Leadership books often focus on discipline, strategy, and hard work—but what about fun? Abdul Basir Azimi’s The Little Leaders: Checklist: “Don’t Forget the Fun!” is a refreshing take on leadership that emphasizes joy, creativity, and playfulness as essential ingredients for success. Whether you’re a young reader, an educator, or a parent looking to instill leadership qualities in children, this book offers a delightful and insightful perspective.
Azimi’s work stands out in a sea of rigid leadership guides by blending practical advice with warmth and humor. It’s not just about what leaders should do—it’s about how they can enjoy the journey. If you’ve ever felt that leadership feels too serious or intimidating, this book might just change your mind.
The Little Leaders: Checklist isn’t a traditional narrative but rather a structured yet engaging guidebook. It presents leadership principles through a series of checklists, anecdotes, and interactive prompts designed to make learning enjoyable. The book follows a loose “journey” format, where young readers are encouraged to see leadership as an adventure rather than a chore.
Without giving away too much, the book covers key leadership traits—confidence, teamwork, problem-solving—but always circles back to the idea that leadership should be fun. Azimi uses relatable scenarios, such as organizing a school event or leading a group project, to show how joy and enthusiasm can make leadership more effective.
Since this is a guidebook rather than a novel, the “characters” are more like archetypes—young leaders in different situations. Azimi introduces a diverse cast of young protagonists, each representing different leadership styles:
What makes these “characters” compelling is how they evolve through the book. Azimi doesn’t prescribe a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, he shows how different personalities can all be effective leaders in their own way.
Azimi’s writing is conversational and inviting, making complex ideas accessible to young readers. The book avoids heavy jargon, opting instead for clear, playful language. The checklist format keeps the content digestible, while occasional illustrations and prompts encourage interaction.
One standout technique is the use of “Try This!” sections, where readers are invited to apply lessons immediately. For example:
“Next time you’re in charge of a group, try making a game out of the task. Who can come up with the silliest idea first?”
This hands-on approach ensures that leadership doesn’t feel like a lecture—it feels like an exciting experiment.
At its core, The Little Leaders: Checklist challenges the notion that leadership must be serious to be effective. Some key themes include:
Azimi subtly critiques traditional leadership models that prioritize authority over enthusiasm. Instead, he argues that the most memorable and impactful leaders are those who inspire through positivity.
As someone who grew up associating leadership with pressure, this book was a revelation. I found myself nodding along, wishing I had read something like this as a kid. The emphasis on fun doesn’t undermine responsibility—it enhances it.
One section that resonated deeply was the reminder that “Mistakes are part of the adventure.” Too often, young leaders (and even adults) fear failure, but Azimi reframes it as a natural, even exciting, part of growth.
Most children’s leadership books (The 7 Habits of Happy Kids, What Do You Do With an Idea?) focus on responsibility and vision. The Little Leaders: Checklist stands out by prioritizing emotional engagement. It’s less about rules and more about mindset—making it a great companion to more structured guides.
✅ Accessible & Interactive – Perfect for kids who learn by doing.
✅ Diverse Perspectives – Recognizes that leadership isn’t one-dimensional.
✅ Encourages Positivity – A much-needed antidote to stress-heavy leadership lessons.
❌ Could Use More Visuals – While the writing is engaging, additional illustrations could enhance the experience.
❌ Some Repetition – A few concepts are revisited multiple times, which may feel redundant to fast readers.
“A leader who forgets to have fun is like a captain who forgets to enjoy the sea.”
“Your best ideas might come when you’re laughing.”
The Little Leaders: Checklist: “Don’t Forget the Fun!” is more than just a book—it’s a mindset shift. Abdul Basir Azimi has crafted a guide that doesn’t just teach leadership; it makes you love the idea of leading. Whether you’re buying it for a child, a student, or yourself, this book is a joyful reminder that the best leaders are those who bring happiness to the journey.
🔗 Get the Book: Amazon
Discussion Questions for Readers:
Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 📚💬
For more great reviews and book recommendations, visit Books By Order.
For more great reviews, visit Book Book Owl.