The International Baccalaureate (IB) defines balanced as understanding the importance of nurturing intellectual, physical, and emotional well-being—not just for oneself, but in connection with others. This approach highlights the beautiful interplay between individuals and their communities, environments, and cultures.
Achieving balance means excelling academically while enjoying time with family and friends, engaging in joyful activities, and contributing meaningfully to the world. It’s about crafting a life that embraces schoolwork, physical activity, creativity, rest, and healthy eating—all in harmony.
To foster this sense of balance, picture books are a wonderful tool to spark conversations about living a balanced life. In this post, we spotlight stories by international authors that highlight this attribute, from joyful outdoor adventures to mindful moments of reflection. Let’s journey through these books that help young readers discover the beauty of balance in their lives and relationships!
Balance with Harmony Within and Shine Beyond
The Girl with a Brave Heart: A Tale from Tehran by Rita Jahanforuz
It is a touching story that true beauty reflects a balanced mindset, radiating from within and outward. Set in Tehran, the book introduces readers to Iranian culture and values, fostering an appreciation for diversity while encouraging young minds to balance their own perspectives with those of others.
Shiraz’s journey is a beautiful exploration of what it means to be a “beautiful person” —not just outside, but through actions and intentions. Her thoughtful interactions and emotional growth emphasize the importance of balancing emotions and fostering meaningful relationships. Through moments of self-reflection and compassion, the story demonstrates the IB Learner Profile attribute of balanced, reminding readers that true strength lies in understanding and respecting others while staying grounded within themselves. Engaging and culturally rich, this book offers young readers a meaningful lens to consider how their actions impact the world and how empathy can make it better.
“Shiraz, the girl with a brave heart, who had listened and had understood that when people are sad, they do not always know how to ask for what they need.”
The Girl with a Brave Heart: A Tale from Tehran
Written by Rita Jahanforuz
2013, Barefoot Books
ISBN: 9781846869310
Balance Through Culture and Identity
Home Is in Between by Mitali Perkins
Mitali Perkins’ Home Is in Between is an exploration of identity, cultural integration, and emotional resilience, making it a shining example of the IB learner profile attribute balanced. Through the story of Shanti, a young girl navigating life between her Indian heritage and her new home in America, readers are invited to reflect on the beauty of living in two worlds.
Shanti’s journey highlights the importance of balancing multiple cultures, demonstrating how embracing different traditions can enrich one’s identity. The narrative also delves into emotional resilience, as Shanti learns to adapt to her new surroundings while cherishing her roots. These themes are beautifully complemented by Lavanya Naidu’s vibrant illustrations, which visually celebrate the melding of two cultures.
Mitali Perkins emphasizes in her author’s note that the space between cultures can be a “threshold of gratitude,” suggesting that children can find strength and balance by appreciating the best aspects of both worlds. This message encourages readers to view their own experiences through a lens of positivity and balance.
Written by Mitali Perkins, Illustrated by Lavanya Naidu
2021, Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
ISBN: 9780374303679
Balance Indoor Fun and Outdoor Advanture
Puddle by Hyewon Yum & Ahoy by Sophie Blackall
Rainy days can make kids feel bored and restless, but with a little imagination and creativity, there are plenty of indoor activities that can turn the day into an exciting adventure. Both Hyewon Yum’s Puddle and Sophie Blackall’s Ahoy both celebrate the joy of balancing indoor and outdoor activities, showing young readers the magic each environment holds.
In Puddle, a rainy day transforms from a dreary indoor experience into an outdoor adventure, as the little boy discovers the fun of splashing through puddles, both through doodling and in real life. The story beautifully captures the shift in perspective, teaching children to embrace nature and find excitement in unexpected moments.
Ahoy takes readers on imaginative journeys as a child and his mom create adventures in their living room. Whether they’re sailing a blanket ship indoors or exploring the imaginary outdoors, the book highlights the boundless power of creativity, showing that play can happen anywhere.
Together, these stories encourage children to appreciate the unique opportunities that both indoor and outdoor environments offer. They emphasize exploration, adaptability, and the value of finding joy in every situation, making them perfect reads for fostering a balanced and creative mindset.
Written by Hyewon Yum
2016, Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
ISBN: 9780374316952
Written by Sophie Blackall
2024, Anne Schwartz Books
ISBN: 9780593429396
Balanced Friendship
A Better Best Friend by Olivier Tallec
The theme of balance shines through the exploration of friendships, emotional growth, and the joy of discovery. The story follows Squirrel, who navigates the complexities of having multiple friends as new characters join the group. The book teaches children that friendships can coexist and that it’s possible to have more than one best friend, promoting a healthy balance in social relationships.
Through Squirrel’s emotional journey, children learn to recognize and manage their feelings about friendships, fostering emotional awareness. The use of humor to address serious themes adds a lighthearted touch, making it easy for young readers to engage with and reflect on their own experiences with friendship. The open-ended conclusion invites critical thinking, encouraging children to reflect on how they navigate relationships in their own lives. With a balance between social interactions and the adventures of the forest, this book promotes a well-rounded approach to emotional and social growth. A Better Best Friend provides an excellent opportunity for children to explore the balance in friendships, emotional intelligence, and personal growth.
Written by Olivier Tallec
2024, Gecko Press
ISBN: 9781776575732
Eleanor Duggan is a passionate children’s book reader, a storytelling enchantress, an aspiring globetrotter, a part-time book crafter, and an impassioned foodie who is a cooking disaster. She is more known as an international school teacher-librarian, Founder of the Toucan Award, and the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) Regional Director since 2020. She is a Taiwanese with a Belgian soul and is currently enjoying her life as a citizen of the world with her daughter and their 2 one-of-a-kind cats. You may find her via The Third Culture Librarian
GLLI Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in posts on this site are the individual author’s and are not indicative of the views of Global Literature in Libraries Initiative.
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