
As they say, a books is a window to the world! These Launchpad entrepreneur mums share their favourite kids' books for inspiring and empowering little ones.
The best lessons are often taught in a book! It’s how kids explore and imagine the big, wide world around them. We checked in with five Launchpad entrepreneur boss-mums on their favourite kids’ books to instil a sense of confidence and inspire little ones from a young age. Keep reading for their insights!
1. Anna Göransson, Interior Designer at AG Interiors
Pippi Longstocking tells the story of a young girl rebel who stands up for the weak and oppressed. She is cheeky and kind and she can outlift the strongest man in the world. If you are striving to bring up your children in the spirit of gender equality, this is a great fun and empowering read. Tiddler is A lovely story about a tiny fish with big imagination who is often late and loves to make up big excuses. Teaches children the concept of time and honesty in a fun way. Little People, Big Dreams is a book series we love. The books are inspiring and encouraging both for children and adults to pursue their dreams and to keep believing in yourself and never give up. I think it is especially great for kids to be able to relate to real life stories of other children and their journeys.
2. Wanda Wijaya, Speech & Language Therapist & Director, Ohana Therapy
Some Brains: A Book Celebrating Neurodiversity by Nelly Thomas is a recent book that’s been a huge hit with many of my school-aged clients. It talks about how people think, process things, and express themselves differently, and that’s OKAY. In today’s day and age, it’s important to teach children the values of inclusion, understanding, and acceptance. This book is just one little step in helping kids understand what neurodiversity is, and how it’s all around us. A great conversation-starter and introduction to the topic!
3. Eileen Tan, Founder of Spacing SG
Eric Carle’s books are invaluable for preschool lessons, with vibrant illustrations and repetitive text patterns that build young readers’ confidence. The repetitive patterns are particularly effective for their predictability. Another gem is The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds, which fosters a growth mindset and encourages children to embrace challenges.
4. Marissa Leufke Nasution, Research Psychologist, Coach and Speaker
We introduced diversity to our kids through Usborne’s All About Diversity book. This visually engaging book helps children understand and appreciate differences in cultures, races, abilities, and backgrounds. Exposing children to diversity early on fosters empathy, respect, and acceptance for others who may be different from them. This understanding promotes inclusivity and equips children to navigate a multicultural world with compassion and understanding for one another. Embracing diversity from a young age lays the foundation for a more harmonious and inclusive society in the future.
5. Biek Speijk, Founder of Biekaleidoscope, Artist & Wardrobe Curator
As a creative and passionate seasoned fashion designer, I have collected many artist books even before we had kids. I love the simplicity of a story line, and every book is a small documentary. I think it’s important for children to be exposed to beautiful examples of some struggles in life and overcoming them by staying true to themselves. Some examples are stories about: Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Chanel, Jackson Pollock. And also the board books by Little People, Big Dreams are amazing because it’s literally a handful of sentences, yet you get to the root of what they do and stand/stood for. Here are some fun facts about how important adding art to children’s life is:
1. When the arts and aesthetics are integrative into education, work, and life, we strengthen our capacity to learn.
2. Arts give children a means of expression when they don’t have words.
3. The arts offer measurable health benefits throughout your life. They provide meaning, beauty, and connection.