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)
Founder of The Improv Lab, Stacey Mason has immersed herself in the field of Applied Improvisation for the last decade after
co-founding several comedy improv troupes and training with various actor-teams including
Second City in Chicago. Her corporate background includes nearly 20 years at Walmart
in Logistics, Global Supply Chain and Merchandising/Replenishment before shifting
towards culture coaching, stewarding the Walton Institute, Walmart’s flagship culture
program. She partners with Walton College Executive Education on innovation programs
and other initiatives
