Mindsets

by JoAnn Deak

Just like how lifting weights helps your muscles get stronger, trying new things without giving up strengthens your brain. Written by an educator and psychologist, this fun and engaging introduction to the anatomy and functions of the brain will empower each young reader to S-T-R-E-T-C-H and grow their fantastic, elastic brain!

by Todd Parr

This book embraces life’s happy accidents, the mistakes and mess-ups that can lead to self discovery. From colouring outside the lines and creating a unique piece of art to forgetting an umbrella but making a new friend, each page offers a kid-friendly take on the importance of taking chances, trying new things, and embracing life, mistakes and all.

by Ashley Spires

A book about a girl who is going to make the most MAGNIFICENT thing! She knows just how it will look and how it will work. But making her magnificent thing is anything but easy, and the girl tries and fails, repeatedly. Eventually, she gets really, really mad and quits. But after her dog convinces her to take a walk, she comes back to her project with renewed enthusiasm and manages to get it just right.

by Mark Pett

Beatrice Bottomwell has NEVER made a mistake. She never forgets her math homework, she never wears mismatched socks, and she ALWAYS wins the yearly talent show at school. In fact, the entire town calls her The Girl Who Never Makes Mistakes! One day, the inevitable happens: Beatrice makes a huge mistake in front of everyone! But in the end, readers (and perfectionists) will realize that life is more fun when you enjoy everything-even the mistakes.

by Lita Judge

A persevering penguin is determined to fly. Although he has the soul of an eagle, his body wasn’t built to soar. But Penguin has an irrepressible spirit, and he adamantly follows his dreams to flip, flap, fly! Even if he needs a little help with the technical parts, this penguin is ready to live on the wind.

by Trudy Ludwig

Most kids love hide-and-seek, but Camila just wants to hide. Hiding is what she does best when she worries, and she worries a LOT. What if… I can’t… I’m scared!
A class trip to the aquarium causes her worries to pile up like never before. But when an anxious classmate asks for help, Camila discovers that her heart is bigger than her fears. This tale of courage and compassion will embolden readers to face their own fears.

by Kobi Yamada

What do you do with an idea? Especially an idea that’s different, or daring, or a little wild? This is the story of one brilliant idea and the child who helps to bring it into the world. It’s a story for anyone, at any age, who’s ever had an idea that seemed too big, too odd, too difficult. It’s a story to inspire you to welcome that idea, to give it space to grow, and to see what happens next.

by Kobi Yamada

This is the story of a persistent problem and the child who isn’t so sure what to make of it. The longer he avoids the problem, the bigger it seems to get. But when the child finally musters up the courage to face it, the problem turns out to be something quite different indeed.

by Ashley Spires

With humour, Spires sensitively portrays Lou procrastinating, making excuses, imagining alternatives and denying she cares. Ultimately, Lou faces her fear, and although she fails, the effort empowers her, encouraging a growth mindset. All the while, Lou’s friends model compassionate friendship by offering to teach her how to climb and then moving the game. This book makes a perfect choice for a discussion about courage or resilience, or a life-skills lesson on facing challenges.

by Angela DeTerlizzi

Each of us, from the day we’re born, is accompanied by a special companion—the Yet. Can’t tie your shoes? Yet! Can’t ride a bike? Yet! Can’t play the bassoon? Don’t worry, Yet is there to help you out. The Magical Yet is the perfect tool for parents and educators to turn a negative into a positive when helping children cope with the inevitable difficult learning moments we all face. 

by Gaia Cornwall

Jabari is finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, so he’s not scared at all when it comes to jumping off the diving board. “Looks easy,” he says watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears.

by Peter H. Reynolds

In this inspiring, story of self-expression and creativity, Vashti thinks she can’t draw. But her teacher is sure that she can. She knows that there’s creative spirit in everyone, and encourages Vashti to sign the angry dot she makes in frustration on a piece of paper. This act makes Vashti look at herself a little differently, and helps her discover that where there’s a dot there’s a way…

by William Steig

Brave Irene is the dressmaker’s daughter. Her mother isn’t feeling so well and can’t possibly deliver the beautiful ball gown she’s made for the duchess to wear that very evening. So plucky Irene volunteers to get the gown to the palace on time, in spite of the fierce snowstorm that’s brewing– quite an errand for a little girl.

by Chris Raschka

Learning to ride a bike is one of the most important milestones of childhood. This picture book not only shows kids how to learn to ride, but captures what it feels like to fall . . . get up . . . fall again . . . and finally “by luck, grace, and determination” ride a bicycle!

by Mo Willems

Piggie tries to teach Gerald some new moves. But will Gerald teach Piggie something even more important?

by Julia Cook

This story follows RJ as he goes about his day doing the things he enjoys. But when a couple of friends give him compliments, he just isn’t sure how to respond! As RJ continues through the day, he hears from his teacher and parents that while there are many things he’s doing very well, there are, also, some things he needs to work on. His first reaction is to argue and make excuses. RJ learns what it means to receive positive and negative feedback and how to respond appropriately.

by Todd Parr

The Thankful Book celebrates all the little things children can give thanks for. From everyday activities like reading and bathtime to big family meals together and special alone time between parent and child, Todd inspires readers to remember all of life’s special moments.

by Jonathan London

How can a young boy ever show his gratitude for all the beauty he sees? He will learn from his father, who thanks the earth and the sky, the frogs and the crickets, the hawk and the deer, even the trees that wave their arms in the breeze.

by Vera B. Williams

After their home is destroyed by a fire, Rosa, her mother, and grandmother save their coins to buy a really comfortable chair for all to enjoy.

by Angela Kohler

by Alicia Ortego

Little Betsy will learn that happiness is made up of simple things in life, both small and big. With the help of the magic stone, she will begin to feel gratitude for her parents, friends, and toys. But what happens when little Betsy forgets to use the magic of her stone? She will realize that the power of gratitude is hidden in her heart.

by Rebecca Upjohn

Lily runs into a gruff and untidy-looking man selling papers on the street. Lily is afraid of the man, but when the weather turns cold, she starts to see the Paper Man differently—she sees his bare toes through the holes in his boots and his thin shirt through the holes in his coat. As she lies in her cozy bed at night, she wonders how the Paper Man stays warm. Then Lily comes up with a wonderful idea – she’ll make him a gift of warm clothes.

by Kobi Yamada

What do chances become? New friendships, exciting opportunities, and daring discoveries… What Do You Do With a Chance? is the story of a child who isn’t sure what to make of a chance encounter—then discovers that when you say yes to new experiences, amazing things can happen.

by Shaun Tan

A story about the power of hope, renewal and inspiration. A little girl awakens feeling there is nothing to look forward to and walks through her day oblivious to the small glimmer of hope that was always with her until the tree shows her.

by Dave Whamond

In this wordless picture book, Rosie wakes up in a monochrome world, with a dark cloud over her head. As she plods through her miserable, gray day, the cloud follows. But then Rosie finds a pair of strange glasses. When she puts them on, her world transforms into vivid, joyful color. All of a sudden, she can see the beauty and fun in everything around her — and her dark cloud has disappeared. Are the glasses magic? Or could it be that changing how we look at the world can change the way we experience it?

by Diane Alber

When bad things happen it can be really hard to “look at the bright side.” A little SPOT of OPTIMISM is a story about how a little spot can show you how to change your negative thoughts into positive ones.