Appreciative Inquiry Books For Young Readers

Jeff Fifield, Curriculum Facilitator at Colegio Maya American International School of Guatemal, sent the following request to members of the Positive Change Core (Appreciative Inquiry):

"Every year at our elementary school during the month of February we promote a reading incentive month where our students begin with a school-wide read of one book that set’s the tone/theme for the month. Last year’s example was “The Three Questions” by Jon Muth (the story is based on Tolstoy’s book of the same title) which was chosen so as to promote ‘finding almost a Zen inner-peace through doing good deeds’ amongst our young students. The illustrations are beautiful and complimentary.

This year, I am wondering if there might be a picture book that might lend itself to providing an ‘Appreciative Inquiry’ lens that might be suitable for your young readers. Any suggestions?"

Jeff has received several responses that I'm posting here for those of you interested in letting children experience through a reading context such thinking as Appreciative Inquiry, mindfulness, tolerance, etc.

"The WrongStone" by Russell Deal
www.innovativeresources.org/display_details.aspx?productcode=6050
This picture book I think is wonderfully appreciative, and which I use extensively (with adults as well as with children!) It's published in Australia by Innovative Resources. The story is a wonderful way to start the conversations about accepting people who are different and appreciating the unuique contribution everyone can make - as well as appreciating oneself!

“The Man Who Loved Boxes” by Stephen Michael King
www.aussiereviews.com/article1814.html
Sadly this is not available through Amazon and a quick search hasn't produced a purchasing source on the web. But I assume some other sources would have it - it was published in 1996.

“The Wonderful Life of a Fly Who Couldn't Fly” by Bo Lozoff
tinyurl.com/27zyn2

“The Red Tree” by Shaun Tan
tinyurl.com/2gk474

“The Spy Glass” by Richard Evans
It's about seeing the possibilities and then making it so. Although it uses the word "faith" I don't think it needs to be taken in a religious sense. If there would be sensitivity about that in your context, thought, you might substitute another word that would convey the same meaning.

“Imagine a Day” by Sarah L. Thomson with paintings by Rob Gonsalves
http://www.amazon.com/Imagine-Day-Byron-Preiss-Book/dp/0689852193
This book encourages the reader to look at the world through the lens of possibility.

“Imagine a Night” by Sarah L. Thomson with paintings by Rob Gonsalves
www.amazon.com/Imagine-Night-Rob-Gonsalves/dp/0689852185

“The Pumpkin Patch” by Margaret McNamara and Mike Gordon
http://www.amazon.com/Pumpkin-Patch-Ready-Read-Level/dp/0689858744

“The Wrong Stone” by Russell Deal
The story is a wonderful way to start the conversations about accepting people who are different and appreciating the unique contribution everyone can make - as well as appreciating oneself! (may not be available - Aussie)

“The Red Tree” by Shaun Tan
www.amazon.com/Red-Tree-Shaun-Tan/dp/0968876838

The Empty Pot by Demi
www.amazon.com/Empty-Pot-Owlet-Book/dp/0805049002
A Chinese boy with an green thumb wins the emperor's competition; PW praised the "extraordinarily delicate Oriental landscapes." Ages 4-7.