Kids Books that teach resilience – age 3-5

When Floyd’s kite gets stuck in a tree, he’s determined to get it out. But how? Well, by knocking it down with his shoe, of course. But strangely enough, it too gets stuck. And the only logical course of action… is to throw his other shoe. Only now it’s stuck! Surely there must be something he can use to get his kite unstuck. An orangutan? A boat? His front door? Yes, yes, and yes. And that’s only the beginning. Childlike in concept and vibrantly illustrated as only Oliver Jeffers could, here is a picture book worth rescuing from any tree. Incredibly funny – even after multiple readings – this is one of the more humorous kids books that teach resilience.

First-time kids’ book author Shirin Yim Bridges uses a tender family story to travel back to turn-of-the-century China and teach a proto-feminist lesson about perseverance and self-belief – and handles the conflict between Chinese tradition and young Ruby’s longing to attend university with grace and compassion. Young Ruby lives in a large (and wealthy) Chinese family, in a gigantic “house filled with the shrieks and laughter of over one hundred children.” She stands out because she insists on always wearing red, the color of celebration but even more so because of her quiet dissatisfaction with the family’s traditional gender inequity. Determined to study reading and writing – even when it means long hours catching up on more wifely training – Ruby eventually comes to the attention of her grandfather, the wise house patriarch, who springs a surprise as the time for her to wed approaches. Not only is this a wonderful example of kids books that teach resilience… the story is also true!

When seven-year-old Kondi decides to fashion his very own galimoto (a generic term for various push-toys made from wires and sticks), his older brother is convinced that a small boy should not undertake such a difficult project. Besides, the elder brother reminds him, Kondi does not have enough wire to make a toy. Readers follow this clever boy through his small African village on his quest to obtain the precious material from adults and other children through persuasion and old-fashioned know-how. Although he encounters many obstacles in his search, Kondi’s persistence is rewarded. Stock’s bright watercolor illustrations energize this quiet tale. Best of all, you’ll cheer Kondi as he sees his galimoto goal is realised. Resilience personified!

Haughton’s simple and amusing tale with retro colors, and folksy artwork offers a fresh view to an often-used plot. Little Owl falls from the nest while sleeping. He meets a squirrel who promises to help him find his mother, but Squirrel uses each descriptor (“Big Eyes,” “Pointy Ears”) to find the wrong animal. Finally, they meet Frog, who says: “I know your mommy….Your mommy’s looking everywhere for you.” Owl and owlet are reunited, and the new friends are invited up for cookies. The spare, repetitive text is just right for a preschool audience, and will quickly have young listeners chiming in. Meanwhile, the stylised artwork does a wonderful job of conveying movement and encouraging page turns. Definitely one for younger readers, although the artwork itself is gallery worthy.

Another one of the kids books that teach resilience featuring an anthropomorphised animal to make it’s case, Scaredy Squirrel never leaves his nut tree as it’s way too dangerous out there. He could encounter tarantulas, green Martians or killer bees. But in his tree, every day is the same and if danger comes along, he’s well-prepared. Scaredy Squirrel’s emergency kit includes antibacterial soap, Band-Aids and a parachute. Day after day he watches and waits, and waits and watches, until one day ? his worst nightmare comes true! Scaredy suddenly finds himself out of his tree, where germs, poison ivy and sharks lurk. But as Scaredy Squirrel leaps into the unknown, he discovers something really uplifting? A fun tale of resilience and one that younger kids will adore.

Nancy thinks that Bree’s new glasses are simply spectacular. After all, they are lavender. They are glittery. And best of all, they come in a silver case. So when Bree tells Nancy all about her trip to the eye doctor, Nancy can’t help but wonder if her own eyesight is perhaps getting a little blurry too. . . .

With a glossary of Fancy Nancy’s Fancy Words in the back, this addition to the Fancy Nancy I Can Read series is sure to delight young readers everywhere! For any child requiring glasses or that already wears glasses, this story of resilience and friendship will really strike a chord.

Stanley Birdbaum couldn’t be more excited. He has rolled and wrapped and dyed his hair. He has dipped it and sprayed it and made it, well, perfect. He is ready to celebrate Crazy Hair Day at school. But when Stanley saunters up to the classroom, he learns, to his horror, that Crazy Hair Day is . . . next week. To make matters worse, today is School Picture Day, and everyone is expected to line up for the class photo! What’s Stanley to do? Stanley is young, loves his school and makes a small mistake. Children will enjoy this story of resilience… especially the ending.

Chrysanthemum is a funny and honest school story about teasing, self-esteem, and acceptance. Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect – until her first day of school. “You’re named after a flower!” teases Victoria. “Let’s smell her,” says Jo. Chrysanthemum wilts. What will it take to make her blossom again?

This popular picture book has sold more than a million copies and was named a Notable Book for Children by the American Library Association. Kids will appreciate what it’s like to be teased and hopefully this empathy will assist them as they embark on their journey through school – and life.

Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what about when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will like her. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she tells the class that she will choose a name by the following week. Her new classmates are fascinated by this no-name girl and decide to help out by filling a glass jar with names for her to pick from. But while Unhei practices being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, one of her classmates comes to her neighborhood and discovers her real name and its special meaning. On the day of her name choosing, the name jar has mysteriously disappeared. Encouraged by her new friends, Unhei chooses her own Korean name and helps everyone pronounce it—Yoon-Hey. This really is a lovely little book with a beautiful and thoughtful ending.