Kids Books About Looking For the Helpers
"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping."
―Fred Rogers
It can be so empowering in flipping the narrative in our negatively prone brains to look at all the positives people are doing when tradegies strike. Now, I'm not saying to be overly positive, just to be aware that there is good in the world, too, when hard times hit.
This list is meant to help nuture those young brains to also spot the good in the world, too, instead of all doom and gloom. These messages of helpers can remind kids that they're not alone and that good people are out there working to help.
At the bottom of this list, you will find further supportive book lists to check out that may be helpful for your reader.
If you are reading this and you have been affected by a recent tradegy, I am sending love to you. I hope you find the courage to move on, face the challenges that lie ahead, and find some beauty in your life that is here now.
As always my lists go from simple to more complex under each topic header to help you determine the best book(s) for your readers.
Look For the Helpers
Simple board book first stating we have a wonderful world, then when there are emergencies to look for the helpers. There are scenes of an auto accident, a storm on the water, and a fire. Each scene shows a variety of helpers who are there to help out in a time of need.
This lift-the-flap board book is great for the littlest readers or vehicle obsessed reader. It’s a simple introduction to the community helpers and their vehicles that insist when needed. Vehicles include: police cars, fire trucks, coast guard cutters, ambulances, and rescue helicopters.
If your reader connects with Daniel Tiger, be sure to check out this read about what happens when a storm strikes his neighborhood. There’s a look at feelings, who is helping in the neighborhood, even a special backmatter section featuring how to make an emergency kit, prepare for the unexpected, and more.
This book takes a closer look at all the different first responders who are around to help out when needed in an emergency. It shows responders in cities, small towns, during blizzards and storms, at the beach, underground, and more. A variety of helpers and situations are shown simply making this book available for a wide variety of readers. The back features an interview with a real firefighter and ideas on how to build a family emergency kit.
"Most people are very good people." This one is such a helpful one to share with kids who may be seeing/hearing about many negative things going on right now. It's an uplifting reminder that most people are very good people, and there are helpers when you look for them.
Fifty-two short stories all about acts of kindness and helpers from around the world are in this. A quick share that you could divide up into one a week or a few a day or even read it all in one sitting. Good reminder of the good in the world.
This sweet story is about how we are all connected, even when we're not together. There is an invisible string that ties everyone's hearts together all over the world. We are all connected, tying our joy and sorrow no matter where we are and even if we haven't met yet. So, when you feel alone, remember the invisible string connects you to all the love across the globe. A simple and sweet connecting story today reminds us that we are connected to this world and the people in it.
A book about expanding our circle of welcome and being the helpers in the world. The very first circle in this story surrounds just one child, but soon it is lonely and boring, so the circle is expanded to include immediate family. A bigger circle is drawn to include more family and then another to include friends. As the circle keeps expanding, so do the experiences, happiness, love, and differences made in the lives of others. The book recognizes that expanding the circle can bring about an uncomfortable feeling at times and is not always easy. Even with it not being easy, it is still worth it for the wonderful effects that love can grow. Good reminder for the ripple effects of those small acts of kindness that can really help spread love and joy.
Twelve young activists and three activist groups from around the world are highlighted in this inspiring book about real kids stepping up to fight climate change. A poem and paragraph explanation is shown on each activist or group page spread, as well as a thought or idea for you to make a change. The back features a section highlighting ideas for what can be done on individual and group levels, as well as more information on different poetry forms and more information on the poets.
Additional Supportive Book Lists to Check Out
Are you needing more book support for your reader? Please check the following supportive book lists for more great and potentially helpful book lists.
Refugees (This refugee list is mainly up books that primarily feature refugees due to war circumstances, but could help aid in some discussions of other circumstances as well.)
