There's No Monopoly on Wisdom

Young woman reading book in library
July 21 , 2022  |  By Stacey Mason

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Business books don’t have a monopoly on leadership lessons. How do I know that? Just make your way to the back of any independent bookstore, acquaint yourself with the kid’s section and you’ll see exactly what I mean. Seriously. Pull up a tiny chair, tuck your knees under your chin, and spend a few minutes immersed in stunning artwork and timeless lessons.   

Here are five amazing reads no one should miss.   

The Day The Crayons Quit!  
Author: Drew DayWalt 
Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers  

Read the extremely popular new kid’s book The Day The Crayons Quit! and you’ll witness your entire leadership team drawn out in rich, vibrant colors.     

This book is about life and contribution from the perspective of crayons. The book is also a metaphor for how we treat human capital in the workplace. Trust me, it’s all in there. The over-worked, the mislabeled, the favorite, and the unused. Those who operate within the lines and those who don’t. Some are happy. Some are feuding. Others are tired and empty. One is even naked! NAKED!   

That’s probably enough of a spoiler, but I highly recommend you give it a read. 

Mr. Peabody’s Apples 
Author: Madonna 
Illustrator: Loren Long 

Madonna has authored 5 children’s books, all New York Times best sellers. The stories are timeless, the illustrations are exquisite, and the life lessons practically fall off the pages and land in your lap. In Mr. Peabody’s Apples, we’re reminded that words have power. What we say, and to whom we say it, matters more than we know. And sometimes it’s impossible to undo what the wrong words have done.   

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore 
Author: William Joyce  
Illustrator: William Joyce and Joe Bluhm 

“If you have lived your life with books, as I have, you will be drawn into this world. In fact if you are a book person this is your world.” No truer words have been said than those shared by an online book reviewer.  

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore  was such a huge success as a book that it was made into an animated short film and an interactive app. It’s brilliant. 

At its heart, it’s a poignant parable of what we all hope to accomplish in our lifetimes - to find work that stirs our souls. And when life comes full circle, to see that the end of our chapter is the beginning of someone else’s.   

Exclamation Mark  
Author: Amy Krouse Rosenthal   
Illustrator: Tom Lichtenheld 

This book is about fitting in and standing out (perhaps the hardest dichotomy to master in life). Exclamation Mark  takes us on a journey to find that place where each of us matters – where we can come alive and do our best work. This book is a refreshing call to action: find out where you add value and go do more of that.    

Now go make your mark. (exclamation, exclamation!!)  

What Do You Do with an Idea? 
Author: Kobi Yamada   
Illustrator: Mae Besom 

At first ideas seem like scary things. We wonder why they’re here. We worry what people will think. We fear we’ll be seen as different.  What Do You Do with an Idea?  states that what you do is embrace it, of course. Because ideas become big things, brave things, smart things, and even silly things. This book is for every brave believer who has ever doubted the power of an idea.

“And then I realized what you do with an idea…You change the world.”   
 
Wisdom awaits us all. And sometimes it’s found in the most unexpected places.   
 
Ancora Imparo… (Still, I am learning)