Picture Books for New Year’s Day and Goal Setting

I have to admit, I am still coming off of my Christmas high; I  do genuinely love it!  But once all of the presents are opened and we drink our hot chocolates and move on to the next day, there’s something new and exciting to gear up for….the New Year!  And since 2020 was a doozy, I am almost certain that most of us will be celebrating HARD this year, even the little ones who had their own struggles during this season.  Thinking about all of that had me analyzing the best way to get not only adults but kids into thinking about the positives that lie ahead.  And well, books have never failed us.  So today, I want to share some of my favorite picture books for New Year’s Day and goal setting that can get your kids or students (you too!) ready to set their own.

Yes, setting resolutions can be cliché, however; when you think about them in terms of goal setting, it becomes a lot more deliberate and clear.  I think it is important that we get kids into the mindset of setting goals early to create a solid foundation for how they navigate the rest of their lives!  Check out these fun New Year’s picture books for some inspiration.

Flight School by Lita Judge

When teaching kids about doing something that seems impossible, turn to the little penguin in Flight School who decided he was going to fly even if his body wasn’t made for it.

Because by Mo Willems

Because kids deserve to believe in the power of real-life magic and the sweet symphony.

The Stars Will Still Shine by Cynthia Rylant

A beautiful story for helping kids see the beauty in everyday life even when conflicts arise. (Kind of like the year 2020.)

After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) by Dan Santat

Children will be ecstatic to see a familiar face and learn that the fall was not the end of Humpty Dumpty’s story but the beginning of a tale of overcoming.

Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae

In this comedic story, Giraffe finds his dance in his own way teaching kids that they can do the same.

The Night Before New Years by Natasha Wing

Ahh…the struggles of staying up for the big countdown! Kids will love this fun story about celebrating the New Year!

Shanté Keys and the New Year’s Peas by Gail Piernas-Davenport

Do you have any New Year’s traditions?  Shanté’s family sure does and your kids will enjoy following her on a journey to keep it alive!

Freedom Soup by Tami Charles

Haitian independence and their New Year’s traditions are the focus of this cute picture book for New Year’s Day!

Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution by Pat Miller

As a great introduction to New Year’s resolutions, make this one your first step towards goal setting with your little ones or students!

I wish you nothing but the most amazing New Year and happy goal setting for 2021!  First, on my list, figure out how to get rid of the pandemic (ha!)

{Amazon affiliate links were used in this post but these are books I have personally read and enjoyed.}