Books about Kindness for Children
10/19/18
Looking for ways to help guide your children in important topics like kindness? Check out some of these great titles from this curated list!
Browse our list below and place holds through the catalog, or download a PDF version of this book list here:
Those Shoes
Boelts, Maribeth
Kindness and generosity take center stage as a young man chooses to look past his own desire to fit in and help someone else in need.
Kindness is cooler, Mrs. Ruler
Cuyler, Margery
Mrs. Ruler starts a kindness campaign in her class. As the kids work on their acts of kindness, they realize they can change the world.
The Last Stop on Market Street
de la Peña, Matt
A grandmother teaches her grandson to look on the bright side of life and lift up others.
What Does It Mean To Be Kind?
DiOrio, Rana
Using short, simple terms, this picture book gives kids several specific suggestions of how to be kind.
You Hold Me Up
Gray Smith, Monique
This vibrant picture book encourages children to show love and support for each other and to consider each other’s well-being in their everyday actions.
Chrysanthemum
Henkes, Kevin
Chrysanthemum likes her name until other children tease her on the first day of school. Then music teacher Mrs. Twinkle helps.
Amazing Grace
Hoffman, Mary
Although a classmate says that she cannot play Peter Pan in the school play because she is black, Grace discovers that she can do anything she sets her mind to do.
Hey, Little Ant
Hoose, Phillip M.
In this book, an ant pleads with a kid who is tempted to squish it.
Horace and Morris But Mostly Dolores
Howe, James
Three mice friends learn that the best clubs include everyone.
Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners
Keller, Laurie
This silly how-to book about the golden rule is both funny and enlightening.
I Walk with Vanessa
Kerascoëet
This wordless book opens up conversations about kindness, caring, and standing up to bullies.
Lost and Found Cat
Kuntz, Doug & Shrodes, Amy
This heartwarming true story about one lost cat’s journey to be reunited with his refugee family shows how ordinary people can help with compassion and hope.
The Invisible Boy
Ludwig, Trudy
Some kids are outgoing and some are quiet. This book celebrates those differences, while teaching the importance of welcoming all types of kids to play and participate.
You Go First
Mayer, Mercer
Little Critter learns to put others first, be considerate, and show kindness through his words and actions.
Have You Filled a Bucket Today?
McCloud, Carol
Kind actions help both the receiver and the giver. Everyone has an invisible bucket that can be filled up through kindness.
Enemy Pie
Munson, Derek
Why you shouldn't judge a book by its cover: After spending quality time together, two enemies learn that they get along quite well.
How Kind!
Murphy, Mary
Kindness is contagious. When Hen gives an egg to Pig, she starts a domino effect of kindness that spreads throughout the barnyard.
The Three Questions
Muth, Jon J.
This book serves as an extremely useful tool for starting a discussion with older children about why kindness is an important character trait.
One
Otoshi, Kathryn
Number/color book reminding us that it just takes one to make everyone count.
It's Okay to be Different
Parr, Todd
This book describes all kinds of differences that are "okay," such as "It's Okay to be a different color," and "It's Okay to need some help."
Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed
Pearson, Emily
By performing one simple act of kindness, Mary starts a chain reaction that affects people all over the world.
Horton Hears a Who!
Seuss, Dr.
Despite being made fun of by the other animals, Horton stands by Whoville because he knows it is the right thing to do.
The Sneetches and Other Stories
Seuss, Dr.
This classic collection of stories covers themes of tolerance, diversity, and compromise.
The Giving Tree
Silverstein, Shel
This classic shows the continual generosity and kindness of the tree. It can be used to teach children about give and take, the importance of a healthy relationships.
A Sick Day for Amos McGee
Stead, Philip C.
When Amos gets sick, his animal friends help. This reminds kids that if you treat others with kindness, they'll often be kind to you.
The Monster Who Lost His Mean
Strelitz Haber, Tiffany
This simple story holds several messages about choosing good friends, self-confidence, peer pressure, and kindness.
Rude Cakes
Watkins, Rowboat
Although this book is a bit quirky, it teaches how far good manners and behavior can go toward accomplishing your goals.
Bear Feels Sick
Wilson, Karma
When Bear is too sick to play, his animal friends go to his cave to make him soup and tea and keep him company.
Each Kindness
Woodson, Jacqueline
With its powerful anti-bullying message and striking art, it will resonate with readers long after they’ve put it down.
If you see something we should add, let us know! We're always trying to update and grow our resources. Send Melissa an email at [email protected] if you have any thoughts about this list.
