Perspective
Kids high in the strength of perspective see the big picture in life. Whether it is a social situation, new opportunity or challenge, kids may be able to see sides from different perspectives, offer advice, and consider their experience and insight in new situations. Use these curated picture books to explore this strength at home or in school.
With vibrant color and funny illustrations, this picture book explores the difference in perspective between two shipwrecked sailors, one pessimistic, the other an optimist. Kids love the escalating insanity of pirates, mermaids, flying fish with upset stomachs, and the book illustrates a lot about perspective, suffering and the big picture.
Artist: Einat Tsarfati
It Could Be Worse by Einat Tsarfati
Invites kids to consider life as a pet from the pet’s point of view. This book is full of charming surprises and beautiful spreads of watercolor.
Artist: Thyra Heder
Alfie by Thyra Heder
This one explores the start of the new school year through the perspectives of six different kids. Toggling back and forth between their day, it features a personalities, temperaments and experiences that open up the mind and get you thinking broadly.
Artist: Sally Derby and Mika Song
A New School Year: Stories in Six Voices
I’d Like to Be the Window for a Wise Old Dog by Philip Stead
Imaginative and full of wonder, this picture book explores the world from a variety of different perspectives. It’s an easy tie-in with appreciation of beauty and excellence and perhaps connected to spirituality, too. Beautiful illustrations.
Artist: Philip Stead
Everything Changes: And That’s OK
Everything is always changing, including us, and accepting this brings peace and perspective. The gentle writing and calm illustrations explore change from a variety of perspectives: dandelions wither, become fluffy seeds and scatter away; sandcastles are built then washed into the sea; our friends and hobbies come and go.
Artist: Carol Dodd and Erin Huybrechts
The Black Book of Colors
With braise and raised textured pictures, this picture book prompts perspective-taking and thinking about what it’s like to experience the world when blind or with low or limited vision.
Artist: Menena Cottoin (author) and Rosana Faría (illustrator) and Elisa Amato (translator)
