As the parent of two children, I work hard to instill values of simplicity and minimalism in their lives. The formula is the same as teaching any value we desire to pass on: lead by example, look for teachable moments, and hope for the best. Because ultimately, in the end, they will make their own choices.
But if passing along the value of simplicity to your children is important to you, here are 10 children’s books that will help (arranged by age).
Ten Children’s Books to Inspire Simplicity
A Squash and A Squeeze by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler. (Ages: 3-5). When a little old lady can’t stand her tiny house any longer, a wise old man gives her some strange advice asking her to bring the farm animals indoors. Quickly she makes an important realization: her house is not too small, she just needs fewer animals inside it.
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister & J Alison James. (Ages: 3-8). This international bestseller has been adapted into an animated television series. But it is best known for its simple story about a beautiful fish who learns to make friends by sharing his most prized possessions.
The Berenstain Bears Get the Gimmies (Ages: 4-8) and Old Hat New Hat (Ages: 4-6) by Stan Berenstain & Jan Berenstain. Many parents are aware of The Berenstain Bear series. If you are looking for two books out of the series specifically addressing the lesson that happiness cannot be found in consumerism, these two should do the trick.
The Biggest House in the World by Leo Lionni. (Ages: 4-7). A beautiful story about a snail who dreams of a bigger house, but soon realizes there are more important things in life. Not only does this story draw attention to the personal burden of overconsumption, it also highlights the benefit and freedom of owning less.
Too Many Toys by David Shannon. (Ages: 4-8). Spencer has too many toys and they’ve become a hazard to his family. But when his mom tries to help him get rid of a few, Spencer experiences all the emotions you might expect. If your child has a hard time getting rid of unused toys, he or she will quickly identify with the young boy.
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch & Michael Martchenko. (Ages: 4-8). Elizabeth, a beautiful princess, lives in a castle and wears fancy clothes. But when an unfortunate turn of events requires her to save the prince wearing nothing more than a plain, brown bag, she discovers where true beauty is found. The book is short, cute, and terribly empowering.
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss. (Ages: 4-8). With his trademark, whimsical characters and classically brilliant rhymes, Dr. Seuss communicates an important, not-so-subtle message, “There is danger in mindless consumption. Not just for the earth, but for ourselves.”
King Midas and the Golden Touch by Charlotte Craft & Kinuko Craft. (Ages: 5-9). Based on the classic story from Greek mythology, the tale of King Midas continues to warn children (and adults) about the dangers of greed and gold, and the reality that what may seem to be a great blessing, may actually be a great danger.
The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau & Gail de Marcken. (Ages: 5-10). A greedy king learns an important lesson from a generous, humble quiltmaker. And in the end, the greatest gift she gives to him may not be what’s expected.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery & Richard Howard. (Ages: 11-13). First published in 1943, The Little Prince is the best-selling children’s book of all time. And while its allegorical story addresses a wide number of life lessons, the emptiness of consumerism is certainly one of them.
If you are looking for a meaningful gift idea during the holiday and/or birthday season, I recommend any of the books above.
You can also find many of them read aloud on YouTube or available at your local library.
For an additional list of book ideas, check out Rachel Jonat’s 10 Great Books to Teach & Inspire Simplicity in Kids.
Loretta says
My favorite is a children’s book called The Gift of Nothing. It is a sweet story of Mooch (a cat) who wants to give his best friend Earl (a dog) a gift. Mooch decides that this task isn’t easy as Earl has everything he needs…a bowl, a bed and a chewy toy. What do you get someone who has everything? Nothing, of course! This is where Mooch’s search for nothing begins. It’s a beautiful little story!
joshua becker says
That book was on my short list, for sure.
laura ann says
Loretta: I was discussing pet gifts with a lady with three dogs and two cats. Like my one cat, they have everything, so give them chewy treats and lots of hugs and kisses! Joshua: I will encourage other retirees I know to “clear out unused stuff” and donate this time of year, going thru each room, then go thru rooms the second time.
Monica says
Was going to suggest this one as well! Love it!!
Tammy says
Love Mooch and Earl! Just placed this one (and most of the other ones on request at the library.) Thank you Joshua and everyone for the great suggestions.
Becky says
I was hoping you would include The Quiltmaker’s Gift… Equally as good is The Quiltmaker’s Journey… Just read these to my first grade class and they loved it! The discussion afterward was very enlightening!
Lucy says
You’ve missed out the best one of all … Whatever Wanda Wanted by Jude Wisdom
It’s the best !
Clare Devlin says
My kids are 4 and 5 and they love the Berenstain Bears. The book ‘Get the Gimmies’ is great for conversations at that age :)
Nellie says
Does anyone have any suggestions for teenagers/young adults? Thanks
joshua becker says
Nellie,
I wrote a book for teenagers and young adults a few years back. Though it’s a bit more Christian-specific than my other books: Living With Less: An Unexpected Key to Happiness (Simply for Students)
Annie says
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott! You will be surprised at just how many golden nuggets of life wisdom are tucked away in this treasure of a book. Obviously better suited for girls rather than boys, but it’s a touching tale that helps me keep my priorities in line and is definitely easy enough for adolescents. I’ve read it twice this year!
Karen T. says
“Hatchet” by Gary Paulsen. An exciting survival story that boys and girls like. Stripped to the basic, what do we really need to survive? One of the most important things — KNOWLEDGE.
Also “A Little Princess” by Frances Hodgson Burnett (who also wrote “The Secret Garden”). A rich girl has almost everything taken from her, but keeps her self-respect and determination to make the most of all circumstances.
Merry Christmas!
Kara says
Also a veggie tales movie about this on. Littlest Princess.
Emma - a simple living journey says
Oh these sounds fantastic! Though we have already bought our “read” gifts for our boys this christmas. We will have to have a good hunt at the library. :)
This is something we work so hard on with our boys- children are amazing at their depth of understanding if given a proper chance. :)
xx
Chris says
Great list. Thanks for sharing!
I might also suggest “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein. Great message about the joys of giving unconditionally, and about stuff not leading to happiness, and about not needing much of anything as we get older.
John says
David Shannon’s “Too many toys” is the perfect allegory for adults. We hate letting go of stuff. Yet once we experience the freedom of minimalism, we wonder why we held on to all that stuff!
laura ann says
A friend told me her 4 yr old granddaughter (preschool) has so many toys given to her and hard to play with all of them as many were similar. She told me girl’s mother donated some to the foster care program as kids would enjoy them, also like new toy collections for needy kids or drop off in the low income public housing office. Same with children’s clothing still wearable. We are having a coat/jacket collection thru Jan. at fire depts in our city for needy families which many cities do. People have stuff laying around no longer used, incl children’s books and games they can pass on.
Karen says
Hi Joshua
Thanks for these great ideas. Can I also suggest ‘The Grinch‘ by Dr. Seuss. I think it has a wonderful message about the true value of Christmas. A great lesson at this time of year.
Thanks for all of your inspiration in living a simpler life with children. Wishing you a Merry Christmas.
Amy@MoreTimeThanMoney says
The Grinch is the Christmas favourite in our house. We’ve got a copy with the late Rik Mayall reading it – fantastic.