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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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