stories and specific self-help books) to illustrate the types of books available and the ways they might
be used.
Classic Value Stories
Remember the story (or the movie) of The Wizard of Oz?Of Dorothy’s searching for something,
somewhere over the rainbow? Of a lion who found his courage, a tin man his heart, and a scare-
crow his brain? Of a wizard who was not what he appeared? Of Dorothy’s discovery that “there’s
no place like home”? There have been countless books, documentaries, and even university
courses about this single, classic children’s tale, which was made into one of the most watched
movies of all time. And the reasons for its success can be found in its core values that address the
insecurities if childhood, have a central battle between good and evil, encourage the discovery of
personal resources, and empower a positive outcome—all with humor. In Table 3.1 I have pro-
vided other examples of classic value stories, including the authors’ names and some of the values
the story communicates.
Therapists, teachers, or parents who want to teach values through stories can thus read these clas-
sic tales to a child, or direct the child to read the story him- or herself as a homework exercise. The
story can then be discussed (if appropriate) following the reading or at the next therapy session. Such
a discussion may employ questions like: Which character did you like the most? What did he or she
do to help resolve the problem? Who had the best/most helpful/most practical ideas to fix things up?
What did he or she do? If you were in the same position, what would you have done? What else do
you think might be helpful? How do you think the main character felt when everything worked out
well?
TOOLS & TECHNIQUESTools and Techniques 31
Ta b le 3.1 Some Examples of Classic Value Stories
Book Title Author Values
The Jungle Book Kipling, R. Respect, friendship
Jonathan Livingston Seagull Bach, R. Perseverance, compassion
A Girl Named Helen Keller Lundell, M. Perseverance
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe Lewis, C. S. Motivation, restraint, truth
The Little Prince de Saint Exupery, A. Kindness, humanity, love
Anne of Green Gables Montgomery, L. M. Honesty, kindness
The Wind in the Willows Graham, K. Friendship
Black Beauty Sewell, A. Forgiveness, perseverance
Louis Braille Davidson, M. Faith, perseverance
The Adventures of Pinocchio Collodi, C. Determination, love, devotion
Cinderella Perrault, C. Faith, harmony
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel Burton, V. L. Faith, perseverance
Lassie Come Home Knight, E. Determination
The Secret Garden Burnett, F. H. Optimism
Harry Potter(series) Rowling, J. K. Friendship, goodness