Empowering children through storytelling: Growth mindset, self-belief, and sustainability

At Honey Willow, storytelling is a cherished ritual that fosters creativity, self-belief, and a connection to the world. Each evening, as Eric and I sit together for bedtime stories, we open up a world of imagination and growth. Storytelling isn’t just about fun adventures—it’s about teaching important life lessons like embracing effort, loving oneself, and making a positive impact on the planet.

Our favourite books to read at home

In our home, bedtime stories are a treasured part of our daily routine. These books aren’t just for entertainment—they're tools that inspire creativity, nurture a growth mindset, and teach valuable lessons about self-belief and caring for the world around us. Below are some of our favourite reads that have become staples in our household, sparking imagination, curiosity, and joy during our quiet, story-filled evenings.

1. Nurturing a growth mindset through storytelling One of the most valuable lessons I want to teach my son, Eric, is that effort is more important than the outcome. We explore this through books like Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, where Rosie learns that failure is simply a stepping stone to success. She discovers that her greatest creations come from the lessons learned through mistakes. Whether we’re reading together or making up our own stories, I want Eric to know that growth comes from trying, failing, and learning along the way.

2. Building self-belief Self-belief is another core value we focus on. The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds is one of our favourite books, teaching Eric that creativity starts with small steps and the confidence to try. Through these stories, I want him to feel empowered to believe in his own abilities, just like the characters in his favourite books.

3. Loving yourself and the planet At Honey Willow, we weave the theme of sustainability into our storytelling and daily life. Books like The Lorax by Dr Seuss, teach children to care for the planet, while activities like refilling our eco-resin candles show Eric how small actions can help the environment. This combination of stories and hands-on activities instills the importance of loving both ourselves and the planet

4. Combining passions with making a positive impact I encourage Eric to combine his creativity with the desire to make a difference. Books like Greta and the Giants by Zoe Tucker inspire him to see how young people can create change. Whether through storytelling or candle-making, I hope to teach him that his passions can help make the world a better place.

5. Embracing individuality and creativity We also celebrate individuality and embracing your unique path. Dharma the Llama by Matt Cosgrove is a fun and heartwarming story that teaches children to follow their own perspective and stay true to themselves. Dharma doesn’t follow the crowd; instead, she finds her own way and celebrates her individuality. This message encourages Eric to embrace his unique creativity and be confident in who he is. I want him to understand that being different is a strength and that by staying true to himself, he can make a positive impact on the world—whether through storytelling, candle-making, or other passions he pursues.

Creating joy through rituals

Our nightly storytelling ritual brings us joy, peace, and connection. Lighting a Midnight Noir candle before we read together sets the tone for these meaningful moments. These small, mindful acts help foster Eric’s sense of self and encourage him to see how he can bring positivity into the world.

Through stories, rituals, and creativity, I hope to teach Eric the power of self-belief, the value of effort, and how his small actions can positively impact the world.

What are your favourite bedtime stories?

We’d love to hear about the books that inspire creativity, growth, or a love for the planet in your home. Share your favourite reads in the comments below!

Still keen for more book suggestions? Here more of  our favourite reads that have become staples in our household

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
  Rosie’s inventive spirit teaches kids about creativity, perseverance, and embracing failure as a path to success.
• The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
  A wonderful book that encourages kids to express themselves creatively and realise their potential through a simple dot on paper.
• Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg
  This interactive book shows children how mistakes can lead to unexpected and creative outcomes, fostering resilience and imagination.
• The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak
  A hilarious and imaginative read that shows children how words and creativity can be just as entertaining as pictures, encouraging them to think outside the box.
• Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss
  A classic that inspires children to dream big, overcome obstacles, and believe in their ability to succeed.
• Dharma the Llama by Matt Cosgrove
  This fun story promotes individuality and creativity as children follow Dharma’s unique perspective on life.

Books that teach a growth mindset

• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
  Rosie’s inventive spirit teaches kids about creativity, perseverance, and embracing failure as a path to success.
• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
  This story follows a young girl who sets out to create something amazing but learns valuable lessons about perseverance and creativity along the way.
• Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg
  This interactive book shows children how mistakes can lead to unexpected and creative outcomes, fostering resilience and imagination.
• Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss
  A classic that inspires children to dream big, overcome obstacles, and believe in their ability to succeed.
• Noelle Bakes a Cake by Mikaela Wilson
  Noelle learns about resilience when she tries to bake a cake for her mother but faces unexpected challenges. This story highlights the importance of perseverance and how love and effort are what truly make things special.
• Paula’s Patches by Gabriella Aldeman
  This book teaches kids the power of resourcefulness. When Paula’s pants rip, she uses fabric scraps to make patches, inspiring her to help others. It’s a great story about how creativity can turn problems into opportunities.

Books that foster environmental awareness and sustainability

• The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
  A classic that teaches children about the importance of protecting the environment and the impact of human activities on nature.
• Greta and the Giants by Zoë Tucker
  This inspiring story is based on Greta Thunberg's efforts to raise awareness about environmental issues. It's a powerful tale of determination and activism that resonates with children and adults alike.
• The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle: A Story About Recycling by Alison Inches
  Follow a plastic bottle on its journey from production to recycling, teaching kids about the recycling process.
• Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth by Mary McKenna Siddals
  A fun and engaging book that introduces kids to composting and the benefits of reducing waste.
• The Earth Book by Todd Parr
  Simple illustrations and easy-to-understand language make this book perfect for young readers learning about ways to protect the planet.
• What a Waste: Trash, Recycling, and Protecting our Planet by Jess French
  A comprehensive guide that explores different types of waste, the importance of recycling, and how kids can help protect the environment.