The 9 Enneagram Personality Types as Children’s Books Series: Type 9 as The Story of Ferdinand

Enneagram Type 9: The Peacemaker= The Story of Ferdinand

“The Easygoing, Self-Effacing Type: Receptive, Reassuring, Agreeable, and Complacent” as defined by the Enneagram Institute

This post is bittersweet because I have so enjoyed brainstorming and writing this series, but I have also been looking so forward to spotlighting the NINE personality type for two reasons. The NINE holds a special place in my heart because my husband is a 9, and in fact my ma-in-law introduced me to the Enneagram when he and I were first dating, ten years ago! She was very excited to determine that I was a TWO, knowing he was a NINE because she felt it was an auspicious match, as her parents had been a 2 & 9! Secondly, as is evident by this post I wrote 7 years ago, The Story of Ferdinand is my all-time favorite children’s book. The Story of Ferdinand, story by Munro Leaf & illustrations by Robert Lawson, has long been my yardstick by which all other children’s books are measured. In its simultaneous simplicity and whimsy, it brings to life a story of contentment, pacifism, and quiet confidence and delivers a message of self love and the power of knowing yourself.

The 9 Enneagram Personality Types as Children’s Books Series: Type 8 as OLIVIA

Enneagram Type 8: The Challenger= OLIVIA

Type 8: “The Powerful, Dominating Type: Self-Confident, Decisive, Willful, and Confrontational” as defined by the Enneagram Institute

It is no coincidence that type 8 was the biggest challenge to find a corresponding book. I wanted to find a character who fulfilled the Challenger traits, but who cast those traits in a positive light because I think Eights are awesome! Often times assertive or willful characters are painted as bossy or ill-behaved. As I am someone who struggles with decision-making and confrontation, I admire the moxie of the 8, and needed to find a character who showcased all that strength and independence with charm. Once I remembered OLIVIA, by Ian Falconer, the decision was easy!

Boundaries, Y’all!

Speaking frankly and simply to children about consent and body boundaries is incredibly important. Knowing how to navigate this necessary conversation, before they are old enough to warrant one about sexuality, can be tricky. Stranger danger warnings and training is all well and good, but considering that 90% of child sexual abuse victims know their perpetrator, “Don’t talk to strangers,” is not sufficient. My Body Is My Own by Lauren K. Carlson, is an excellent, easy to read, easy to understand book, which brings to light the nuances of body ownership–such as right to privacy, privacy vs. secrecy, choice over displays of affection, establishment of boundaries, respect of others,etc. — all in a positive and helpful tone.

The 9 Enneagram Personality Types as Children’s Books Series: Type 7 as IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE

Enneagram Type 7: The Enthusiast= If You Give A Mouse A Cookie

Type 7: “The Busy, Fun-Loving Type: Spontaneous, Versatile, Distractible, and Scattered” as defined by the Enneagram Institute

Good things, come in small packages, and in the case of my children’s book choice to represent the Enneagram personality Type 7, If You Give A Mouse A Cookie, written by Laura Joffe Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond, a tiny character, contains massive amounts of fun! I have been looking forward to this personality type and accompanying mouse, because both are so entertaining to talk about! In the story, the robust rodent goes from one activity to the next with much intensity, determination, and enjoyment. Once an activity is over, though not always completed, he moves to the next, dictated only by impulse. Whether he is having a snack, nap, haircut, or cleaning, organizing, creating, his mind is constantly moving to the next thing.