Remember When: Children’s Books

1. The Rainbow Fish

Remember when we would read in a circle and read about this shiny fish that would teach us to share? This Swedish children’s book was written and drawn by Swiss author Marcus Pfister and translated into English by J. Alison James, originated in 1992, it was the #1 Publishers Weekly Bestseller and all Street Journal Best seller. The Rainbow Fish tells a story about a very special fish with lots of very shiny and pretty scales, all of the other fish admire the rainbow fish for his scales. One day the blue fish asks if he could have one scale, though at first the rainbow fish rejects his offer. But with reconsideration he learns that sharing brings much happiness to yourself and others.

2. The Giving Tree

Remember when we would listen to our teacher do read allowed to this iconic book that teaches us the dangers of being selfish? This American children’s book was written and drawn by American author Shel Silverstein and has been translated into numerous different languages, first published in 1964, it won the Publisher’s Weekly All-Time Bestselling Children’s Books and the 1974 New York Times Outstanding Book Award winner. The Giving Tree tells a story about a giving tree and greedy boy, the tree is always willing to give the boy apples, branches, and even later in the story the tree gives the boy everything but the tree’s stump. Though as the boy grows old the tree still continues to call him boy.

3. The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Remember when we would do individual reading to this overweight caterpillar that teaches us self control? This American children’s book was written and drawn by Eric Carle and has been translated into more than 66 languages, first published in 1969, it has won the American Institute of Graphic Arts Award in 1970 and Best Children’s Books of England 1970. The Very Hungry Caterpillar tells a story about a caterpillar that eats lots of unhealthy foods until he gets a stomach ache. But then he eats something healthy for the caterpillar like a “leaf” and becomes a butterfly. This story teaches us not to eat lots of unhealthy foods and to eat healthier because it makes us feel good, or in other words self control.

4. The Cat in the Hat

Remember when we would play round robin to this cat that wears a hat that teaches us to control our temptations? This American children’s book was written and drawn by the iconic author Dr. Seuss, the book has been translated into numerous different languages , first published in 1957,  It was awarded the Early Readers BILBY Award in 2004 and 2012. The Cat in the Hat tells a story about 2 siblings who are home alone on a rainy day, but then a tall cat wearing a hat appears out of nowhere and wreaks havoc. But before the siblings’ mother gets home the Cat brings his friends over to clean up the house. The story teaches us to not fall for temptation, or in other words to have self control.