Why Children's Books with Moral Themes Are Good

     While it's true that reading is effective in developing imagination in children, it is equally true that the stories that they read have an impact on how they view the world around them.  It is often heard at the children's story time planning that finding books that are just pure entertainment is better than those "preachy" books.  Something simple, let's say like The Hungary Caterpillar or Don't Let Pigeon Drive the Bus is often seen as "free" of a message.  Let's be honest all books have a message or tale to share.  It may not be as if they are hitting readers over the head with a message as "do this or else"  but the message is still there.   Hungary caterpillar's message?  That's easy because it is about spring and transformation.  It's about growing and becoming the beautiful unique person that you are.   Nice story for tots who are going through growth and change themselves.   Don't Let Pigeon Drive the Bus has a message as well.  Sometimes no means NO.  All the whining, manipulating, bribing and begging won't get you what you want.  Plus, as one little tyke asked after a story time,  "Why would a pigeon want to drive the bus when he can fly?"   (Good question,  I have since pondered the answer to that question.  I  haven't yet  come up with a good response.)

     Children books about right and wrong, good and evil are essential to a child's development.   As librarians we must not ignore the fact that some of the best stories have strong moral message which are universal as well.   For example,  The Giving Tree.  Classic tale of a little boy who continues to take and take and takes from his favorite Tree.  The Tree loves the little boy and is willing to give all that it has until it has nothing left to give.  When sharing this story with children,  it becomes clear who is the hero of the story.  It's not the selfish little boy, it's the tree.  The moral of this story, true love is giving everything possible to someone else with no expectations of receiving anything in return.  The secondary message, don't be greedy and take for granted the love that someone gives to you because one day they will be gone.   The story is told in a simple and straightforward manner.  How could one not love the book or its message?   To ask the question of it's appropriate for a story time, the answer is yes.

    The Lion King, is another example that is perfect to demonstrate why moral based stories for children should be considered.  The Lion King is filled with right and wrong, good and evil messages.  For example,  everyone knows that Mufasa is a good king.  He is everything a king should be.  Strong. Brave. Just. Kind.  Scar's image is quite different.  He is everything a king should not be.  He rules  through fear, intimidation and manipulation.   Children see the difference and instinctively root for Mufasa to prevail as King (later root for Simba to take his father's place).   When Mufasa does not, and Scar takes his place as King, it is the point in the story where the children (and adults too) are a little sad that good did not overcome evil.   They hope that Simba shares the character traits of his good father and will restore order to the pride by removing Scar as King.  Again this is distinctly drawing the line between good and evil.  Is this preachy?  Absolutely not.  Why?  The story is told so well that it does not come off as "preachy".  Children became entranced  the magical world of the jungle  and without knowing it they are beginning to discern the difference between what is right and wrong.  

     Books with moral message are  not a bad thing for children.  It is amazing to think that there are some who are objecting to children be exposed to these stories simply on the basis that defining morals is not appropriate in a public setting such as the library or school.  Who are we to tell children whaat is right and wrong?  Or my morals may not be the same as another.   This is pure nonsense.   Moral stories teaches children to inspire to be the best person they can be.  To be honest,  care for others,  and always choose right over wrong.  How can that be bad?  Before the lame excuse comes up that right and wrong can be subjective, I beg to differ.   It's not subjective in as much as it is sometimes complex.  As children get older they will encounter stories that are not as clear cut as children's tale.  For example if they begin reading the Super Hero genre they will find super heroes constantly struggle with the conflicts of doing what is right and what is wrong.  Killing someone is not a good thing to do.  However, in some cases it is the only way to stop evil.   For a child who is four or five, they may not understand this concept but an older child is ready for the leap into discerning what to do when faced with the situation of choosing between letting evil actions continue or whether to stop it at any cost.

     There are so many books out there for children of all ages that tackle the moral themes in  ways that are not preachy and yet they spark the hope in the reader that the world can be a better place if people would just be like the heroes or heroines in the books.   Sharing these stories are  reminders to always be trying to be a better person.    Blogs are great ways to communicate and share there stories but in all honesty to list the books here would take up quite a bit of space.   If you are interested in a Reader's Advisory List of Books with contemporary and traditional moral themed stories (K-12)  make a request at thelibrarianatlarge@gmail.com   In the meantime,  happy reading!