OH THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!
DR SEUSS
Ages 3 and up

I realize that Dr. Seuss may not be the first person you think of when looking for spiritual books for kids, but this charming story is so packed full of life's little truths that it certainly deserves a mention.

It is beautifully written, easy to read, fun, and filled with the usual crazy Dr Seuss landscapes and creatures. From choosing your path and positive thinking to dealing with slumps and loneliness, all wrapped up in a perfect 10 minute bedtime story. By the end of the book you really do feel like you could move mountains.

There are a few books on my kids' shelves that I'll be hanging onto for myself once they grow up - this is number one! I think that all adults and kids could do with a Dr Seuss style pep talk every now and again.

"You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So... get on your way!"

Have a wonderful week.

THE CONSCIOUS PARENT
Shefali Tsabary, PhD
For parents of any age.

The book is clearly not about being the perfect parent. It is about being real in your experience with your kids, and getting down off your pedestal and relating to them as equals, without abandoning the need for structure and discipline. 

For me, the essence of the book was how to take the parenting experience and use it as one of the most powerful tools for self-transformation that there is. I have always referred to my own kids as my Zen Masters, there to teach me some of the hardest, but most valuable lessons in life, and The Conscious Parent embodies this spirit.

If you are going to buy one parenting book in your life, make it this one. There are no prescriptive guidelines as to how to raise your children (it's not the manual you wish they were born with), and no quick fixes to your family problems, but it definitely will transform your life, how you relate to your children (whatever age they may be), and, through your own growth, will bring peace to your family.

If you enjoyed this book and/or would like a little more insight, I also recommend listening to Dr Shefali's interviews on Namaste Publishing's blog talk radio. You can access her past interviews here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/namasteradio/page/2

HOPE FOR THE FLOWERS
Trina Paulus
Ages: 5 - 105

This one stands out as my favorite book for both adults and children at the moment.

What a breath of fresh air from the usual insipid range of spiritual books for children. Trina Paulus's Hope For The Flowers combines simple, delightful illustrations with a charming, inspirational and thought provoking story about a caterpillar on a search.

There is absolutely nothing pretentious about this book. It is simple enough for a three year old to enjoy, and yet profound enough for any adult to benefit from its wisdom.

Whether you're 5 or 105 this story will touch your heart and bring you back to your true path, the path of the butterfly.