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.
Kristina says
I just wanted to thank you for these invaluable messages! It has enriched my life and has caused me to reflect on the madness and pointlessness of accumulating things.
Lisa Avellan says
I really love this post, Joshua! We’ve been working so hard on ‘explaining’ and ‘teaching’ our 4 year old and probably not enough of letting her learn it through books. I’m saving this list, and some of those recommended in the comments.
Katie says
Hi Lisa, we were given a copy of “Just Enough and Not Too Much” by Kaethe Zemach and my 2.5 and 4 year old boys really get the simple message. I highly recommend it.
Amy@MoreTimeThanMoney says
Some firm favourites in this list and some new ones to discover. I’m off to the library this morning, so will be on the look out for these. Thank you.
Loviisa says
Hi! Would you happen to have any recommendations for teenagers to read? My kids are 12, 17 and 21. I’m just waking up to minimalism my self and I would love to have another voice to talk to them, too! Or inspiring movies? Little prince we have ❤
Annie says
If you have girls, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott! It’s a lifetime favorite of mine.
Natalie says
Check out Mr. King’s Things & Mr. King’s Castle both by Geneviève Côté. Both are a simple story about too much stuff.
Rachael says
I love the lorax :)
Also, the Beatrix Potter books are perfect for young kids and have beautiful illustrations :)
Rachael xx.
theteacozykitchen.blogspot.co.uk
Dee says
Pooh, the Giving Bear walls someone through how erational it is we keep things when we have plenty and can always get more if needed in the future.
Franklin’s Christmas Gift is another one, it’s about Franklin giving his favorite toy to a child in need and although he may miss it he had the good all over feeling of doing the right thing.
Instagram at @cozycolorfulminimalist
Dee says
I appologize auto correct ruined my post. I need to read it over next time.
Megan @ Inhabiting Books says
Another great one is The Cloud Spinner by Michael Catchpool, an original fable about the wise use of resources and having only what you need.
In this lovely, dreamy fable, a wise young boy spins clouds into cloth under the stricture “Enough is enough and not one stitch more.” One day a greedy king spies his cloud-woven scarf and wants more, more, more, despite the young boy’s warnings. When the king’s greed dries up the clouds, it’s up to the observant princess and the wise boy to set things right.
Released as Cloth From the Clouds in Britain, this story has a universal appeal for both boys and girls, and works beautifully for a read-aloud. Catchpool employs the stricture from the story, using just enough words to convey the story and “not one [word] more.” Further, he understands the need for key (non-annoying) repetitive phases that keep the story anchored, and delivers his message of conservation in a gentle but effective manner.
wendy says
Also Mole had Everything is a good book.
Amber says
Thank you so much for this list!! My only child, an autistic 5-year-old, has just learned about consumerism. He tells me every day about the big (expensive) pieces he wants for his train set. I’ve tried to teach him that Santa will bring him one gift, but he has now started drawling stores saying that toys come from Walmart, Target, and Toys “R” Us (because relatives buy him a gift cards for those stores). I’m going to try to find these books at the library and hopefully they will get through to him.