The Best Kids Books About Kindness
Books to help open conversations and brainstorm what it means to be kind.
What can make our world a better place? More kindness is definitely at the top of the list. Where can we spark the inspiration for more kindness? Through one of my favorite methods, sharing books of course!
Check out this list to spark some kindness ideas with the kids in your life!
*As always, my book list grows from simpler to more complex books. Board books toward the top of the list with picture books following and chapter books at the bottom of the list.
Board Books
Kindness Makes Us Strong
by Sophie Beer
Simple sentences, each completing the phrase "Kindness is…" make up this sweet book. Kindness is "saying hello," "being patient," and more. Bright, diverse illustrations help to complete this book.
Find Out About: Kindness
By Mandy Archer, illustrated by Louise Forshaw
I had to include this one with its lift-the-flaps. The interactive elements and questions to the reader help kids stay engaged with the story. It features a variety of kids seeing a problem and choosing kindness to help out.
All Kinds of Kindness
By Judy Carey Nevin, illustrated by Susie Hammer
What are some ways you can show kindness? This little read offers lots of ideas for ways to spread kindness by picking up litter, smiling at someone new, helping someone, and more. I love the simple ideas that kids could manage implementing on their own.
Picture Books
When We Are Kind
By Monique Gray Smith, illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt
This sweet and straightforward book is about what happens when we are kind. The book's first half talks about what happens when you are kind. "I am kind when I help my family." The second half circles back around to the first half, labeling feelings felt from kindness. "I feel joy when my family and I are kind." Each page spread features a sweet illustration and then a simple sentence on the other side. The perfect quick and sweet read for kids with shorter attention spans.
Be Polite & Kind
By Cheri J. Meiners, illustrated by Meredith Johnson
I love this direct instruction series for kids. This one is straightforward with context relevant to kids; it is perfect for kids who need more concrete instructions on what it means to be kind and how to show kindness. This particular book focuses on manners to help show kindness.
The Big Umbrella
by Amy June Bates
The big umbrella by the front door likes to help. It loves to give shelter to everyone, no matter if you're tall or hairy or plaid. Kids will love the umbrella growing to accommodate everyone in need.
A Small Kindness
By Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Wendy Leach
From smiling to sharing to high fiving, kindness is slowly spread about in a classroom. What makes this book fun is that it starts in neutral illustration coloring, and through each kind act, a bright pop of colors appears, so the end of the book is in full color.
Miles of Smiles
By Karen Kaufman Orloff, illustrated by Luciano Lozano
Baby smiles at the mom, who keeps it and then passes it on. The smile travels throughout the community and even to grandma over the computer—a sweet story showing how a simple smile can affect the day.
The Kindness Book
By Todd Parr
Kids love Todd Parr's bold, playful, and colorful illustrations. This book shares many ways to be kind, such as listening, watching out for those around you, and helping in your community.
Tiny Acts of Kindness
By Thuy Ha
This book, filled with beautiful illustrations, shows how the world lights up from a small act of kindness. It also gives some ideas of what a kindness act could be, including being kind to yourself.
This one is not available for purchase currently, but check your local library for a copy!
Counting Kindness: Ten Ways to Welcome Refugee Children
By Hollis Kurman, illustrated by Barroux
Beautiful book about the courage of refugees and the kindness shown by others to those in need. Following a mom and three kids, this book reveals their journey to flee their home, travel far away, and arrive in a new land. Some of the steps of kindness along their journey include two hands, four beds, six books, and more. The back of the book gives quick statistics on child refugees, places to find out more information, and leaves the reader with the question of what else they can do to help. An excellent read for conversations with kids about refugees and to start brainstorming ways to help refugees out!
Vanessa is new at school, experiencing all the feelings that go along with being new; she ends up being alone most of the day. At the end of the school day, you see a child/the "bully" walk up to Vanessa and say something mean. Afterward, Vanessa runs home in tears. Another child saw the events with Vanessa all day, including the hurt from bullying at the end of the day. The child tells their friends, and everyone is sad about it but unsure what to do. The idea pops into the child's head to walk with Vanessa to school in the morning. Does it make a difference? A great one for discussions around bullying and how simple acts of kindness can make a difference. The back of the book features messages for how kids can help someone who is being bullied and some valuable words to use when having conversations about this book with kids.
Be Kind
By Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Jen Hill
What does "be kind" mean? In this story, a classmate reflects on what being kind means and how she can help when Tanisha spills grape juice all over her new dress. The classmate thinks of telling Tanisha purple is a favorite color or pouring juice so that Tanisha won't be alone in her accident. The classmate brainstorms more by remembering other acts that have happened, big or small, and the difference they have made. Eventually, Tanisha's classmate thinks of a beautiful way to show kindness to Tanisha to brighten her day. Excellent read-aloud with great potential for conversations for all kids!
The Rabbit Listened
By Cori Doerrfeld
Sometimes the most significant act of kindness we can do is to listen to someone in need. One of my all-time favorite reads, this book is about a child just needing someone to listen and the many emotions that can happen when something upsetting takes place.
A Sick Day for Amos McGee
By Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin Stead
When Amos doesn't show up for work at the zoo, his animal friends decide to visit him. Helping take care of Amos while he's sick is such a heartwarming read!
Thank You, Omu!
By Oge Mora
Omu has made a delicious stew. Its so delicious neighbors stop by, and Omu decides to share some with each person. When it comes time for Omu to enjoy the stew finally, the pot is empty. Sad and hungry, Omu hears a knock at the door. Who could it be? Sweet read about sharing and community.
