Philosophy to me is a subject that is taken at university, and certainly not for children. However, the last two years I have seen more and more books out on this subject aimed at kids. So I thought I would try them out and see what they are actually about.

I came across the School of Life only recently with their child book called Big Ideas for Curious Minds – An Introduction to Philosophy. So I thought this would be a great starting place.

If you are wanting new book ideas for kids aged 9-12 check out over 100 books for kids post. 

Big Ideas for Curious Minds

Freddie is 8 years old and is an advanced reader, however, when I first received the book I was a little concerned this would be too advanced. Now this was just flicking through the pages as there are lots of words. In reality I was doing both the book and Freddie a disservice as he loved the book and all of the pictures inside.

Big Ideas for Curious Minds is designed to harness children’s spontaneous philosophical instinct and to develop it through introductions to some of the most vibrant and essential philosophical ideas of history. The book takes us to meet leading figures of philosophy from around the world and from all eras – and shows us how their ideas continue to matter.

Big Ideas for Curious Minds is broken up into 28 chapters which means it is broken up into small manageable chunks.

The first chapter is all about philosophy and what it is. What I love is at the end of the chapter there are some great examples of what are wise and unwise responses to things that children will experience.

A friend isn’t very nice to you.

Unwise Responses

Be horrible back to them

Feel that maybe you deserve to be treated badly

or

Wise Responses

Wonder what might be upsetting them

Tell them calmly that they hurt your feelings, and ask what’s wrong.

There are other examples that are just as good and aimed at problems that children will experience daily. Losing a game, long car journey, not wanting to go to bed, accidentally spoil a drawing etc.

At the end of a number of chapters there are places for your child to write their feelings or questions they may want to ask.

Review of Big Ideas for Curious Minds

Parents point of view

This is an absolute must have for ALL children. It is absolutely fantastic and helps children understand a number of their daily struggles. In fact I take that previous comment back, this is an absolute must for EVERYONE. I have had read it from cover to cover, and as a 40 year old woman I have honestly learnt something new.  Fantastically well written, and breaks down the bigger words into easy to understand sentences.

Child’s point of view

When Freddie first received it, he was a little overwhelmed, however, as soon as he started reading it he loved it. So much so that he would read sections out to me and say mummy this is what you say, or I wish I had said that.

100 Questions a Toolkit for Families

Not only do they sell amazing books at the School of Life they also sell prompt cards.

It isn’t always easy for families to relate, but good conversation can play a part in building a strong connection between generations.

This toolkit contains 100 thought provoking questions for the whole family to answer. We have actually put this in Freddie’s bedroom and every night before he goes to bed. He chooses a card and we all have to answer it. It is certainly quite surprising listening to some of his answers!!

Examples of some of the cards are:

If I saw a child crying by the side of the road without his / her parents, I would…..

Describe your best ever family trip or holiday

When I spend a long time on computers…….

Do you consider your brother(s) or sister(s) to be your friends?

What would you like to learn?

What word(s) do your parents use most? What’s their most annoying expression?

The Joys and Sorrows of Parenting

This book is made up of 26 small essays that aim to provide understanding of and consolation for the trials and pleasures of parenting. I am not sure why, but this is almost like a board book and the photos are just ordinary family photos. They are not professionally taken, they just look like photos that you might have taken as a family. This I think makes the book more real and easier to relate with.

I am running a competition to giveaway the Joys and Sorrows of Parenting, the competition will run until the 10th November 2018 and is only available to UK entrants.

The Joys and Sorrows of Parenting Book

** Disclosure – I was given these books in return for an honest review.**