Children’s books have the incredible ability to impart life’s most valuable lessons in creative and engaging ways. One theme that continuously weaves its way through beloved stories is friendship—the universal experience of belonging, caring for others, compromising, and celebrating differences together. Let’s explore some classic tales that highlight common themes in children’s literature: friendship’s precious rewards.
5 Common Themes in Children’s Literature You Should Explore
1. A Heartwarming Tale of Collaboration and Inclusion
For those seeking to spread more friendship themes to their little readers, we highly recommend Kari Layton’s “Crabby Crayon and the Too Blue Day!” This heartwarming story follows a lonely crayon named Crabby who discovers the power of collaboration and using individual strengths for the greater good. After trying to do it all by himself and failing, Crabby turns to his friends and learns the rewards of inclusion, cooperation, and celebrating diversity.
2. The Power of Companionship
Dr. Seuss‘ “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” reminds readers of the importance of choosing companions carefully as we journey through life. While welcoming change and new experiences, the book advises that “the men you’ll want as your mentors are anyone who’ll go to the mat for you.” Surrounding ourselves with trustworthy, caring friends who encourage our growth makes facing an uncertain future feel much less daunting.
3. Unconditional Acceptance among Friends
In the world of “Winnie the Pooh,” we see the value of friends who know us inside and out. Pooh, Piglet, Rabbit, and their gang experience life’s ups and downs as a team, celebrating small victories together and supporting each other through difficulties. Their unconditional acceptance shows that true friends don’t judge us for our fears or flaws but instead see our best qualities and stick by our sides no matter what.
4. Looking Beyond Surface Differences
An all-time friendship classic is “Charlotte’s Web,” which illustrates how embracing our differences can result in the most unlikely of friends. Where most saw a pig and a spider as entirely different, Wilbur and Charlotte found deep understanding and affection in one another. Their bond proves that friendship has nothing to do with appearances or backgrounds and everything to do with genuinely caring for another’s happiness and well-being.
5. Accepting Imperfections in Friends
Children craving connection will also glean friendship lessons from the beloved “Frog and Toad” storybooks. These stories depict the ups and downs of any friendship—from feeling left out to apologizing when feelings are hurt to celebrating each small joy together. Most of all, Frog and Toad show how friends accept imperfections while still supporting each other’s dreams and growth.
Order “Crabby Crayon And the Too Blue Day!” by Kari Layton
Children absorb life’s most wholesome truths from stories, sharing universal experiences like friendship. By exploring these invaluable themes through imaginative adventures, books foster important social-emotional skills and set young minds up for future relationships built on trust, empathy, and bringing out the best in one another. Introducing books featuring friendship is one of the greatest gifts we can give to help children grow into caring, compassionate humans.
Check out Kari Layton’s “Crabby Crayon and the Too Blue Day!” Your little readers will surely be charmed by Crabby’s journey as well as takeaway lessons on working together, problem-solving, and making the most of each person’s unique talents.