Books about being Perseverant

Perseverant…

The Little Engine That Could

~ by Watty Piper

Overview “I think I can! I think I can!” This well-loved classic tale of the Little Blue Engine who isn’t afraid to try has and will continue to inspire and entertain generations of children. Although he is not very big, the Little Blue Engine agrees to try to pull a stranded train full of toys over the mountain.

Today I Will Fly! (Elephant and Piggie Series)

~ by Mo Willems

Overview Gerald is careful. Piggie is not. Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can. Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to. Gerald and Piggie are best friends. Today, I Will Fly! is the funny introduction to the characters. Piggie is determined to fly. But Gerald the elephant knows that’s impossible–isn’t it?

Carrot Seed

~ by Ruth Krauss, Crockett Johnson (Illustrator)

Overview Everyone is certain it won’t grow, but a little boy remains confident in his carrot seed’s potential. Watch as he carefully plants, tends to, and eventually harvests a carrot whose size is in direct proportion to his unflappable faith in it. Despite everyone’s dire predictions, a little boy has faith in the carrot seed he plants.

Otto Goes to the Beach

~ by Todd Parr

Todd Parr takes the frustration out of finding new friends in this sunshiny picture book starring Otto! When “Poor Otto” decides that he doesn’t like staying home by himself, the dog hops in his car and zooms off to the beach. The pooch then tries to get some quality time with other beachcombers, but the crab he meets is just too crabby to build a sand castle, and a surfing cat laughs at him when his bathing suit falls off. Fortunately, though, Otto meets a purple poodle who’s busy digging up bones, and the two spend fun time together swimming and balancing beach balls on their noses. With a super-friendly message about not getting down (“there is always someone out there who will like to play with you”) and his brilliantly electric artwork, Parr delivers a winning pick-me-up that will leave kids confident and refreshed. Matt Warner

I Believe in You

~ by Marianne Richmond

“Whether it’s sunny or stormy, whether you’re happy or blue, I’m here to say, without a doubt that I believe in you. “I Believe in You explores the powerful feeling in every parent’s heart as you watch a child take on the big job of growing up. This inspiring and meaningful book puts into words the little moments that reveal just how much you believe in them, no matter what life throws their way. Growing up is a roller coaster ride of emotion and adventure, asking a child to show self-confidence and courage that they may not know they have. Showing you will be by their side can mean the world to them and give them the strength they often so desperately need. Award-winning author and illustrator Marianne Richmond uses her signature uplifting style to show that your support and unconditional love is always there as children navigate the road of life. I Believe in You encourages kids to look within to find they have all they need to succeed-and to know they always have someone cheering them on.