We take a journey through ten of the best children’s books that impart a moral lesson to readers. Stories with a moral are commonplace around the world. Who doesn’t love a good fable?
In children’s literature, these types of stories are particularly popular. They are a means of helping educate children and develop a stronger sense of right and wrong in young readers.
Here we present our ten favorite children’s books with a strong story moral.
10. Corduroy by Don Freeman
ISBN: 9780670241330
In this 1968 children’s book, Corduroy the Bear awaits purchase in a busy department store. When a young girl named Lisa begs her mom for Corduroy, her mom refuses. Corduroy is missing a button, after all, and this imperfection surely makes him undesirable, or so she thinks.
After Corduroy undertakes an expedition to find his missing button, both he and Lisa learn the true meaning of acceptance and friendship. This book is a cornerstone of literature about friendship.
Why I recommend it: I love this book’s message of loving acceptance without judgment.
9. Last Stop On Market Street by Matt de la Peña
ISBN: 9780399257742
CJ and his Nana experience a beauty-filled bus ride across the city in this deeply moving children’s book about mindfulness and gratitude.
As young CJ observes the world around him, including rainstorms, his Nana explains to him certain life lessons including that of class privilege and presence of mind. While their family has no car, CJ and Nana have the gift of awareness. Its messages of humility and generosity will benefit readers of all ages.
Why I recommend it: I adored this book and CJ and his Nana as characters. It was refreshing to see volunteerism highlighted in this children’s book as well.
8. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
ISBN: 9780064410939
The spider Charlotte is desperate to save her pig friend Wilbur from slaughter. When she and the rest of the farm animals learn of his potential fate, Charlotte devises a plan to rescue Wilbur: by weaving messages into her web.
A spider’s lifespan is short, however, and Charlotte may not live to see the fruits of her labor. This poignant truth only highlights the moral of friendship and selflessness that is so central to this classic children’s book.
Why I recommend it: I love this book and credit it with (okay, only in part) helping cure me of my arachnophobia.
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7. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Auggie is a normal, fifth-grade boy, just like all of his classmates, except that his face looks a little different from theirs.
As Auggie acclimates to life at a new school, he and his family seek to establish a new balance and discover the true meaning of self-acceptance, even when it’s scary.
This children’s book was so successful that it was adapted into a faithful-to-the-source film starring Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson.
Why I recommend it: I love how this book explored family dynamics, and its message of self-love was incredibly moving. (I’m not crying, you’re crying!)
6. Stone Soup by Marcia Brown
ISBN: 9780689878367
This 1947 children’s book is one of the oldest on our list, but its message is still relevant today.
As a trio of soldiers seeks to cook soup and quell their own hunger, they unite a village full of initially skeptical inhabitants and teach a unique lesson about the power of open-mindedness. This classic book is a perfect example of folklore for kids.
Why I recommend it: I admired how this book treated the topic of war in such a thoughtful way.
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5. The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
Peter Rabbit really wants to eat the vegetables in Mr. McGregor’s garden, despite his mother’s warnings. When he becomes trapped in the garden, he must rely on his wits to make it back to his mother in one piece.
This captivating children’s book teaches an important lesson about respecting rules and one’s elders, even when we don’t always want to.
Why I recommend it: I love the illustrations and courageous characters in this book.
4. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
ISBN: 9780060256654
This 1964 children’s book has been translated into numerous languages and remains popular seventy years after its initial publication.
The boy takes and takes from the tree, who gives until she has nothing left. The moral of the story is remarkable due to its ambiguity: for some readers, it is an allegory for selflessness and the joy of giving. For other readers, however, the book is a cautionary tale against unhealthy relationships and enabling behaviors.
Why I recommend it: I love the open-endedness of this book’s moral. No matter what you take from this novel, its message is profound.
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3. The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
The Rainbow Fish is gorgeous, and everyone knows it. Especially the Rainbow Fish himself. But when he begins to alienate those around him, he’s left to wonder: is being beautiful more important than having friends?
This 1992 children’s book offers a moving lesson on the importance of kindness and belonging.
Why I recommend it: I love the gorgeous illustrations in this children’s novel.
2. The Story Of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf
Ferdinand the Bull wants nothing more than to sit under his favorite cork tree and sniff flowers. As a bull, however, others’ expectations for him are different.
When Ferdinand is sent to a bullfight in Madrid, his fate will be determined: will he conform and become aggressive? Or will he remain true to his own self?
This charming children’s book is a classic. Its morals of integrity and honesty were striking enough that the book was banned in Nazi Germany.
Why I recommend it: I love how timeless this book is. Almost a hundred years later, it still feels relevant to our modern world.
1. The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
ISBN: 9780679889106
The Lorax is the guardian of the forest. It’s a peaceful place until the greedy Once-ler comes in to chop down all the trees. Can the Lorax save his beloved environment?
This children’s book is a deeply important novel about the consequences of environmental destruction and climate change.
Why I recommend it: I love this book so much, especially for its messages of stewardship and responsibility for nature.
For children and adults alike, each of these ten books offers a powerful moral message. Their lessons on life and morality are indispensable, no matter how old you are. Whether or not there are kids in your life, these books are absolute must-reads for everyone.
