Growth Mindset Through Picture Books: Children's Literature

Below are picture books that can be used to teach growth mindset to children.  They are categorized by some of the aspects of a growth mindset.  Simply reading the books with children and discussing the elements of growth mindset in the book will help foster a growth mindset.  The reading can be done informally, such as when a parent reads to their child before bed, or in more formal settings, such as a classroom.  The discussion should take place naturally either while the book is being read or at the end of the book.  

The target age for most of these picture books is preschool through 3rd grade.  But feel free to use them to entertain and teach people of all ages!  For example, reading of a picture book to begin a seminar can be an excellent way to grab the audience’s attention and introduce a topic. 

These books are not necessarily written for the purpose of teaching the growth mindset; the authors may or may not know about growth mindset theory.  Nevertheless, these stories are excellent tools for teaching growth mindset and consequently setting up children for success.