The Best Books- Individuality for the Young
The topic of individuality is dear to me, so I scout for books that encourage appreciation for the uniqueness of each person. Here are a few I continue to rescue from underneath the couch.
Ages 4 and under
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Little One, God Made You By Amy Warren Hilliker / Zondervan |
For the littlest ones, a sweet board book is God Made You to Love You. Through the colorful pictures of babies and toddlers with their parents, the idea of individuality is expressed simply as Mrs. Hilliker writes:
God made you to love you, little one. There’s no one like you, no, not one. No one has your tiny nose, or your wiggly, squiggly toes.
Ages 4-8
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Snowflake Bentley By Jacqueline Briggs Martin / Houghton-mifflin |
Snowflake Bentley contains a dynamic view of individuality. Not only is Mr. Bentley’s singular personality expressed, but the amazing creativity of God is revealed in the snowflakes he studied. With winter coming, this is a nice addition to your library. If it doesn’t inspire lesson plans, it can, at least, start a conversation.
After we finished this book, I told my daughter she was unique just like the snowflakes. “God created you for a special purpose. What do you think it is?” Sunshine smiled and boldly proclaimed, “Talking.” She might be on to something…
Ages 5-10
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Mary Slessor: Courage in Africa By Renee Taft Meloche / YWAM Publishing |
YWAM Publishing recently came out with biographies for young readers. These missionary biographies are written in delightful rhyme and filled with gorgeous illustrations.
Our church presented a copy of Mary Slessor: Courage in Africa to my daughter when she turned three. She listened to most of it, but it really is for older children as Mary Slessor faces a few native practices, like killing twins, who were thought to be evil. However, my nine year old reads and rereads this introduction to a hero of our faith, and learns a valuable lesson.
As Mary did, God wants us all to show great courage too, especially when to choose what’s right is difficult to do.
There are 16 biographies available. Many can be found at Christianbook.com (linked above) and YWAM Publishing has the complete series.
What are your favorites stories and books for teaching the value of the individual to children?
Oh these sound great – we actually have read Snowflake Bentley and loved it – but this was back at the beginning of our PA journey when I did not really grasp the importance of teaching individuality or even what it really meant. I am excited to go through it again this year with my 5yo and 4yo.
One of my favorites for teaching individuality is by one of my favorite childrens author Max Lucado. No doubt you have heard and read his ‘You are Special’ – love this story!
Warmly,
Mandi
I love Snowflake Bentley. I don’t know that this is on individuality in particular, but “The Man Who Named the Clouds” is good, too.
Mandi and Dana,
Thank you for adding your suggestions. We do have “You are Special,” and I’ll add “The Man Who Named the Clouds” to my wish list.