Recommended Reading
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The right book can do more than just entertain. It can help you or your child navigate real-life challenges like friendships, confidence, emotional regulation, and behavior. Just like our curriculum is designed to build these skills in a practical, relatable way, the books in this list offer meaningful takeaways that can support growth, spark conversations, and make everyday situations a little easier to handle.
Below is a list of reading that can help strengthen these skills in a natural, engaging way.
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The Fantastic Elastic Brain
A great read for this week as we learn about our brain and thoughts.
It shows kids that their brain can grow and get stronger with practice—just like a muscle.
A simple, engaging way to learn more about the human brain and encourage children to develop a positive growth mindset
Don't Be Afraid to Drop
This is a heartwarming story about courage, growth, and embracing new experiences. As Hopp the raindrop learns to let go of what feels safe and familiar, children discover that trying something new can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth. This engaging picture book is a wonderful way to introduce the concept of a growth mindset and encourage children to face change with confidence
The Dot
Vashti (the main character) doesn’t think she can draw. Not even a little.
Her art teacher gently encourages her to try something… anything.
So Vashti makes a tiny dot on the paper.
Instead of dismissing it, her teacher asks her to sign it, and proudly displays it at the class art show.
That small moment of encouragement changes everything.
That single dot becomes the beginning of Vashti’s journey into a confident, celebrated artist.
This story is such a beautiful example of how:
A caring adult can help a child step out of their comfort zone, and how celebrating small successes can unlock confidence and growth.
Strictly No Elephants
A sweet story about a boy whose pet elephant isn’t allowed to join the pet club.
What I love about this book:
The boy doesn’t get stuck on the rejection. Instead of focusing on “they didn’t let me,” he moves forward and creates his own group.
Such an important message for kids: if someone won’t include you, look for the people who will appreciate you for who you are.
The quiet message woven throughout the story—“because that’s what friends do”—models what real friendship actually looks like.
A simple, powerful way to help kids understand:
You don’t have to chase a group that doesn’t choose you.
The Little Engine That Could
This is a simple but powerful story that teaches kids the value of perseverance.
The little engine is faced with a big challenge—one that seems too hard—but instead of giving up, it keeps going while repeating, “I think I can, I think I can.”
That message sticks. It shows children that even when something feels difficult, believing in yourself and continuing to try can help you push through.
It’s a beautiful way to teach kids that success isn’t about being the biggest or the best—it’s about not giving up.
The Bullies: A kid's guide for dealing with people who are acting mean
I’d love to share a book that is truly worth purchasing—especially if your child often feels that others are bothering them or being mean.
This book can be a real game changer. It gives kids practical tools to empower themselves and respond in ways that can actually stop the meanness.
These are the kinds of skills that build real resilience.
I’m loving my copy and have already started using it with some of my students—with great results.
Bigfoot Gets Bullied: Empowering Kids to Manage Emotions and Stop Mean Behavior
Here’s another worthwhile book to help your child better understand why others can be mean.
Bigfoot Gets Bullied is a light read with a powerful message. It helps children make sense of unkind behavior—and more importantly, teaches them how to respond when they’re not treated nicely.
Short, clear, and straight to the point—yet packed with meaningful takeaways your child can actually use.
[LINK TO PURCHASE]
The Artscroll Children's Haggadah (ArtScroll Youth)
Looking for a way to keep your kids engaged and participating in the Seder?
ArtScroll is always a reliable go-to. The engaging pictures, clear translation, and meaningful divrei Torah really help bring the Haggadah to life for children (and adults!).
I honestly don’t remember a Pesach Seder without this Haggadah at the table—it’s been a staple for years.
[LINK TO PURCHASE]
