Here are the top 10 life lessons I’ve learned from the past three years of intensive immersion in kidlit and some books that beautifully illustrate the lessons.
- You aren’t the only one who feels out of place sometimes.
Being the new kid, the weird kid, the different kid, the kid who doesn’t speak the language is really hard. But if you are able to be still and look around, there is usually someone nearby willing to offer a friendly hand.
2. Good friends will stick with you through life’s changes.
Change is SO HARD, even when it’s welcome. Luckily, good friends don’t fade away when circumstances change.
3. And the corollary to #2, All friends aren’t for all seasons. It’s okay to let some go.
This is a tough lessons for adults to learn. Everyone isn’t meant to be in your life forever, some people are best suited for some phases. It’s okay to let them move along.
4. Pets are awesome.
Pets teach us about ourselves and inspire us to be our best selves. They need us to responsibly care for them and in turn, they take care of us with love, cuddles and companionship.
5. The traits that make you different are your superpowers. Share them.
We so often want to hide our light under a bushel. Let your light shine brightly. You never know when it may illuminate the way for someone else.
6. Somehow, sharing creates more.
Sharing is difficult when we think about resources as limited and non-renewing. What if we believed in abundance? What if we behaved as though giving more, creates more? These books provide examples of abundance.
7. You are braver than you think and stronger than you suspect.
Being small, young, inexperienced, or unfamiliar with your surroundings, can be frightening. We have reserves of bravery and cleverness that are sometimes untapped until circumstances demand that we rise to our full power.
8. There are always people in your corner, even if you can’t see them.
Frustration, loneliness and fear are isolating emotions. Making the smallest concession to connection can reveal the people who have always been there, ready to help.
9. Kindness is contagious.
Being kind is not always the easiest choice, but when you are able to choose kindness it spreads like wildfire, improving everyone it touches.
10. Acceptance is a gift you can give and receive.
Can you just be yourself without trying to impress or conform? Can you celebrate your idiosyncrasies and those of others around you? Giving and receiving acceptance is like finally getting to exhale. It’s an exhalation we all deserve.
Bonus Lesson: A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words
These are gorgeous books that express plot, emotions, and growth through brilliant illustrations only. Grab the power to narrate your own story with these gorgeous books.
