Sharing is a complex skill for our Lil’s because developmentally, they are incredibly egocentric. Plus it is a very grey topic as they are expected to share some things but not all things. So because this is a complex topic, I HIGHLY suggest you read books to them about sharing as this will help them understand this complex topic. Books are a great way for children to explore new topics as it is a way for them to learn about a character’s feelings and to find solutions to common problems.
With that said here are 5 books I love about sharing, plus a bonus book because I was so torn over choosing 5.
Lil’ Explorers Focus Skills
Peer Interactions
Ask to play with another child or group of children
Share with or help another child
Engage in group activities with minimal adult assistance
Lil’ Creators Focus Skills
Peer Interactions
Ask to play with another child or group of children
Share with or help another child
Engage in group activities
Groovy Joe Ice Cream and Dinosaurs by Eric Litwin is likely my favorite of all the sharing books. It is a quick and easy read and it reads just like a children’s song, making you want to literally dance and sing. Your Lil’ will love learning about sharing and will likely be singing “Love my doggy ice cream” for the rest of the day!
Not Fair, Won’t Share by Sue Graves reminds me of a social story but with more flare and a plot. This book is great because it clearly explains sharing and taking turns in a classroom environment. It also discusses the emotions children (and adults) feel when sharing isn’t successful and how to overcome those negative emotions. As a bonus, it has an explanation in the back on how to use this book effectively and extension activities you can do. I recommend you read the explanation before reading the book to your Lil’. I HIGHLY recommend this book, especially if your Lil’ will be going to school this fall.
We love the How Do Dinosaurs series! How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends? is by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague. This book first discusses negative sharing behaviors such as hiding toys so he doesn’t have to share and not taking turns on the tricycle. Then the book takes on a different tone and explains that dinosaurs wouldn’t do those negative behaviors, instead dinosaurs share toys and take turns. I like that this book shows our Lil’ not only what they should do, but also what they shouldn’t do. Often we tell our kids what we want them to do, but we don’t explain in enough detail what the negative behavior looks like and how to avoid it. This book (series) solves that problem.
You Are Not My Friend, But I Miss You By Daniel Kirk is the story of a sock monkey who gets upset that a friend is playing with his ball and not giving it back. This leads to Monkey deciding that Dog is no longer his friend and instead he will play with his ball by himself, that is until he realizes that playing and sharing with friends is a lot more fun.
This is a sweet book that is easy to read. It perfectly depicts how many 4-5 year olds act in regards to sharing and thus is a wonderful way to show them that sharing toys and playing together is actually more fun than having a toy all to yourself.
One Big Pair of Underwear is by Laura Ghel is an adorable book. It explores numbers as it rhythmically explains a situation where they are always short one item for a group of friends. It is a longer book and it is not until almost the end that sharing is discussed (I was beginning to wonder why a friend suggested it as a sharing book). However, it is worth the read for our Lil’ Creators as it is fun to read and can be a bit of a tongue twister with all of the rhyming.
The Llama Llama series is another series adored by all that teaches children social skills. I debated over including Llama Llama Time to Share By Anna Dewdny because the book depicts Llama sharing all his toys quite well (in my opinion) except for one toy which appears to be his lovie and Llama’s mom takes his lovie until he can share it appropriately. Well here is the thing, and it might be controversial, but I do not believe that children should have to share their lovies. I believe that when guests come over, children should share the majority of their toys, but not their “special toys.”
Now here is why I decided this book SHOULD be included, the Mama llama did not require Llama Llama to share his lovie, instead she required him to put it away until he felt he could share it. This is the PERFECT opportunity to show your Lil’ that if they have a special toy that they do not want to share with a friend, then that special toy stays put away while your Lil’ is with their friend.
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