It’s January and after much abundance, over-consumption, and general frivolity, it seems we as a collective are living into a season of austerity and modesty. It’s a time to retreat inwards, enjoy what you have, and get through the remaining winter days with a cozy privacy. It’s time to refuel for an exciting spring ahead. I always feel like I need a modest January after a celebratory and borderline excessive December.
What is Modesty?
Modesty means to have a quiet confidence in yourself. You do not need to boast or show off to others, but you are proud of who you are. You feel you are valuable and you are private about your body and your talents. Dressing modestly means you dress in a way that is appropriate to the social environment and is true to who you are.
As I grow through the different virtues, I look for children’s books that feature a virtue in the story – either as part of the plot, or as a character trait. I do not like overt virtue books along the lines of “let me teach you about ____”. I try to read my kids living books. That is, books that are well-written, don’t talk down to the reader, tell a story (rather than a speech), have big ideas to think about and inspire, and are loved by children and adults alike. If you’re looking for excellent children’s books that feature modest characters, read on!
Small Wonders by Matthew Clark Smith
This biography of Jean-Henri Fabre depicts the life of a modest, humble man. He was a very important person in the scientific community, but his neighbours had no idea until the President paid him a visit in his hometown. I enjoyed reading of Jean-Henri’s quiet confidence in his research.
Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall
The Ox-Cart man and his family spend their year growing and making things to sell in town. When his pockets are lined with money to spend in town, he buys a few objects that will help them make more things to sell next year, and a few candies. The ox-cart man lives modestly. He buys what he needs, but also has a small treat for his family as a reward for a year of hard work.
You Are Special by Max Lucado
In You Are Special, Punchinello is being bullied and he meets someone who is unaffected by bullies because of her quiet confidence and love she has for herself. She isn’t boastful or submissive – she knows she is worthy, but in a modest carefree way.
Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
Snowflake Bentley is about Wilson Bentley, the first person to take detailed photographs of snowflakes. He never made any money off of his passion, pouring any wealth he earned from selling photographs back into taking more photographs. People thought he was odd, but Wilson Bentley had a quiet confidence that what he was doing mattered.
Small Saul by Ashley Spires
Small Saul is not a very good pirate – but he loves to be on the sea. Small Saul finds a way he can be true to himself and still be part of the pirate team. He may not be able to keep up with the Jones’ of pirates, and he is modest in his talents, but finds a way to fit in.
I hope these books inspire some great conversations about living modestly with your children!
Ps: This post contains Amazon-affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. They are one small way to support my blog. Thank you for your support!
If you enjoyed this post, consider checking out some of my other recent writings!
- Making Homeschooling Work During Home Remodeling
- Why Halloween is Important for Kids
- Kids Books about Trustworthiness
- Having a Pet Hamster for Families
- Kids Books About Compassion
Don’t want to miss a thing? You can subscribe to my mailing list and get my newly published posts straight to your inbox!
Discover more from Welcome to RinkydinkMum
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
