Today we have some literature suggestions for our Character Trait of the Month – Stewardship! Curated by our lovely SLOCA librarians, these would also be fun to read over the summer.
For other posts in our Character Issue series this 2021- 2022 school year, please check out the links below:
- The Character Issue: Resilience & Resourcefulness
- The Character Issue: Citizenship
- The Character Issue: Courage
- The Character Issue: Humility
- The Character Issue: Diligence
- The Character Issue: Gratitude
- The Character Issue: Integrity
- The Character Issue: Kindness & Respect
- The Character Issue: Responsibility
SLOCA Defines Stewardship As:
The careful and responsible management of things entrusted to one’s care, including one’s mind, body, time, money, environment, property, with proper regard to the rights of others.
Catchphrase: Take care of your stuff; take care of their stuff!
Bunny Money by Rosemary Wells
Ruby and Max’s grandmother’s birthday is coming up. They know exactly what they want to buy her. But through a series of mishaps, etc. their money seems to be disappearing. Will they have enough for a present for Grandmother? For ages 3 and up.
Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday by Judith Viorst
From the author of Alexander, and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, Alexander feels rich when his grandparents give him a dollar. However, he struggles to manage his money as there is so much he wants to buy and his money does not go far. For ages 4 and up.
Follow the Money! by Loreen Leedy
This picture book depicts a day in the life of a quarter (named George, of course!) and his travels from the time he is minted until he is deposited in a bank, ready for the next day’s adventures. A great book for practicing simple equations, learning about basic economics, and gaining an appreciation for the value of money. For ages 5 and up.
The Everything Kids’ Money Book by Diane Mayr
This book tells kids about where money came from, how to make and save money, and how to spend it wisely, from allowances to lemonade stands to savings accounts. Activities include making penny spiral towers and cooking silver-dollar pancakes. For ages 7 and up.
The Empty Pot by Demi
Young Ping is an excellent steward of the seed given to him by the Emperor. Every day he takes care of the seed and provides the seed with all that it would need to grow, but it never does and he must return to the Emperor with an empty pot. This beautiful story reminds us that we may not always see immediate results of our stewardship, but we should still continue to care for the things entrusted to us. For ages 4 and up.
A Pair of Red Clogs by Masako Matsuno
A beloved picture book often part of our Kindergarten curriculum tells the story of Mako and her new red clogs. She loves their shiny red lacquer and the sound they make when she walks until one day while playing a game the clogs become cracked. What does Mako do when her brand new shoes are no longer brand new? Will she treat her next pair differently? For ages 5 and up.
The Curious Garden by Peter Brown
A beautiful picture book about a boy who discovers a struggling garden in his very urban neighborhood. As he cares for this little garden, it grows and begins to “explore” the neighborhood transforming the gray landscape into a world of vibrant colors. For ages 4 and up.
Over-scheduled Andrew by Ashley Spires
Andrew loves acting so much that he joins the drama club. To improve his work on the stage, he joins the debate club, with karate and ballet classes to help improve his work on the stage. He has so many talents and interests… soon Andrew is debating his way through karate, dancing through debate, playing bagpipes on the tennis court, sleeping through his 15 minutes of best friend time. Can he find a way to focus? For ages 4 and up.
See You Later, Procrastinator! by Pamela Espeland and Elizabeth Verdick
Provides ideas and tips to help kids kick the procrastination habit and feel more in charge of their lives. An entertaining book in the Laugh & Learn series. For ages 10 and up.
Wild Wings by Gill Lewis
When Callum spots crazy Iona McNair on his family’s property, she’s catching a fish with her bare hands. She won’t share the fish but does share a secret. She’s discovered a rare endangered bird, an Osprey. Poachers, egg thieves, and wild weather are just some of the threats, so Iona and Callum vow to keep track of the bird and check her migratory progress using the code a preservationist tagged on her ankle, no matter what. But when one of them can no longer keep the promise, it’s up to the other to do it for them both. Set against the dramatic landscapes of Scotland and West Africa, this is a story of unlikely friendships and the everyday wonders of the wild. For ages 8 and up.
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
This first book in a super fun series introduces the reader to a group of extremely smart kids who are called upon to do some extraordinary things. Stewardship also encompasses the care of our minds and the puzzles in this book will challenge your reader’s mind as they enjoy the adventures of Reynie Muldoon and his friends. For ages 9 and up.
