Toads and Diamonds

A parent might reach for this book when their child is experimenting with unkind words or struggling with sibling rivalry. Based on the classic Perrault fairy tale, this story presents a powerful and memorable lesson about the consequences of our actions and speech. It tells of two stepsisters: one so kind that flowers and jewels fall from her lips when she speaks, and one so cruel that she is cursed to have toads and snakes accompany her words. For ages 4 to 8, the story’s clear moral and magical elements make the abstract concept of kindness versus cruelty very concrete. It’s a fantastic tool for starting conversations about why we choose to be kind and how our words impact ourselves and others.