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

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.

Little One, God Made You By Amy Warren Hilliker / Zondervan Warm and whimsical illustrations by Carol Thompson will delight toddlers as they hear about all the ways God is sharing his love with them, beginning with “God made you to love you, little one!”

Ages 4-8

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…

Snowflake Bentley By Jacqueline Briggs Martin / Houghton-mifflin From the time he was a small boy, Wilson Bentley saw snowflakes as small miracles. He determined that one day his camera would capture for others the wonder of the tiny crystal. Bentley’s enthusiasm for photographing snowflakes was often misunderstood in his time, but his patience and determination revealed two important truths: no two snowflakes are alike; and each one is startlingly beautiful. His story is gracefully told and brought to life in lovely woodcuts, giving children insight into a soul who had not only a scientist’s vision and perseverance but a clear passion for the wonders of nature. “Of all the forms of water the tiny six-pointed crystals of ice called snow are incomparably the most beautiful and varied.” — Wilson Bentley. The 1999 Caldecott Medal winner

Ages 5-10

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 through the link below and YWAM Publishing has the complete series.

Mary Slessor: Courage in Africa By Renee Taft Meloche / YWAM Publishing Introducing the great heroes of the faith for the younger audiences, the easy-to-understand rhyming text and colorful illustrations provide a familiar storybook medium for children to enjoy. Hardcover, these books will make a welcome addition to a children’s church or homeschool library. 32 pages.

What are your favorites stories and books for teaching the value of the individual to children?