A Little SPOT of Optimism

Diane Alber's 2020 addition to her Little SPOT series takes on growth mindset in a way that is direct without being preachy. The book's core move — showing children that challenges can become opportunities and that optimistic thinking is a skill to practice, not a personality trait you are born with — is solid and useful. Alber's bright illustrations and plain language make it accessible to preschoolers, and teachers and school counselors have adopted the series broadly. The honest caveat is that the series format is now quite familiar, so kids who have read other SPOT books will recognize the rhythm immediately. The concepts are also presented simply enough that adult follow-up conversation is needed to make them stick. Within those limits, it is a reliable classroom and home tool.