Having enthusiasm means seeing what is good in a person or situation, and focusing on things that make you happy.
This is a list of children’s picture books that are about enthusiasm and optimism. I’ve included these books because, in addition to a positive message, they are fun to read. Some are funny, or have great illustrations, and all of them held my attention and the attention of my kids. I hope you enjoy them, too.
Here is an idea to help jump-start a discussion about this virtue with kids:
Try the VirtueGame! It teaches 10 virtues in a fun, engaging way.
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The Carrot Seed by R. Krauss
Short little story appropriate for young children and early readers. A little boy plants a seed and continues to care for it even when everyone tells him it will never sprout.
Is a Worry Worrying You? By Ferida Wolff and Harriet May Savitz Published 2005
Is a Worry Worrying You? By Ferida Wolff and Harriet May Savitz Published 2005 This book has a very cute way of encouraging kids to let go of their anxiety and enjoy themselves. The worry is personified as a big, rude monster and the book gives the kids solutions for getting rid of the monster in a variety of situations, some silly and some real. I liked this book a lot.
I Don’t Want To Go by Addie Meyer Sanders, illustrated by Andrew Rowland
This is a great book for kids that are hesitant. Joey doesn’t want to go, and his thought bubbles tell why he is hesitant. As the book goes on, Joey makes it through just fine and usually ends up enjoying what he was afraid of.
