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Good Books about Bad Habits
By Holly E. Newton
Are you looking
for picture books that will teach good behavior and a positive attitude?
Here is a list of books that teach specific traits or help to
break bad habits.
 First,
let’s look at a book that beautifully demonstrates how each of us
can made a difference in the world. Max’s Magic Seeds, by
Geraldine Elschner, and beautifully illustrated by Jean-Pierre Corderoch,
begins with young Max excited about his birthday as all of his relatives
arrive. He can’t wait to see what his favorite uncle brings as
a present. And he isn’t disappointed when Uncle Bill brings Max
a large sack full of seeds.
His uncle
excitedly tells Max how he can beautify his walk to school. He
tells Max to spread seeds everywhere while on his walk. Patience
will provide a great surprise to all who pass this same area. What
a great book depicting how small acts of kindness spread goodwill!
 Here
is a book that shows perfectly well how negative comments can
bring about negative behavior. Edwardo: The Horriblest Boy
in the Whole Wide World, written and illustrated by John
Burningham, begins with an ordinary boy — Edwardo. But one time,
when he kicked a toy, someone told him that he was “always kicking
things.” And that he was the roughest boy “in the whole
wide world.”
Another time
he was disciplined for chasing the cat and was told that he “was
the cruelest boy in the whole wide world.” Pretty soon he starts
behaving down to people’s low expectations. Eventually, he’s caught
doing nice things, good things, even kind things. And he becomes
just the “nicest boy in the whole wide world."
 Here
are two simple books with a powerful message about bullies.
The Rat and the Tiger, written and illustrated by
Keiko Kasza, shows how kids larger in stature can take advantage
of their smaller counterparts. Even though Tiger is much bigger
and stronger than his good friend, Rat, it doesn’t mean that he
should always get his way. This simple tale has a powerful punch
that teaches kindness, instead of strength.
 Bossy
Bear, written and illustrated
by David Horvath, has few words but the message is clear!
Bossy Bear is so bossy that eventually no one wants to play with
him until he finally figures out how to be nice!
How about
the tattletale? The Tattletale, by Lynn Downey, and
illustrated by Pam Paparone, is a story that centers around the
big brother, Wembly, whose little brother brother continually tattles
on him. Eventually kindness and selflessness gives way to trust
and no more tattling!
Does your
little one have problems telling the truth? Ruthie and the
(Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie, written and illustrated by Laura
Rankin, has young Ruthie discovering a small toy on the playground.
When she’s confronted by the owner of the toy, she denies the
truth. Later that night her guilt makes her uncomfortable, and
not hungry during dinner with her family. There is much to discuss
from the problems and burdens of deceit. Sam Tells Stories,
by Thierry Robberecht, demonstrates the difference of telling
a story and stretching the truth.
 Negative
behavior can bring about a bad attitude. And that attitude can
become part of your appearance as displayed in Grumpy
Bird, written and illustrated by Jeremy Tankard. Grumpy
Bird’s countenance and demeanor change from being irritable to happy
by getting outside and playing with friends! (Here’s another reason
to turn off that computer and television).
If your child
worries about too many things, Silly Billy, written
and illustrated by Anthony Browne, can put those fears to rest.
The colorful pictures that seamlessly go from soft hues to bright
palates will help ease those worries away! Cherry Time, written
and illustrated by Daniela Bunge, addresses the shy child. He is
afraid to talk to anyone. He sits alone and has no friends. But
he discovers another child who is also shy and they become friends,
making a deal to not be so shy anymore!
The last four
books are on a positive note and celebrate life — which should
definitely bring smiles. Taking a Bath
with the Dog and Other Things that Make Me Happy, written
and illustrated by Scott Menchin, begins with a youngster who seems
sad. But when mom poses the question about what makes her happy,
the quest begins. And the list, small and simple, will surely make
you happy as well!
The
OK Book, by Amy Krouse
Rosenthal, and illustrated with the didactic OK letters used throughout
by Tom Lichtenheld, celebrates you! It’s okay if you’re
not the greatest at many things while growing up. For one day,
you will be great at something!
The third
book implies the importance of knowing how to be a friend. And
that should last a lifetime! Yes We Can!, by Sam
McBratney, and illustrated by Charles Fuge, shows children the importance
of getting along!
The last
book demonstrates how our individual uniqueness makes us who we
are. We don’t need to be like everyone else. Freckleface
Strawberry, by Julianne Moore, and cleverly illustrated
by LeUyen Pham, has a youngster dealing with her many freckles.
She doesn’t want them and proceeds to try to get rid of them. But
eventually she realizes that those freckles are part of who she
is!
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© 2007
Meridian Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
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