Teach the Girl Scout Law with Picture Books

The Scrambled States of America

By Laurie Keller

For the Promise: (serve my country) A funny story about the United States.  

Clifford's Good Deeds (Clifford)

by Norman Bridwell 

For the Promise: (help people at all times) A good introduction to good deeds with a character familiar to most children.  

The Wolf Who Cried Boy

by Bob Hartman, Tim Raglin (Illustrator)

Honest & Fair: The classic story about honesty with a twist.

Sing the "Bear went over the Mountain" or "Once a Girl Scout Went to Camp" for added fun.  

Sniffles

by Stephen Cosgrove, Robin James (Illustrator)

Honest & Fair: Another story about honesty-- this one about exaggeration. 

Best Friends: Story and Pictures

by Steven Kellogg

Friendly & Helpful: Two girls-horses-puppies. Discusses lots of elements in their friendship.  

A Chair for My Mother 

by Vera B. Williams (Illustrator)

Friendly & Helpful: A family helps each other (also can be used for considerate and caring).  

Boxes for Katje

by Candace Fleming, Stacey Dressen-McQueen (Illustrator)

Considerate & Caring: Great introduction for service projects or pen pals.  

The Quiltmaker's Gift

by Jeff Brumbeau, Gail De Marcken (Illustrator)       

Considerate & Caring: Somewhat long story about giving, illustrations are beautiful.  

Jojo'S Flying Side Kick

by Brian Pinkney (Illustrator)

Courageous & Strong: This book covers both! Jojo overcomes her fears to show her strength by breaking a board in Tae Kwon Doe.  

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon

by Patty Lovell, David Catrow (Illustrator) (Hardcover)

Courageous & Strong: Molly Lou exhibits great self-esteem, overcomes teasing and a bully.  

Mirette on the High Wire

by Emily Arnold McCully

Courageous & Strong: a young girl helps an adult overcome his fears and her own.

It's Not My Fault 

by Nancy L. Carlson (Hardcover - August 2003)

Responsible for what I say and do: A don't be like this boy story.  

The Signmaker's Assistant

by Tedd Arnold

Responsible for what I say and do: A second don't be like this boy story, very funny and he does learn responsibility in the end.  

I Like Me, I Like You

by Laurence Anholt, Adriano Gon (Illustrator)

Respect Myself and Others: Good introduction to taking care of yourself, positive affirmations, etc.  

Incredible Me!

by Kathi Appelt, G. Brian Karas (Illustrator

Respect Myself and Others: More of the same, emphasis on physical acceptance.  

Suki's Kimono

by Chieri Uegaki, Stephane Jorisch (Illustrator)

Respect Myself and Others: More subtle story about acceptance.  

Officer buckle & gloria

by Peggy Rathmann:

Respect Authority: Kids don't respect Officer Buckle's safety lessons until he gets Gloria the dog to help.  

The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin (The Original and Authorized Edition)

by Beatrix Potter

Respect Authority: A classic. Nutkin doesn't respect Mr. Brown (an owl) and he loses his tail for it. Try teaching "I'm Wise: the Old Owl's Song" or "Grey Squirrel."  

The Lorax

by Dr. Seuss, Theodor Seuss

Use Resources Wisely: A classic. 

The After-Christmas Tree

by Linda Wagner

Use Resources Wisely: Recycling a Christmas tree and helping animals. Girls love making the peanut-butter pinecone bird feeders. 

Home

by Jeannie Baker (Illustrator)

Make the World a Better Place: A community comes together to make their neighborhood better. 

Miss Rumphius

by Barbara Cooney

Make the World a Better Place: As a young girl Miss Rumpius makes three promises to her grandfather--one is to make the world a more beautiful place. The perfect book for this part of the Law.  

Seven Brave Women

by Betsy Hearne, Bethanne Andersen (Illustrator)

Make the World a Better Place: Also a great introduction for Her Story or Listening to the Past Try-its or on the topic of peace.  

Everybody Bakes Bread

by Norah Dooley, Peter J. Thornton (Illustrator)

Be a Sister to Every Girl Scout: Highlights what people from around the world have in common. Includes recipes. Could be used with Junior Humans & Habitats Badge.  

Elana's Ears, or How I Became the Best Big Sister in the World

by Gloria Roth Lowell, Karen Stormer Brooks (Illustrator)

Be a Sister to Every Girl Scout: Even a dog can be a "sister" and this book addresses hearing, good introduction to founder Juliette Lowe and coping with hearing loss.