Picture Books That Teach Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

One of the biggest lessons I am trying to instill in my children is “don’t sweat the small stuff”.  Growing up we had that little book by Richard Carlson. Yes, there will be obstacles throughout our lives, and sometimes we will feel pain, but if we keep an open mind, most things will turn out just fine. When we read the book Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes last year I was reminded of this message.  Pete the Cat embraces the concept of “don’t sweat the small stuff” and my children, like so many children, are drawn to his easy demeanor and outlook on life.  Today we are hitting the pause button, saying “It’s all good!”,  and sharing a list of Picture Books that Teach Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff.  

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CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO EXPLORE ALL OF THE PICTURE BOOKS THAT TEACH DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes  Eric Litwin & James Dean

With the catchy lyrics and engaging illustrations Pete the Cat has become a favorite in homes and classrooms.  In this story Pete is out for a walk in his new white shoes, but keeps stepping in different substances.  Instead of getting upset, Pete just keeps traveling along.  A great message for all.  Want to explore this book through play?  Here are 5 fun activities to explore!

Beautiful Oops!  Barney Saltzberg

How many times have you watched a child make an accidental mark or tear on her paper and watch that work of art be crumpled into a tight ball and thrown away?  Children can be really hard on themselves.  Beautiful Oops! is a celebration of all of life’s little “mistakes”.  Without mistakes we can never learn.  Check out these 5 fun ways to explore the book Beautiful Oops!

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day  Judith Viorst

Some days just don’t go as planned and Alexander is having one of those days.  This is one of my favorite books to read to children.  I don’t believe in sugar-coating life for children.  Not every day has to go perfectly.  Some days will turn out to be no good, but it is how we survive the day that matters.  At the end of the day, we can lay our heads down on the pillow, just like Alexander, and go to sleep.  Tomorrow is a new day, full of new adventures.

Fancy Nancy  Jane O’Connor

Fancy Nancy is definitely a strong-minded girl who has a vision of who she wants to be.  I like that!  I love how her family embraces her personality and joins her on a fancy outing.  Even though the family date goes wrong everything turns out all right in the end because Nancy is home with her family and incredibly appreciative of the effort.  I love this message.

One Morning in Maine  Robert McCloskey

This book is near and dear to my heart as it reminds me of the countless times my mom read it to me.  The character of Sal is a carefree spirit. When she wakes up to find her first loose tooth she is filled with both excitement and fear.  Her mother reassures her that everything is exactly as it should be and that a loose tooth is a sign of becoming a big girl.  Sal’s parents are such wonderful models for adults demonstrating the importance of modeling the concept of “don’t sweat the small stuff“.  When Sal’s tooth gets lost in the mud, her father shows concern, but does not overact.  In the end everything works out just find with chocolate ice cream cones and, of course, CLAM CHOWDER FOR LUNCH!

The Doorbell Rang  Pat Hutchins

I know The Doorbell Rang is usually thought of as a book that supports mathematical concepts, but as an educator that values the social/emotional development of children, I am always amazed by the patience that the children have as more and more friends come to share their cookies.  No one complains.  With each ring of the doorbell the children just adjust their seats at the table and share.  A fantastic lesson for children and adults.

Check out our Children’s Books that Teach Acceptance and Empathy for more great ideas!

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