Part of LDS.net’s Series:
Children need to be kept safe, which is why we establish rules for them to follow. However, what kid enjoys keeping the rules? Parents may find it is difficult to get their children to understand that rules are not meant to restrict them, but to protect them. Help your kids learn the importance of following rules and keeping commandments through these children’s books on obedience.
Ages 3-5
Little Red Learns to Obey
Little Red Learns to Obey by Geri Gilstrap is about Little Red, a small tractor living on a big farm. He knows he is supposed to wash up, oil up, and fuel up every day, but what happens if he doesn’t obey those rules? Luckily, Little Red has a mentor, Big Green, who helps him out and teaches Little Red that it is important for everyone to obey the rules.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems is about a pigeon who wants to drive a bus. But before the bus driver leaves the bus, he tells the kids one thing: “don’t let the pigeon drive the bus.” Though the pigeon begs, pleads, and even throws a tantrum, the kids are obedient and don’t let the pigeon drive the bus.
Tales of the Wailing Cowpuncher: Obeying Your Parents
Tales of the Wailing Cowpuncher: Obeying Your Parents by Anna Heuer is about Rusty Gates, a three year old who wants nothing more than to be a full-time cowpoke. But he can’t understand why his parents won’t let him. However, by the end of the story this little cowboy learns that it is important to listen to and obey his parents.
What if Everybody Did That?
What if Everybody Did That? by Ellen Javernick and Colleen M. Madden is a book that shows what the world would be like if no one followed the rules. The situations depicted are humorous, while also showing why rules are important to follow.
Danger at Coaster Cliffs: A Story About Obedience
Danger at Coaster Cliffs: A Story About Obedience by Sharon Lamson and Bruce Barry is about roaches Squiggz, Cosmo, and Flutter, who want to have some adventure. But when they disobey Grandpa Lou and climb the roller coaster, they get stuck at the top and can’t get down! At the end of the story, they realize that rules are made for a reason, and following the rules will keep them safe.
Silly Tilly and the Royal Rules
Silly Tilly and the Royal Rules by Barbara Bakowski and Sachiko Yoshikawa is about Princess Tilly, who does not like to follow the castle rules. But Prince Willy shows her that obeying these rules is actually a cool thing to do.
Ages 6-8
Franklin Is Lost
Franklin Is Lost by Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark is about a turtle named Franklin. His parents warned him to never go into the woods, but Franklin forgets his parents’ rule while playing hide-and-seek with his friends. Soon, Franklin is lost, but because he stays in his shell, he is soon found.
Library Lion
Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen and Kevin Hawkes is about a lion who comes to the library. The librarian, Miss Merriweather, says that so long as the lion keeps the library rules, he can stay. The lion soon finds his home in the library, but when Miss Merriweather gets hurt, he breaks a rule and roars for help. This book shows that rules are important to follow, but that there may be exceptions in emergencies.
I Just Don’t Like the Sound of No!
I Just Don’t Like the Sound of No! by Julia Cook and Kelsey De Weerd is about RJ, who hates it when people tell him he’s not allowed to do things. He argues with them constantly, trying to get them to say “yes.” Then his teacher tells him about the Say YES to NO club, and he learns that sometimes it is okay to accept “no” for an answer, and that there are better ways of disagreeing with people.
The Most Obedient Dog in the World
The Most Obedient Dog in the World by Anita Jeram is about dog who waits steadfastly for his master. He is obedient no matter what happens. He still waits even when the weather gets bad. But when a cat comes along, will the dog continue to be obedient, or will he chase the cat?
Ages 9-12
My Life as an Afterthought Astronaut
My Life as an Afterthought Astronaut by Bill Myers is about Wally McDoogle. He didn’t mean to create chaos when he snuck aboard the space shuttle, nearly caused it to crash, and knocked Pilot O’Brien halfway to Jupiter. But chaos is what happens when Wally breaks the rules, and now he needs to fix his mistakes.
Princess Ben
Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock is about Benevolence, also known as Ben. Unlike most girls, she isn’t too thrilled with the idea of being a princess and rebels against all the rules her aunt teaches her, uses magic, runs away, and has an adventure. But when other kingdoms threaten to take her own because she has not proven to be a suitable heir, she steps up and works hard to become a worthy princess.
When kids realize the importance of being obedient, they are more likely to follow the rules and commandments that keep them safe. This habit will help them as they grow and set standards and rules for themselves.
