The following books were chosen as illustrations of each of the 7 Habits. Common and easily accessible at most libraries and bookstores, these titles are a fun and interesting way for children to connect to the timeless principles. By pulling the Habits out of the story, your child will relate to the characters and gain a better understanding of the Habits. You will begin to see examples in other children's literature and, soon your child will too!

HABITS 1 THROUGH 7

The 7 Habits of Happy Kids
By Sean Covey

Join Goob Bear, Sammy Squirrel, Jumper Rabbit and other adorable characters as they learn life lessons using the 7 Habits. Parent tips and discussion points are also included.

HABIT 1

The Little Engine That Could
By Watty Piper

Although the Little Engine is not the biggest, the fastest or the newest, it just keeps trying. When all the other trains refuse to help, the Little Engine is proactive and a leader.

HABIT 2

The Very Busy Spider
By Eric Carle

Throughout the story, the determined spider spins her web. She has an end in mind- to finish her web and catch a fly for dinner.

HABIT 3

The Little Red Hen
By Paul Galdone (or any version)

The Little Red Hen found wheat seeds and wanted help to plant them. No one would help so the Little Red Hen planted, watered and weeded the plants by herself. The Little Red Hen put first things first and enjoyed the results.

HABIT 4

Rainbow Fish
By Marcus Pfister

The Rainbow Fish believes he is the most beautiful fish in the ocean so he won’t play with the other fish. Once he has no friends, he seeks out advice and is told to give away some of his beautiful scales. While he initially refuses, he decides to be a leader and think win-win. He gives away just one scale but when he realizes how good it makes everyone (including himself) feel, he shares even more scales and has never been happier.

HABIT 5

The Runaway Bunny
By Margaret Wise Brown

The Runaway Bunny follows the thoughts of the little bunny who thinks he would like to run away. By Seeking First to Understand, Mother Rabbit truly listens to her little bunny. She then Seeks to Be Understood by offering assurance that she will always come and find him.

HABIT 6

Swimmy
By Leo Lionni

Swimmy is a little fish swimming alone in the ocean. He finds a school of fish like him and encourages them to come with him to see the other amazing ocean animals- but they are too scared. Swimmy uses synergy and leadership to come up with a plan.

HABIT 7

The Snowy Day
By Ezra Jack Keats

Peter finds all kinds of imaginative things to do in the snow and even puts some snow in his pocket for later. Peter shows us how playing in the snow, being imaginative and taking a warm bath afterwards are all part of being a leader and sharpening our saw.