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Business Leaders Must Read These 5 Surprising Children's Books Now

The article titled "Business Leaders Must Read These 5 Surprising Children's Books—Now!" by Esther Choy, published on Forbes on June 1, 2025, offers a unique perspective on leadership and personal development by recommending five children's books that can provide valuable insights for business leaders. The article emphasizes the idea that profound lessons can be found in the simplicity and clarity of children's literature, which often distills complex concepts into easily digestible narratives. Here is an extensive summary of the content found in the article:

1. "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein

Choy begins with "The Giving Tree," a classic children's book that tells the story of a tree that continuously gives to a boy throughout his life, ultimately sacrificing everything for his happiness. The book's central theme of selfless giving is presented as a powerful lesson for business leaders. Choy argues that leaders should consider the long-term impact of their decisions on their teams and organizations, much like the tree's unwavering commitment to the boy. The book encourages leaders to think about sustainability and the importance of nurturing relationships over time. Choy suggests that leaders can learn from the tree's example by fostering a culture of generosity and support within their organizations, which can lead to greater loyalty and productivity among employees.

2. "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss

The second book on Choy's list is "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss, which is often given as a graduation gift due to its inspirational message about life's journey. Choy highlights the book's emphasis on resilience and adaptability, qualities that are essential for business leaders navigating the ever-changing landscape of the corporate world. The book's whimsical illustrations and rhyming text convey the ups and downs of life, reminding leaders that setbacks are a natural part of any journey. Choy suggests that leaders can draw inspiration from the book's message of perseverance and optimism, encouraging them to embrace challenges and view failures as opportunities for growth. The book also underscores the importance of maintaining a sense of curiosity and openness to new experiences, which can lead to innovation and success in business.

3. "The Little Engine That Could" by Watty Piper

"The Little Engine That Could" is the third book recommended by Choy, and it tells the story of a small train engine that overcomes a seemingly insurmountable challenge by repeating the mantra, "I think I can, I think I can." Choy emphasizes the book's focus on the power of positive thinking and self-belief, which are crucial for leaders facing difficult decisions and high-pressure situations. The book's simple yet effective message serves as a reminder that confidence and determination can lead to remarkable achievements. Choy suggests that leaders can apply the book's lessons by fostering a positive mindset within their teams and encouraging employees to believe in their abilities. The book also highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration, as the little engine's success is ultimately dependent on the support of others.

4. "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak

Choy's fourth recommendation is "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak, a beloved children's book that explores themes of imagination, creativity, and emotional regulation. The story follows a young boy named Max who embarks on a fantastical journey to a land of wild creatures, only to return home with a newfound appreciation for his family. Choy argues that the book's message is particularly relevant for business leaders, who must balance creativity and innovation with the need for structure and discipline. The book encourages leaders to embrace their imagination and think outside the box, while also recognizing the importance of maintaining control and focus. Choy suggests that leaders can learn from Max's journey by fostering a culture of creativity within their organizations, while also setting clear boundaries and expectations for their teams.

5. "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle

The final book on Choy's list is "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle, which tells the story of a caterpillar that eats its way through various foods before transforming into a beautiful butterfly. Choy highlights the book's themes of growth and transformation, which are essential for business leaders seeking to evolve and adapt in a rapidly changing world. The book's simple yet powerful narrative serves as a reminder that change is a natural part of life, and that leaders must be willing to embrace new opportunities and challenges. Choy suggests that leaders can draw inspiration from the caterpillar's journey by focusing on continuous learning and development, both for themselves and their teams. The book also underscores the importance of resilience and perseverance, as the caterpillar's transformation is the result of its persistent efforts.

In conclusion, Choy's article offers a compelling argument for business leaders to explore the wisdom found in children's literature. By recommending five surprising children's books, Choy demonstrates how these seemingly simple stories can provide profound insights into leadership, personal development, and organizational success. The article encourages leaders to approach their roles with a sense of curiosity, openness, and humility, recognizing that valuable lessons can be found in unexpected places. By embracing the themes of generosity, resilience, positive thinking, creativity, and transformation found in these children's books, business leaders can cultivate a more effective and fulfilling approach to leadership.

Read the Full Forbes Article at:
[ https://www.forbes.com/sites/estherchoy/2025/06/01/business-leaders-must-read-these-5-surprising-childrens-books--now/ ]