rejoice in our uniqueness. Every day worldwide, children laugh and cry, play and learn, eat and sleep. Their lives may be quite different. But inside, we are all alike.

Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun by Maria Dismondy and illustrated by Kimberly Shaw-Peterson

This children’s book teaches that being different is cool–while being mean isn’t! This sweet story shares the ultimate strategy to combat bullying; respect, kindness, and being your best self—a wonderful read for children of all ages. 

Incredible You! 10 Ways to Let Your Greatness Shine Through by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Wayne believes it’s never too early for children to know they’re powerful beings with everything they need to create happy lives. We think it is an excellent book for parents and children to look at together.

Unstoppable Me! 10 Ways to Soar Through Life by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Reading this book teaches children to hold on to the no-limit thinking rather than just trying to “fit in.” They can learn to truly enjoy life and become unstoppable as they strive to attain their dreams.

Related: Something to Read: Book Gift Ideas for Kids

Books for Kids That Share Powerful Lessons

No Excuses! How What You Say Can Get in Your Way  by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

This message within this children’s book is invaluable because excuses can do more harm than we realize. And this simple story shares helps illustrate to children that excuses limit what we can achieve.

I Am: Why Two Little Words Mean So Much by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

I AM shares a simple yet profound message with children: God is not far off in the distance or merely beside us. We are not separate from God—we are God!

It’s Not What You’ve Got by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Children’s earliest thoughts and perceptions about money last throughout their lives, and this book can help you begin to address the topics of money and abundance with them safely.

There will always be someone with more than you think you have and someone with less than what you have. Teaching children to be positive at all income levels can build self-esteem, pride, and confidence.

I Believe in Me by Connie Bowen

This sweet little book contains 27 affirmations that will inspire you and your child to be all you can be.

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Books for Kids That Share Morals and Values

On My Way to a Happy Life by Deepak Chopra

Combat depression with this lovely book for children. Kid’s love rhymes–and this children’s growth mindset book rhymes its wisdom of the ages on every page. The ideas in this book are the most timeless laws of the universe–presented in simple terms that young children can easily understand. And this children’s book about life’s lessons can help our children start believing in these ideas early in life to find meaning, purpose, and happiness.

Guardians of Being by Eckhart Tolle and Illustrated by Patrick McDonnell

This book celebrates and reminds us of the oneness of all life; and the wonder, joy, and beauty in the present moment.

Beautiful Girl: Celebrating the Wonders of Your Body by Christine Northrup

Dr. Northrup believes that helping girls learn at a young age to value the wonder and uniqueness of their bodies can have positive benefits that will last throughout their lives. By reading this lovely book, little girls will learn that their bodies are perfect–just like they are.

The Way I Act by Janian Cain

This book gently guides children to understand how their actions express who they are. It helps adults discuss concepts with kids that are not easy to explain. Helping kids improve behavior and grow into kind people seems to be the goal of this lovely book.

Related: Best Positive Discipline Books for Parents and Educators

Growth Mindset Books for Kids

My Strong Mind by Niels van Hove

This lovely children’s book aspires to educate children and parents about mental toughness. Introduce your children to mental strength and teach them techniques to develop their own “strong mind” with this powerful book for children.

I Can Handle It by Laurie Wright

Positive self-talk is essential for improving and maintaining mental health. Reading these mindful mantra books with our children is a great way to plant positivity into a child’s mind.

Children will begin to incorporate the mindful mantra I Can Handle It almost immediately after reading this book for kids. Even if they are not saying the words aloud, reading this book can help kids practice this mantra until it is a part of their self-talk.

I Can Do Hard Things by Gabi Garcia

What we tell ourselves matters! This statement is just as true for kids as it is for adults. Mindful affirmations can help your child tune out the streams of messages they get about how they should be in the world.

Read this powerful book to help your children tap into their inner strength and find the encouragement they need to navigate their daily environment.

Think for Myself by Kristy Hammill

The ability to think independently is becoming more critical now than ever before. If you want your children to start making their own decisions in life–this book about life lessons is perfect for your family!

Wanting to fit in is expected–but that doesn’t mean we should all look and act the same. Teach your children that it is okay to think for themselves using the lessons in this powerful book for children.

You may also like “Think for Myself at School,” written by the same author.

Related: Gratitude Activities and Crafts

Children’s Books That Teach Powerful Lessons

Find Your Happy! by Patricia May

Here’s a great book to help give kids a healthy mindset and deal with depression in an overstimulating and crazy world. With the less-than-positive messages our children receive daily from the media, peers, etc., a child-friendly book about life lessons can go a long way.

Starting with positive messages such as “I am important,” the book moves through introspective happy thoughts, ways to be mindful using yoga, ways to engage in nature, and how to be grateful as an easy way to feel more satisfied with life.

You Should You Should by Ginny Tilby

Children will love this fun story about how important it is to be yourself. In this book, Hippo tries to fit in by acting like someone he is not. He keeps trying to fit in, but it isn’t until he tries to be himself that he finds the perfect fit.

Have You Filled a Bucket Today by Carol McCloud

This heartwarming book encourages positive behavior by using the concept of an invisible bucket to show children how easy and rewarding it is to express kindness, appreciation, and love by “filling buckets.”

This edition will help readers understand that “bucket dipping” is a negative behavior, not a permanent label. It also explains that it’s possible to fill or dip into our buckets to feel more fulfilled in life.

Harry the Happy Mouse: Teaching Children to be Kind to Each Other by NG K

Harry, the Happy Mouse, is a cheerful, traditional story about a mouse called Harry, where children learn that a little bit of kindness can go a long way! A powerful kids’ book that can help teach our children about being kind and the value of helping others.

Related: Kindness Sugar Cookie Recipe

Books for Kids That Teach Life Lessons

Listening to My Body by Gabi Garcia

This important children’s book is a wonderful resource for parents, counselors, and teachers to help kids build on their capacity to be mindful, self-regulate, and develop emotional resilience.

Use this interactive book and other kids’ books about feelings and emotions to help guide children through the practice of naming their feelings and the sensations that accompany them.

The author has also written “Listening with my Heart” and several other children’s books that teach important life lessons that are equally wonderful.

Oh, The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss

This book shares a wonderful lesson about life’s ups, downs, ins, and outs for kids and adults of all ages. This wonderfully wise graduation speech is the perfect send-off for children starting in the world, whether nursery school, high school, or college grads!

The Girl Who Thought In Pictures by Julia Finley Mosca

Even if we don’t struggle with the same challenges as Temple has, we have all felt different at some point in our lives. This sweet story tells how one girl turned what others saw as a weakness into a super-powered strength.

Temple learned that she was different, not less. A wonderful lesson to share with children inspires them to find their strengths, even if they are different from everyone else.

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Here’s a book with one of my daughter’s favorite characters–the Lorax. Originally published in 1971, this classic story goes all out to show the devastating consequences of human greed–and what can happen to the environment when humans misuse and take advantage of nature and natural resources.

This warning remains true today amidst the dangers of clear-cutting, pollution, and a general disregard for the earth’s environment. Please read this book to your children to remind them how our day-to-day choices affect our environment and planet. You might also enjoy Caring for the Earth: 12 Ways to Help Kids Get It.

Powerful Books That Teach Morals and Values for Children

We hope you and your children enjoy this wonderful collection of kids’ books that teach important life lessons.

When we read books for kids that teach important life lessons, we help our children start believing in these ideas early in life; our children are much better equipped to find meaning, purpose, and happiness.

May we all be inspired by these powerful moral lessons for our children and ourselves as parents, caregivers, and educators.

Learn more about Rhythms of Play HERE!

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