Personal responsibility and self-discipline are the hallmarks of a successful life. The following children’s books highlight strategies and techniques that anyone can adopt to improve their life and attain their full potential.

A Library card and PIN will be required to access many of the resources listed.  Need help with your card or PIN?  Contact your nearest location or call 419-259-5200. Need a new card?

Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids

By Carol McCloud

Using a bucket as a metaphor, the author shows how our individual actions affect those with whom we interact. Acts of kindness fill our buckets, while cruelty and self-centeredness drain our buckets. Ultimately, we should strive for the life of a bucket filler.

What's So Yummy? All About Eating Well and Feeling Good

By Robie H. Harris

The food we eat impacts our bodies as well as our minds. This book highlights the importance of eating a wide variety of healthy foods, while also discussing different diets and food preferences in a way that is easy for children to understand.

What If Everybody Did That?

By Ellen Javernick

If you drop just one can out the window, it’s no big deal… right? But what if everybody did that? The world would be a mess. This book shows how the small decisions we make every day have a huge impact on the world around us.

What Do You Do with An Idea?

By Kobi Yamada

What do you do with an idea that’s different, or even strange? Do you hide it? Do you pretend it isn’t yours? Or do you take a risk and allow your idea to grow? This book reminds children that one good idea can change the world.

The Busy Body Book: A Kid's Guide to Fitness

By Lizzy Rockwell

The Busy Body Book provides children with fun exercise activities and lessons for healthy living. It takes exercise and fitness to the next level, describing how your body functions to keep you moving.

How to Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion

By Ashima Shiraishi

This gorgeously illustrated picture book describes the philosophy of Ashima Shiraishi, a world-renowned rock-climbing champion. By conquering “problems” on the boulder, she shows the reader how to tackle problems in their own lives.

Way of the Warrior Kid: Marc's Mission

By Jocko Willink

eAudiobook

If you read only one book on this list, this is the one to read. Former Navy SEAL commander Jocko Willink tells the story of a boy who goes from a bullied victim to a warrior kid. He does this by adopting a code of strict discipline that stresses fitness, intelligence, compassion, and humility.

Interested in a different topic?  Complete our teacher collection request form or contact any location for help.