
3 beautiful Stories for kids 5+ That Teach Kindness Selflessness and Resilience
Stories have a way of staying with us, especially when they teach lessons that resonate deeply. Three beautiful tales- Gawa’s Bag of Good Regards, The Wish Fish, and The Scent of Roses -offer something special—moments of introspection, warmth, and inspiration. Check out review of these Three Stories for kids 5+ That Teach Kindness Selflessness and Resilience in this post.

3 Stories for kids 5+
Gawa’s Bag of Good Regards

Gawa’s Bag of Good Regards by Anushka Ravishankar
Publication Date : November 4, 2024
Publisher : Duckbill
Read Date : January 12, 2024
Genre : Children’s Fiction
Age : 5+
Pages : 40
Source : Many thanks to Publisher for review copy.
Synopsis
Everyone asks,
What do you want to be?
But Gawa only knows
What he wants to do.
Review
Gawa’s Bag of Good Regards is narrated by one of Gawa’s classmates, who reflects on a common question teachers often ask children: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” The narrator observes how most kids eagerly share the usual professions they’ve learned about, but one classmate, Gawa, remains silent until directly asked by the teacher.
What Gawa shares captures not only the narrator’s attention but also the hearts of readers. His response shifts the focus from what he wants to be to what he wants to do—to carry a “bag of good regards” for everyone he meets.
This simple yet profound sentiment carries a powerful message: before aspiring to achieve anything in life, we should first strive to be kind, spread goodwill, and become better individuals. It’s a lesson every child (and adult) can learn from—a reminder that being good comes before doing great.
A truly touching story with a timeless moral that resonates deeply.
Book Links
Goodreads | Amazon.in | Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk
The Wish Fish

The Wish Fish by Lesley D. Biswas
Publication Date : November 25, 2024
Publisher : Duckbill
Read Date : January 12, 2024
Genre : Children’s Fiction
Age : 5+
Pages : 40
Source : Many thanks to publisher for review copy.
Synopsis
Namita’s father has caught her a magical fish. What wish will Namita make?
Review
Told through the eyes of a little girl, Namita, who lives in a village nestled in the mangrove forests, this story beautifully captures her world. Born into a fishmonger family, Namita loves hearing her father’s adventurous stories from his days on the river and dreams of joining him on his small boat. One day, her father catches a peculiar fish—unlike anything they’ve seen before, almost like those in the city aquariums.
Curious, Namita asks her friend Gopal about it, and he calls it a “wish fish.” But when she struggles to decide on a single wish, Namita notices that the fish looks sad and lonely, as if it misses its family. Instead of using it for her own desires, Namita makes the selfless choice to release the fish back into the river, where it belongs. Through this act of compassion, she ends up fulfilling her deepest wish in a way she never expected.
I loved the story’s profound message about selflessness, compassion for animals, and the joy of doing the right thing. Namita’s thought process was inspiring—her realization that the fish might want to reunite with its family, and her belief that she could create her own happiness by helping it, are truly touching.
The story also subtly reminds us that acting on our wishes and desires, rather than relying on external forces, is what brings them to life. Also, doing good for others never goes in vain—a lesson as timeless as it is meaningful.
Book Links
Goodreads | Amazon.in | Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk
The Scent of Roses

The Scent of Roses by Adithi Rao
Publication Date : November 25, 2024
Publisher : Duckbill Books
Read Date : January 15, 2024
Genre : Children’s Fiction
Age : 8+
Pages : 80
Synopsis
When Abu disappears one night, Bram Bram Chok comes to live inside Sajad’s heart, making him hop in anger and stomp to its tunes. Does Sajad want him to stay? Can anything make him go away?
Review
The Scent of Roses tells the moving story of Sajad, a young boy grappling with overwhelming emotions—anxiety, anger, frustration, and sadness—after his father suddenly disappears. To make sense of his feelings, Sajad names them “Bram Bram Chock,” an angry, evil wolf from a story his grandmother once told him. But this is not just Sajad’s story; it reflects the shared grief of countless boys and girls living in Kashmir, where loss and uncertainty cast long shadows over families.
Sajad’s father’s disappearance leaves a deep void, not just in his heart but also in his family’s life. His grandfather struggles to maintain their family business of hand-distilled rosewater, a cherished tradition passed down for generations. Consumed by anger and dissatisfaction, Sajad decides to leave for Delhi. However, when his grandfather falls ill, Sajad is compelled to return to the shop. Seeing its state, he has a powerful epiphany—one that helps him reconnect with his family’s legacy and begin to tame the wolf within.
This poignant story beautifully portrays the weight of unspoken emotions, the challenges of familial duty, and the strength found in embracing one’s heritage and life. Sajad’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the healing that comes from reconnecting with family and tradition. It’s a deeply emotional read that lingers long after the final page.
Book Links
Goodreads | Amazon.in | Amazon.co.uk

Have you read any of these?
Any recs for kids 5+?

Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads | WhatsApp Channel
Just in case you missed,,,
- The Neighbor Favor (The Greene Sisters #1) by Kristina Forest – slow burn second chance romance
- January 2025 Wrap-Up: Life Struggles and Book Escapes
- 10 New to Me Authors in 2024
Discover more from Books Teacup and Reviews
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.


2 Comments
Lashaan Balasingam
These all sound wonderful, Yesha! I like their focus on such important themes for such young ages too! Great reviews!
Books Teacup and Reviews
thanks Lashaan! they are perfect for kids and the messages presented in them are must for kids these days.