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.
Sylvie says
We love the book Something From Nothing
by Phoebe Gilman!!
Karen T. says
Love “Something From Nothing!” One of my kids’ favorite books when they were little (close to 20 years ago).
Zoë says
Our family lived Rabbit’s New Rug by Judy Delton and Marc Brown. Rabbit buys a new rug and then won’t have any friends visit in case they damage it!
A thoughtful and entertaining story for younger readers. It is a good book to read aloud from as well
Kathleen says
We also try to read books about people who make things and make do with what they have. The books “I Love Old Clothes” and “I Had a Favorite Dress” have been very helpful in our understanding of clothing. There are also some books about making homemade gifts, like “Crafty Chloe.” There’s also a fun book about a dumpster diver that rescues stuff from the trash and then fixes it.
Skeeter Buck says
Hi Josh,
I’ve been following you for awhile and embrace minimalism in my life also.
I really enjoyed this post. As a children’s book author and publisher you are spot on here.
Thanks!
Lori says
Great list! If anyone is looking for the message in video form, our kids enjoyed “Madame Blueberry” from the Veggie Tales series. Here’s a summary: Even though Madame Blueberry lives in a nice treehouse, and has lots of friends, she is still upset because she always thinks she needs more “stuff”. When a new Stuff-Mart superstore opens up near her home, she loads up with everything she can, but is still sad. Eventually, Madame Blueberry learns that it’s important to be thankful for what you already have.
Charity says
The Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, but in particular “The Long Winter”. There is a particularly wonderful chapter about giving and receiving gifts at Christmas that I am often reminded of this time of year.
Karen T. says
“The Long Winter” is my favorite Little House book!
Heather says
I second this series. The Ingalls family lived a full life with just a wagon of goods. I think this series started me on the minimalist journey as a young child.
Karen T. says
These are great suggestions, Joshua! Thanks.
I also like “Henry Hikes to Fitchburg” by D. B. Johnson, inspired by a passage by Henry David Thoreau. Fantastic picture book for ages 4-8, it shows that there is more than one way to approach life and its challenges; also that money can’t buy everything. In fact, the typical life path (the pursuit of money) may leave no room for wonder, exploration, appreciation, serendipity, joy — and may also leave you feeling tired, frazzled, stressed, and empty.
Donna says
I would like some suggestions on electronics. I have a simple cell phone which is all I want or need. I would like to listen to audiobooks while I walk. Have you any suggestions?
Much appreciated
Sheri says
The Paper Bag Princess- what a gem! We loved reading this to our 4 daughters when they were little. Thank you for this list!
Rachel says
Joshua this list is just in the nick of time. I was just thinking about books this morning that I could get my 9 year old son. He prefers a more minimalist lifestyle, like myself, but he also loves to read…so hopefully he won’t mind a few items :)
Merry Christmas to you and your family!