Prudence
Kids high in the character strength of prudence are careful, thoughtful and strong in restraint. They think about the future and long-term consequences and are averse to lots of risk. This is a strength in temperance, along with self-regulation, forgiveness and humility. Often thought of as practical wisdom, prudence is associated with the ability to be conscientious.
The selection of children’s books below explore prudence in many forms–from kids who make smart choices and plans for the future to those who struggle with impulse control and have lots of opportunities to grow. Happy reading!
A little girl sees a bright green bike in a store window and makes a plan to save up for it and buy it. This is a wordless book with thoughtfully drawn pictures that convey a lot of anticipation and emotion as she yearns for the bike. Determined and prudent, the little girl works hard for the bike but is challenged and disappointed in her quest in a way that’s very relatable. The book also explores generosity, self-regulation and kindness, and is fun to flip through and discuss together.
Artist: Mark Pett
The Girl and the Bicycle
Tad is a little tadpole who is clever, cautious and not in a hurry to become a frog. Afraid of Big Blub, a giant fish rumored to gobble up smaller fish, Tad prefers to stay in safe spaces in the water and in good hiding spots that protect danger. I like this picture book for exploring prudence because it shows Tad being shrewd and aware while also inviting open-ended examination as to whether she is overusing her strength or relying on herself just right.
Artist: Benji Davies
Tad by Benji Davies
The 7 Habits of Happy Kids (Ready-to-Read Collection)
When I Grow Up, A Place for Everything and Lily and the Yucky Cookies all illustrate the character trait of prudence. While one character must balance her passion for the future with the planning and consequences of the present, another sees the consequences of a messy room, and yet another learns to slow down and exercise care and caution while baking tasty treats for her friends.
Beyond these examples, this whole series gets kids to think about their actions and the power we have through our choices. Goob and His Grandpa is a serious and rather sad story about grief and explores social intelligence and love; Sammy and the Pecan Pie explores judgment, perspective and self-regulation; Sophie and the Perfect Poem explores perspective, social intelligence and teamwork; and Just the Way I Am explores judgment, social intelligence and love.
An ode to possibility a choice, this seek-and-find picture book contains tons of detail and values choice and thought before action. Kids who like possibilities will have fun imagining different choices in food, fun and daily life and those who like a challenge will find it in finding some of the objects. The overarching story is about the main character who detests going to sleep and it opens up a conversation about what would happen if we didn’t sleep or sleep well and is a fun way to think about consequences.
Artist: Loïc Clément (Author) Anne Montel (Illustrator)
A Thousand Billion Things
A little girl spends a sunny day at the pool, looking around and thinking about all of the possible choices around her. Inspires kids to think about all the options available to them and the world of possibility around a simple afternoon.
Artist: Roozeboos
Watch the artist Roozeboos discuss her creative process
Choices
Be careful what you wish for. This story underscores how important it is to think before we act, be cautious and appreciate what’s important in life. The prose is great, and the story intriguing, scary, exciting, mildly stressful and sweet. A fitting read for discussion of gratitude, too.
Artist: William Steig
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
Bouldering and rock-climbing are often used to explain prudence. To make it to the top of a tricky climb, you must see many possible routes, anticipate and avoid risk, and keep your long-term goal in mind. Ashima loves climbing and is a role of model of prudence, perseverance and judgment. Based on a real life teenage climber, this book shows kids that it’s cool to be both passionate and level-headed.
Artist: Yao Xiao
How to Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion
