What is a Wholesome Children's Book?

What is a wholesome children's book? Books that promote positive character traits like honesty, humility, and selflessness. They avoid violence and sexuality.

What is a Wholesome Children's Book?
A wholesome book reflects the truth of life as seen through Biblical teachings. We follow the advice of Philippians 4:8, which advises us to "...fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are truenoble, rightpure, lovely, and honorable.

Truthful and right: Positive and uplifting messages in children's books promote healthy emotions and foster confidence, empathy, and a positive outlook. They also encourage children to pursue their goals and aspirations.

Pure and lovely: Wholesome books avoid inappropriate content, i.e., violence, sexual content, witchcraft, etc. Age-appropriate language, themes, and content are crucial for promoting healthy cognitive development and safeguarding emotional well-being.

Noble and honorable: Wholesome books promote noble and honorable positive character traits like honesty, humility, and selflessness instead of negative behaviors such as lying, cheating, and selfishness.

Characteristics of Wholesome Children's Books

Have you ever wondered, 'What makes a book truly wholesome?' We have compiled a summary of the characteristics that define this quality.

  1. Moral Lessons: Wholesome children's books convey clear moral lessons, teaching children the importance of kindness, honesty, integrity, and compassion. These stories provide opportunities for character development and ethical decision-making.
  2. Family Values and Respect for Authority: Emphasizing the significance of family and respect for authority is integral. Wholesome books underscore the importance of respecting parents, elders, and other authoritative figures, instilling in children a sense of obedience and reverence for those in leadership positions. 
  3. Positive Role Models: Wholesome books feature characters who serve as positive role models for children. These characters demonstrate resilience, perseverance, and humility, guiding young readers to make positive choices.
  4. No Graphic Violence or Inappropriate Content: Wholesome books avoid graphic violence, inappropriate language, and content that may be unsettling for young readers. The focus is on creating a safe and nurturing reading environment for children.
  5. Encouragement of Creativity: Wholesome children's books encourage problem-solving and creativity through realistic scenarios and relatable characters.
  6. Cultural and Historical Appreciation: Books that respectfully and age-appropriately introduce children to different cultures and historical events contribute to their understanding of the world.
  7. Biblical Values: Wholesome children's books incorporate biblical values and inspire positive home environments. These stories may include themes of faith, love, forgiveness, and the importance of following the teachings of the Bible.

Bible Defines What is Wholesome

The Bible provides some excellent reference points for determining whether or not a book is wholesome:


Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

The Need for Wholesome Books

Bookstores, libraries, and online lists are flooded with books that, if not proactively avoided, can have a detrimental impact on the impressionable minds of our precious children.

We encourage parents and caregivers to prioritize wholesome, age-appropriate stories, positive messaging, and quality character traits when choosing books for children in their lives.

Understanding the values that define a wholesome book and choosing books accordingly allows parents and caregivers to provide children with valuable literature to inspire, educate, and create a positive reading environment.

Benefits of Wholesome Books

Wholesome books can shape a child's outlook on life by promoting perseverance, critical thinking, and confidence. This helps with cognitive development, fosters a love of reading and learning, and demonstrates overall self-control through real-life situations.

Wholesome books promote cheerful home environments and understanding by exposing children to healthy communication and relationships through various experiences, encouraging good behavior, and fostering compassion towards others.

Conclusion

At Big Sky Life Books, we sincerely aim to be a trusted resource for parents seeking wholesome and uplifting books for their children. As we curate recommended children's books and book collections, we strive to be a reliable source for parents and grandparents who share our vision of instilling positive values in their children.

To learn more about our journey to providing this valuable resource, visit our Our Story page!

Start building your home library today. Purchase wholesome books from Big Sky Life Books. We are your trusted source for wholesome books for kids.