When it comes to life skills that are taught to children through reading, kindness and empathy top the list. Books drive how we understand and interact with the world around us. A lifetime of reading teaches us how to see through others’ eyes. For little ones, starting this process at an early age is key to building these foundations of positive social interaction.
In this article, we’ll visit some of the very best children’s books that share the idea of kindness with others. From old classics to new and innovative titles, use this list as a guide to finding your little one’s next favorite read.
"Kindheart (Kind Heart Series)"
Kelly Oberheiden, Evelyn Oberheiden, illustrated by Tasya Nabiella
In this picture book, children are introduced to a unicorn named Kindheart. As the name suggests, this protagonist teaches kindness through her actions toward a shy new friend. With the message told in catchy verse, as well as colorful, eye-catching illustrations, this book is sure to be a favorite for the six and under crowd!
You can buy the book by clicking here.
"How to Heal a Broken Wing"
Bob Graham
In a busy city, only young Will notices a hurt bird on the pavement. With his mother’s help, he takes his new friend home and nurses her back to health. Teach your children the importance of one person making a difference with this sweet story of kindness toward our animal friends.
"The Rainbow Fish"
Marcus Pfister
A favorite of Millenial childhoods, this story follows the adventures of Rainbow Fish, a fish with scales of all the colors of the rainbow. Initially cranky and unwilling to share his lovely silvery scales, he learns that friendship is a two-way street. Beautiful illustrations with holographic bits make this book a feast for the eyes, as well.
"Be Kind"
Pat Zietlow Miller
When a girl’s friend spills juice on herself in front of the entire class, everyone laughs. Our protagonist almost does too, but then remembers her mother’s advice to always be kind. She spends the rest of the book workshopping ways to make her friend feel better. This is a sweet and practical guide toward being a good friend to others.
"How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Cats?"
Jane Yolen
This whimsical book takes a look at how a gang of dinosaurs takes care of their cats. With a light-hearted premise, it teaches children how to care for their furry friends with kindness and love. Told in verse and appealingly illustrative, this book will catch your child’s imagination while imparting valuable lessons.
Find it here.
"All Are Welcome"
Alexandra Penfold
An important book about inclusivity, All Are Welcome follows a school where kids learn from each other's traditions, and honor their differences. It teaches that school is a safe space where everyone can be valued for who they are. With bright illustrations and a beautiful diversity message, this book teaches children how to make everyone feel welcome.
"Candy’s New Friend (Candy Cow Stories)"
Elaine Chaklos, illustrated by Virginia Humphrey
Children learn about friendship as Sly Fox helps his friend Candy Cow out of a jam. He also recruits another friend to solve the problem, teaching that anyone can help and that helping can create new friendships. This book is a lovely way to learn the benefits of kindness toward others for infants and children up to six years old.
"Strictly No Elephants"
Lisa Matchev
This picture book follows the adventures of The Pet Club, which has a “no elephants allowed” rule that alienates a young boy with a small pet elephant. Instead of finding another pet club, the boy and his elephant decide to show the other kids that elephants deserve to be included. This book teaches children to stand up for their friends and to fight for justice.
You can buy this book here.
"Those Shoes"
Maribeth Boelts
With bold and fun artwork, Those Shoes tell the story of Jeremy, a boy who is desperate to get his hands on a pair of shoes that his parents can’t afford. While things don’t turn out as he planned, he is given a chance to be kind. This is an important book for all children, no matter the background.
"The Jelly Donut Difference: Sharing Kindness with the World"
Maria Dismondy
For children K through third grade, this book uses the story of quarreling twins Dexter and Leah helping an elderly neighbor to demonstrate the power of kindness and how it impacts the community–including those who practice it.
Purchase the book here.
"I Walk With Vanessa: A Picture Book Story About a Simple Act of Kindness"
Kerescoet
This lovely story of allyship is brought to you by a NYT bestselling husband and wife team. Based on a true situation, it shows how an entire community comes together through an act of kindness toward a classmate who was bullied by her other classmates.
You can buy it here.
"Kindness is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler"
Margery Cuyler
An eccentric rhyming teacher who uses acts of kindness as disciplinary action? Yes, please! Playful illustrations frame a story about a class that decides to participate in an “acts of kindness” competition, which are included as a list at the end of the book.
"Horton Hears a Who"
Dr. Suess
A well-known classic offers the story of Horton, an elephant that protects a tiny society that no one else believes exists. What better way to share the message “A person is a person, no matter how small”?
Find it on Amazon
"Most People"
Michael Leanna, illustrated by Jennifer Morris
Even for adults, life can be scary. Children can use a reassuring story about the kindness that exists in the world. This illustrated story shows life through the eyes of two friends traversing the city, where they see acts of kindness performed by all different kinds of people. The message here is that while there are some bad people in the world, most people want to help each other.
Buy it here.
"The Big Umbrella"
Juniper Bates, illustrated by Amy June Bates
A metaphor for inclusion, this book for very young children features a big red umbrella that covers all kinds of people. The simple yet striking watercolor illustrations make this book a treat for the eyes as well as the mind. What a great way to teach children that everyone is welcome.
"What Does it Mean to Be Kind?"
Rana DiOrio
A straightforward and proactive look at what kindness looks like, perfectly suited for the Pre-K child. Colorful illustrations will hook your children in, while the message speaks for itself. It also offers practical ways to promote kindness in daily life.
Buy it here.
"Be Kind"
Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Jen Hill
When a girl’s mother tells her to “be kind”, she tries to put this advice into practice with a classmate who is teased by the other kids. She doesn’t make much headway…until she does. This book shows that cumulative kindness can take hold over time.
"The Day You Begin"
Jaqueline Woodson
This lovely story examines how we all feel like an outsider sometimes because we’re all a little different in our own way. This book helps children to understand that we can all feel on the outside, but we can all also reach out and help others feel included. It’s also a great read on diversity and is beautifully illustrated with bright, accessible watercolor pictures.
You can buy it here.
"Leonardo the Terrible Monster"
Mo Willems
Leonardo the Monster spends a lot of time researching how to scare people, but after lots of training and not much success, he decides that scaring isn’t everything that he thought it would be. He then decides that perhaps it would be better to be a good friend than a good monster. This is a unique, sweet, and funny book that children will find appealing, as parents approve of its kindness messaging.
Find it here.
"Big Al"
Andrew Clements
Big Al is a fish with a lot of heart, but the other fish find him kind of scary because he’s so big and different-looking. Because Big Al desperately wants a friend, he tries masking himself in a lot of ways–hiding under the sand, making a disguise…all to no avail. But one day he saves a small fish from a fishing net, and the other fish finally discover what a good friend Big Al can be. This sweet story of a brave fish winning friends is beautifully illustrated and full of excitement for the Pre-K crowd.
You can buy Big Al here.
