Kindness seems to be on my mind a lot as a parent right now. Teaching my kids to think about others, be thoughtful, respectful, empathetic, and kind is one of my biggest goals.
I always think that books are a good place to start.
The list below are beautiful, heart filled, diverse, and wonderful books to discuss kindness in different ways. They are my favorites for starting conversations about being kind to others.
One step towards making our world a little better, right?
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22 Children’s Books
about Kindness
Below are a collection of amazing books to read aloud to a group, share with your child, or have on your shelves. We have read and loved each and every one.
1. Share Some Kindness Bring Some Light
by Apryl Stott
This is the story of two unlikely friends who try to change the minds of the forest animals who think bear is scary because he’s so big. The pair is tasked with trying to demonstrate kindness and just like parents struggle to explain abstract words like this, Coco and Bear aren’t sure how to give kindness to the animals. Their attempt is sweet and a little funny, but really it is the gorgeous warmth of the illustrations and the relationship between the two that are the best part of this book. A wintry delight about kindness and making the world just a little better.
2. I Walk With Vanessa
by Kerascoet
I think this is my favorite new book of 2018. It’s wordless and wonderful. It’s full of so much heart and the best empowering message I can imagine for today’s kids.
3. I Am You
by Refiloe Moahloli
illustrated by Zinelda McDonald
Based on the word ubuntu, which means “I am, because you are,” this book has a wonderful warm feeling of compassion and shared humanity. Originally published in South Africa, I AM YOU offers a different viewpoint but one that is relatable and welcome. The bright colors, diversity represented and joy portrayed in the illustrations is a delight. The text is succinct and shares this ubuntu feeling of interrelatedness of all people. A book about kindness, friendship, and thinking about those around us.
4. Little Blue Truck
by Alice Schertle
illustrated by Jill McElmurry
Being helpful is definitely one form of kindness and Little Blue is the perfect example of helpful. Trucks sounds, animals sounds, and bright cheerful illustrations this is a delight.
5. Because Amelia Smiled
by David Ezra Stein
This is a fun circular book that starts with a little girl’s smile. It’s about the little ways that we can brighten someone’s day and make a big difference. I think it’s impossible not to smile when you read this book.
6. Strictly No Elephants
by Lisa Mantchev
illustrated by Taeeun Yoo
What do you do when someone excludes you because your pet is an Elephant? I love this kid’s response and the great message about leaving kids out, being left out, and bullying.
7. Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed
by Emily Pearson
illustrated by Fumi Kosaka
Another circular tale – a format I love and think works particularly well for stories of kindness. In this one a little girl sets in motion a chain of kindness with some blueberries.
8. The Girl and the Bicycle
by Mark Pett
This is a wordless book that gets me every time. A story about persistence and generosity that’s just everything. Read it please!
9. Good People Everywhere
by Lynea Gillen
illustrated by Kristina Swarner
A warm book that reminds you of the good that does exist in the world. I love the artwork and the sentiment.
10. The Quiltmaker’s Gift
by Jeff Brumbeau
illustrated by Gail de Marcken
Honestly it surprised me how much my kids loved this the first time. It’s a bit lengthy, but so well written and paced. The illustrations are detailed and lovely. The story reads like a fairy tale or fable with a timeless, wise quality.
Read Also: 20+ Children’s Books about Love and Friendship
11. Super Manny Cleans Up
by Kelly DiPucchio
illustrated by Stephanie Graegin
Two friends who love to pretend to be super heroes help in a truly super hero way when they notice the shape of their community park. Somewhat predictable, but empowering and well told.
12. Make Way For Ducklings
by Robert McCloskey
The police man rushing to help the mama duck and her little ducklings is such a wonderful story. I’m not sure how much of it is true, but I love the heart it adds to McCloskey’s classic tale.
13. I’m Sad
by Michael Ian Black
This may seem like an odd choice for a list about kindness, but I think our ability to be kind needs to cross a whole range of situations. In this one a little girl is sad and how her friends emphasize and listen is wonderful.
14. The Rabbit Listened
by Cori Doerrfield
THE RABBIT LISTENED is along the same lines as I’M SAD but they’re both so wonderful I had to include them both. This is another one about how to be kind and a good friend when someone is sad or upset. Truly wonderful book.
15. Chik Chak Shabbat
by Mara Rockliff
illustrated by Kyrsten Brooker
Another one of my all time favorite picture books. I love the warmth and tradition and neighborliness described in this book.
16. Ladybug Girl and the Rescue Dogs
by David Soman and Jacky Davis
The title kind of gives it away but I love the way this story empowers kids. I love the message about rescue dogs. And if I’m being honest I really love Ladybug Girl.
17. Bear Feels Sick
by Karma Wilson
illustrated by Jane Chapman
After BEAR SNORES ON, this is my favorite in the Bear series by Karma Wilson. Bear is sick and the respond of his friends is pure kindness with Karma Wilson’s magical lyrical touch.
18. Extra Yarn
by Mac Barnett
This story carries an air of magic with it, but ultimately it’s about a girl with some yarn and a kind heart. It seems like Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen can do no wrong when they work together – this is no exception.
19. Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters
by John Steptoe
An African retelling of Cinderella, this is one of my favorite adaptations of a fairy tale (and a oldest – my copy is from 1988). It is longer, so save for five and up, but it stands the test of time and is one of my daughter’s all time favorite books. The main character, Nyasha, is a perfect example of kindness and being set in a fairy tale she has great counter-examples with which to compare.
20. Otis
by Loren Long
Otis is one of our favorite modern series characters – and as it happens – extremely kind. I think probably any of the book about Otis would work for a discussion about kindness, but this is the first. In this one his kindness to both the new calf and the shiny new tractor are both so wonderful.
21. The Big Umbrella
by Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates
So darling. So sweet. So simple. I love this cute story and the gorgeous watery illustrations that go with it.
22. A Sick Day for Amos McGee
by Philip C. Stead
illustrated by Erin E. Stead
Gosh this one is sweet too. A zookeeper is sick and all the animals miss him so much and are so worried that they come keep an eye on him and try to make him feel better. Gentle. Quiet. But so good.
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