10 Great Books to Teach & Inspire Simplicity in Kids

I always get asked for gift ideas for our kids and great books, and there are many, are at the top of the list. This is a list of books that teach simplicity, generosity and ideas around minimalism. Most of them should be available at your local library.

It feels like this is the first year where our oldest, who’s just turned six, understands that some kids are living in poverty and hunger. We’ve made some donations to the Food Bank and he helped do the shopping and had to think about food that kids would like and that would keep in the cupboards.

Interestingly he relates kids and people that don’t have money for food to Charlie from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I think we are on our third reading of the book and the description of Charlie and his family living in the cold and, essentially, starving has really sunk in for him. When we talk about people that don’t have money for food, shelter or clothes, it all comes back to Charlie.

Books are a great entry point for heavy discussions with kids. If you want to talk to your kids about owning less and buying less and even the concept of consumerism, think about starting with a book. I’ve compiled a list of ten great books to talk about the downsides of too much stuff below.  I must give a big thank you to all of you that have left comments about your favorite book minimalist-ish kid’s books over the years. Many of these recommendations are from you!

10 Books to Inspire Simplicity & Generosity

The Perfectly Orderly House by Ellen Kindt Mackenzie Recommended by the wonderful Frugal Babe.

An old woman builds a house with twenty-six rooms and keeps all her possessions in alphabetical order, but she still can’t find anything. Wonderful detailed illustrations and a story about the perils of wanting, and having, too much stuff.

 

 

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk . . . and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older, he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave. Published 50 years ago and still a favorite today.

 

 

The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau

A quiltmaker helps a selfish king learn that giving is the true secret to happiness. The heartwarming, strongly moral tale supports important values, and the detailed illustrations, featuring dozens of lovingly rendered quilt patterns offer hours of delight. This is a beautiful book we received as a gift from family and I would recommend it for children three and up. Sometimes we read it ‘parent edited’ style and just talk about the pictures and patterns. Big thumbs up.

 

Too Many Toys by David Shannon

Spencer has too many toys! His father trips over them, his mother falls over them, and the house is overflowing with junk. Now its time to give some of the mountain of goodies away, but Spencer finds it hard. In the end, he fills a box, but decides the one toy he can’t part with is the box!

 

 

The Gift of Nothing by Patrick Mcdonnell

What can Mooch the cat give Earl the dog when Earl has everything? The answer, of course, is nothing.

 

 

Little Bird by Germano Zullo

Some days are different.
One could almost believe that one day is just like another.
But some have something a little more.
Nothing much.
Just a small thing.
Tiny.
Most of the time we don’t notice these things.
Because the little things are not made to be noticed.
They are there to be discovered.

Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McLeod

A book about the reward of positive actions. Not a book about simplifying but a book about finding happiness and reward in serving and helping others.

 

More by I.C. Springman

This innovative and spare picture book asks the question: When is MORE more than enough? Can a team of well-intentioned mice save their friend from hoarding too much stuff? With breathtaking illustrations from the award-winning Brian Lies, this book about conservation wraps an important message in a beautiful package

 

Stuff by Margie Palantini

Edward has a lot of Stuff—too much Stuff. Soon the Stuff takes over his house. But will Edward agree to part with his Stuff before it’s too late?

 

 

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

I’m throwing this classic chapter book in because it’s had such an impact on my oldest son. While the book centres around chocolate and a fantasy world of sweets, the home life of Charlie, the generosity his parents and grandparents show, and the account of their starvation and life with little, may help you talk to your kids about how to help others that have very little.

 

These books would make wonderful gifts for the young people in your life or be a great addition to your library reading list.

Note: I have included affiliate links in this post. Should you purchase something through the link I would receive a small advertising fee. If you would prefer not to use an affiliate link simply visit the bookseller website directly or hit up your local bookstore in person.