7 Life Lessons That Children's Books Can Teach You
We are often introduced to the world of stories through children's books, whether picture books, fairytales, or family-told bedtime tales. It is through these stories that we better learn to interpret the world. While we understand how these books fit into a child's world, they are often dismissed by authors as just for children. Therefore, before you begin to learn how to write them, you should first understand what kind of concepts and themes they might contain.
Lesson 1: Sharing is Caring
You may immediately think of "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein for this one. However, although I love this book, I believe this is not the best reflection of sharing. Perhaps, the lesson is instead that we should understand what others do for us. Books like "The Little Red Hen" by Little Golden Books and the Little Critter series by Mercer Mayer offer valuable insights into the importance of sharing.
Lesson 2: Life Can Be Hard
From "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle to "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" by Judith Viorst, children's books often remind us that life can be challenging. These stories teach both kids and adults that life is not always fair, but it's essential to put things into perspective.
Lesson 3: It's Okay to be Different
Books like "The Story of Ferdinand" by Munro Leaf and "Chrysanthemum" by Kevin Henkes teach us that it's okay to be different. These stories help kids (and adults) realize that everyone is unique, which is more than okay—it's excellent!
Lesson 4: Don't Ever Let Your Imagination Go Away
In "Harold and the Purple Crayon" by Crockett Johnson, Harold learns to create whole worlds just using his imagination. As writers, we should never let our creativity be stifled by writer's block or the complexities of fiction writing.
Lesson 5: The Importance of Gratitude
Books like "Thank You, Mr. Falker" by Patricia Polacco teach us the importance of being grateful for the people who help us grow. Gratitude is a lesson that is often overlooked but is crucial for developing a balanced perspective on life.
Lesson 6: The Value of Teamwork
"Swimmy" by Leo Lionni teaches us that there's strength in numbers and that teamwork can help overcome obstacles. This lesson is not just for children but also serves as a reminder for adults who may have forgotten the power of collaboration.
Lesson 7: The Virtue of Patience
"Waiting is Not Easy!" by Mo Willems is a delightful book that teaches the importance of patience. Whether it's waiting for a friend, a special event, or simply learning to delay gratification, patience is a virtue that benefits everyone, regardless of age.
It is also an important lesson learn while you are editing your novel!
Why Anyone Should Read Books For Kids
Even though children's books are often dismissed as just for kids, I think it's important to reread these classics now and then. They offer life lessons in the most basic form and show us aspects of the human condition we often forget. So, the next time you dismiss children's books as simplistic, remember that they offer wisdom that can benefit us at any age.
MORE WRITING ARTICLES YOU MIGHT FIND INTERESTING
Discover 7 essential tips for crafting chilling horror novels, from understanding the biology of fear to using familiar settings for maximum unease.