These children's books about trying new things will get kids talking about the possibilities of spreading their wings. After reading these books, perhaps they will be willing to try something out of their comfort zone, like a new food, or attempting new skill like swimming or riding a bike. Or, perhaps they will be encouraged to do something as fundamental as meeting new friends.
You can use these books as tools to help you talk about your kids' fears or reluctance to plunge into the unknown, but all of them have one thing in common: they are just great stories.
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Books about Trying Something New
ME AND THE BOSS: A STORY ABOUT MENDING AND LOVE by Michelle Edwards, illustrated by April Harrison
When I saw the author and illustrator's names attached to this book, I ran to pick up a copy. I was not disappointed. Lee accompanies his older sister, Zora (aka "the boss") to a library program where the children learn to sew. Lee watches his sister sew a flower, but he struggles to make a stitch. He takes his materials home and practices and practices until he gets it right. I absolutely adored this book and it's pitch perfect representation of sibling love and relationships. Ages 5 and up.
MORE: Children's Books about Perseverance
IF I NEVER FOREVER ENDEAVOR by Holly Meade
Find it: Your Library | Amazon
Spreading one's wings and leaving the parental nest is the classic metaphor for taking a risk. This is a wonderful book about the transformative experiences that come as a result of being willing to find the courage to try something new. The bird sits in his nest, contemplating his options, weighing the benefits of security against the possibilities of flight and what he will miss if he doesn't try. He finds his strength from within, proclaiming, "If in all of forever, I never endeavor to fly, I won't know if I can." Ages 4 and up.
THE PINK REFRIGERATOR by Tim Egan
Find it: Your Library
I love Tim Egan's series of early readers about Dodsworth's adventures around the world but didn't realize he had written a picture book about what prompted Dodsworth to start off on his trip. Dodsworth finds a mysterious pink refrigerator in a junk yard. Each day the note on the fridge sports a new suggestion, like "read more", "make pictures", or "play music". Inside the fridge he finds the materials he needs: books, art supplies, a trumpet, etc. The final note, "keep exploring" prompts Dodsworth to leave his own note, "Went to find an ocean." This is a great story about the willingness to be open to trying new things. Ages 4 and up.
MORE: 50 Books to Take You on a Trip around the World
THE OLDEST STUDENT: HOW MARY WALKER LEARNED TO READ by Rita Lorraine Hubbard, illustrated by Oge Mora
If your children need a bit of motivation to try something new, introduce them to Mary Walker. This brilliantly illustration biography of a woman, born enslaved and lived through the Civil Rights Movement, who learned to read at the age of 116 (not a typo!), will teach everyone that it's never too late to learn a new skill. Ages 5 and up.
ABDUL'S STORY by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Tiffany Rose
Any child who has faced a challenge in school, while watching their classmates perform a skill with ease will relate to Abdul's story. Abdul loves to tell stories but he struggles with writing. He letters never look the way they are supposed to and it takes so much energy out of him, he feels frustrated. During a class visit, an author shows Abdul his own messy notebook and Abdul tray a new way to turn his own writing, imperfect though it may be, into a story. Ages 4 and up.
BILAL COOKS DAAL by Aisha Saeed, illustrated by Anoosha Syed
I adore this picture book even more than I enjoy a delicious bowl of daal. Bilal is so excited to make daal with his dad! His friends have never tried daal and they join him in the anticipation of eating the deliciousness. Food has a way of bringing people together, right? He explains to his diverse group of friends that the slow-cooked lentil dish takes lots of patience as well as lots of yummy ingredients. Ages 4 and up.
HAIR LOVE by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
This wonderful picture book shows that dads can try new things too! Zuri's dad can problem solve, fix hair and bond with his daughter all at the same time. Zuri's hair "has a mind of its own," and she needs help. Lucky for her, dad steps up to the plate. After a few failed tries, Zuri shows him the products and the how-to video he needs to get things right. When mom comes home, she is mighty impressed. Joyful! You can also watch the Oscar-winning short film of Hair Love on YouTube here. Ages 4 and up.
THE MAGICAL YET by Angela DiTerlizzi, illustrated by Lorena Alvarez
As a parent or educator, you may be familiar with the advice to teach kids the power of "yet." The Magical Yet encourages children who might be struggling to harness their determination. They might feel they can't do something, but add a single word, "yet" to an "I can't" sentence and they can transform their attitude and encourage them to try new things! I love the vivid illustrations and the optimistic, bouncy rhythm of the text. Ages 4 and up.
MORE: Picture Books that Teach a Positive Attitude
A SMALL THING... BUT BIG by Tony Johnston, illustrated by Hadley Hooper
This is a great book for kids who have a fear of dogs. At the park, Lizzie meets an elderly gentleman walking a dog. Lizzie has a fear of dogs and the gentleman is timid around children. As the man encourages Lizzie to get to know Cecil, the dog, Lizzie starts to gain courage and self-confidence. After all, it may seem like a small thing to walk a dog, but to Lizzie… it's big! Ages 4 and up.
EVERYONE CAN LEARN TO RIDE A BICYCLE by Chris Raschka
Raschka's simple text and expressive illustrations take us on a journey of a girl just learning to ride a bike. Despite several -- or a dozen -- falls, she continues to pick herself up, dust herself off, and try again, and again, until…. success. Ages 4 and up.
