7 Perfect pieces of advice from children’s books that adults need to hear

Children’s books are my favorite genre of literature, and I probably have too many opinions on what constitutes a great children’s book. 

For example, when it comes to picture books, the artwork absolutely makes or breaks it. When it comes to chapter books, I choose books with the understanding that children tend to imitate what they read, for better or worse. 

And for books of all lengths, I’m a stickler for “living books” that are beautifully written and intelligent and genuinely interesting. (Here’s where I source new reads!)

Sometimes I’m reading aloud to my children and a line jumps out at me. Even though it appears in a children’s book, there’s so much wisdom there that I think adults need to hear it, too.

So for your enjoyment, here are 7 of my favorite lines from great children’s books. 

Do you have a favorite quotation from a children’s book? I’d love to hear it!

“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”  – Thorin Oakinshield, written by J.R.R. Tolkien

“If nature has made you for a giver, your hands are born open, and so is your heart; and though there may be times when your hands are empty, your heart is always full, and you can give things out of that—warm things, kind things, sweet things—help and comfort and laughter—and sometimes gay, kind laughter is the best help of all.” – Frances Hodgson Burnett

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” – The Fox, written by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” – the character of Amy March, written by Louisa May Alcott

“Shall we make a new rule of life from tonight: always try to be a little kinder than is necessary?” – James M. Barrie

“Promise me you’ll always remember that you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – Christopher Robin, written by A. A. Milne

“If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.” – Frances Hodgson Burnett

Read more:10 Beautiful Catholic stories retold by beloved children’s author Tomie dePaola

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