THE DOT by Peter H. Reynolds
Vashti insists she can't draw, but her art teacher encourages her to make just one dot and see what happens. Well, what happens is a marvelous adventure. This book is a great reminder not to discount the power of self-expression and to stop worrying about "standards of art" and instead just try it! Ages 4 and up.
THE OTHER SIDE by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E. B. Lewis
This is one of the most touching books about the payoff for taking risks and making new friends. A fence, both metaphorical and physical, defines the boundary between Annie's white family and Clover's African-American one. Clover's mom has told her not to cross the fence because it is unsafe. Instead, Clover sits on the fence, watching the other girl play. Annie eventually approaches Clover and the two sides begin talking, a friendship is formed and the fence, finally crossed. The final image of a line of girls sitting on the fence points to the idea that the very act of trying something new (in this case making a new friend despite the pressures not to) can lead to profound social change. Ages 5 and up.
MORE: Favorite Caldecott Books
I WILL NEVER NOT EVER EAT A TOMATO by Lauren Child
Lola is a super picky eater. Her big sister, Charlie, tries to "play a trick" and rename all the food items on Lola's plate. Mashed potatoes become cloud fluff from Mt Fuji, carrots are orange twiglets from Jupiter, etc. The new edible items are so intriguing Lola can't help but try them. But will she eat the "round red moonsquirter?" You'll just have to read the book to find out. Ages 3 and up.
YOKO by Rosemary Wells
Yoko take sushi to school for her lunch but when the other kids tease her the teacher decides to have an international day. Each child brings in a dish from another country for the class to try. Once again, however, the kids reject Yoko's sushi, except for Timothy. Timothy is so hungry he even tries the sushi, which he find to be quite delicious thankyouverymuch and he and Yoko forge a new friendship over trying new things. Ages 3 and up.
MORE: Children's Books about Kindness
A KITTEN TALE by Eric Rohmann
Sometimes you need the encouragement of seeing your friends try something first. Rohmann's book is a cute story of four kittens who are anticipating their first snow. Three of them are nervous and ponder all the negative aspects of the cold, wet, white stuff, but the fourth, "can't wait!" When snow finally comes, the fourth kitten rushes out and his joy over his first snow experience encourages the others to follow. Ages 3 and up.
CHESTER'S WAY by Keven Henkes
Chester and Wilson are best friends. They do everything together and everything the same. They are quite set in their ways. When the indomitable Lily moves into the neighborhood they initially look at her askance, but Lily's bravery turns their heads and they find themselves trying new ways of doing things. Ages 4 and up.
ROLLER COASTER by Marla Frazee
Life is a bit like a roller coaster, yes? There is anticipation, excitement, dips, rises, plunges, climbs, twists, and turns. Some people aren't brave enough and turn away, others are just tall enough to ride. The story focuses on a young girl taking her first roller coaster ride and all that comes with it. Illustrator Frazee is so gifted at depicting people, and her character's facial expressions make the book truly enjoyable. Ages 4 and up.
SAMANTHA ON A ROLL by Linda Ashman, illustrated by Christine Davenier
Find it: Your Library | Amazon
Here's a story about a girl who can't wait to try something new! She longs to lace on her skates and hit the pavement, but her mom is not ready yet. Samantha decides to go for it anyway and experiences the first thrill of a new experience. Ages 4 and up.
MORE: Growth Mindset Books for Kids
SERGIO MAKES A SPLASH by Edel Rodriguez
Find it: Your Library
Both my sons giggled at the idea that a penguin could love water but still be afraid of swimming. His swim teacher, Mrs. Waddle gives him some gentle encouragement and Sergio finally takes the plunge (so to speak). Even though my almost 5 and almost 9 year olds (never too old for picture books!) enjoyed this, I think its straightforward plot and gentle humor make it a great choice for preschoolers. Ages 3 and up.
Alex Baugh says
Great choices (and some of my personal favorites, too)
Lauren says
Love these! There are some we've never read before. Adding them to our library list. 🙂
Natalie says
There are a lot of new titles for us on this list. Your husband and I should take a bet as to who will learn riding a bike first 🙂
PramgaticMom says
I so, so love this list! The Charlie and Lola book was one of our favorite books that made us laugh and laugh. So many wonderful books on your list that we have loved!
Celeste says
Nice list! These will pump me up for my New Years resolution writing coming up 🙂 Thanks!
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks, Celeste. I hope the books inspire you and your kids.
Even in Australia says
We love Samantha on a Roll and Yoko. I want to check out Sergio Makes A Splash and A Kitten Tale. Thanks.
Even in Australia says
Ugh, the NYPL doesn't have Sergio Makes A Splash at all and has Sergio Saves the Game available for in-library use only. I hate that!
Erica MomandKiddo says
How annoying! I always think, "but this is NY! We should have the book." Also I'm a big baby when the NYPL has it but the BPL doesn't because I never want to go into Manhattan just for a book.
M.E. says
Great list! Don't be Afraid to Drop by Julia Cook is another great book about taking risks.
Erica MomandKiddo says
That one is new to me. Thanks for the suggestion.
sandhya says
Green Eggs and Ham.
Erica MomandKiddo says
Excellent addition!