The Kindness Quilt
By Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
After a story shared on kindness, Minna and her classmates are inspired to share their acts of kindness. Mrs. Bloom, their teacher, decides they should all celebrate their kindness acts with a project to do-and-draw-and-share. Minna chooses to create her kindness act into a quilt, inspiring others to join her. Pretty soon, the kindness quilt outgrows its space and keeps on growing!
Lola Dutch I Love You So Much
By Kenneth and Sarah Jane Wright
Lola Dutch loves her friends so much and is determined to cheer each of them up from their cases of the grumps. She sets to work helping Gator get comfy, building Crane a book nook, and cheering up Pig with a special outing complete with Pig's favorite snacks. When the friends return home, Lola realizes that she's forgotten to think of Bear. Her ideas don't quite pan out, and she's upset. What will Bear say when he realizes all the work she went through? What does Bear genuinely love the most? Super a sweet read with a surprise from all her friends at the end. I love the thoughtfulness and kindness acts shared between friends in this story, plus the illustrations are so charming and eye-catching!
Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light
By Apryl Stott
"I guess kindness is about giving away love instead of gifts."
Bear is sad that the other animals view him as mean because of his size. His friend Coco helps him think of a way to share kindness with everyone by giving them cookies and handmade lanterns. When the gifts are not well received, they are disappointed; how will they show them kindness? When they help Baby Deer, who is lost, will this help change everyone's minds about Bear? Sweet read to check out!
The Scarecrow
By Beth Ferry, illustrated by The Fan Brothers
This sweet read highlights the happiness of helping others and making friends. None of the animals go by old Scarecrow, but when a baby crow falls from midair, Scarecrow does something surprising.
A Hat for Mrs. Goldman
By Michelle Edwards, illustrated by G. Brian Karas
Mrs. Goldman knits hats for everyone in the neighborhood, including Sophia. When Sophia notices Mrs. Goldman doesn't have her own hat, Sophia tries her best to make Mrs. Goldman one. What will Sophia do when it doesn't turn out as perfectly as expected? A super sweet story for sharing.
Zonia's Rain Forest
By Juana Martinez-Neal
Zonia lives with her family in the rainforest. Every morning she answers the rain forest's call to her by exploring and visiting. She visits old and new friends, saying hello and playing. She congratulates new mamas, plays hide-and-seek with the animals, and gets new perspectives from the animals. On her way home to see her mama and baby brother, she comes across a destroyed area of trees. She runs home scared, and her mom lets her know the forest is speaking to her. Zonia decides to answer the call. Will you? Powerful share for kids today and one that becomes more important by the day. The back of the book features more information about the Ashaninka People and the struggles they're currently going through. It also features information about Amazon, why it's important, what's happening to it right now, and the threats causing it to shrink. I love the sweet guide to the names of all of Zonia's friends, too!
How to Heal a Broken Wing
By Bob Graham
When Will notices the hurt bird on the sidewalk that all the adults seem to walk right past, he stops with concern for the bird. Together with the help of his mom and dad, they take the bird in and nurse it back to health. Such a sweet and tender story; it pulls on the heartstrings and inspires kind acts. Illustrations tell most of the story with just a few simple sentences. Bob Graham does a great job using vibrant colors to spotlight critical points to the story around more muted illustrations. The story is told mainly in the illustrations, making this book a great candidate for pre-readers and beginning readers to "read" independently.
Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed
By Emily Pearson, illustrations by Fumi Kosaka
One day an ordinary girl, Mary, stopped to pick berries home from school. She left the berries on a neighbor's porch. Mrs. Bishop baked blueberry muffins and
shared a plate with five different people. Those five people each did kind and helpful deeds for more people. On and on, the kindness spreads and blooms throughout the story, where at the end, it manages to come full circle back to Mary. How many kind acts happened due to Mary's one loving yet straightforward act? I'll let you read and smile about how kindness can grow.
The Invisible Boy
By Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Patrice Barton
Everyone has difficulty noticing Brian, the invisible boy, in the classroom; even his teacher doesn't always see him. At kickball, only Brain is left, not chosen for either team. At the lunch table, everyone talks about the party that was so amazing, except Brian because he wasn't invited. One day a new kid, Justin, arrives. After the kids make fun of Justin's lunch, Brian draws a kind picture. Will Brian make a new friend? This is such a powerful read with the illustrations and text to show how kindness and one person can make a difference. Highly recommend!
The Cookie Maker of Mavin Road
By Sue Lawson, illustrated by Liz Anelli
Benedict Stanley and Audrey Mae, Benedict Stanley's cat, live alone on Mavin Road, where people are too busy to have time for one another. One day a young neighbor informs Benedict Stanley that the tooth fairy will be visiting him later. Benedict Stanley decides to whip up a special batch of lost tooth cookies using his wife's recipe book. Every morning after that, neighbors are surprised and delighted to discover unique cookies for special occasions set out to share by a surprise kind baker. One morning the cookies are not set out, or Benedict Stanley has fallen ill for the following mornings. What will the neighbors do? Such a sweet and fun share highlights acts of kindness.
So this book divides into two; on one side of the page, there is anger and a crack that grows deeper and wider with each unkind action, and the other page shows a tree growing and blossoming through kindness. Die cuts help to illustrate the effects of kind versus unkind actions. It is beautifully done!
What is Given from the Heart
By Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by April Harrison
After James's Daddy dies, money is tight, he and his Mama have to move, and life becomes a bit harder. Although life is hard, they make the best of it. They hear about a family who lost everything in a fire at church. Mama decides that they will contribute to the collection, regardless of the fact there's not much to give. James is in charge of finding something to give Sarah, who is only two years younger than him. James thinks and thinks what would make an excellent gift for Sarah, considering what Sarah might like, what he can give, and what Reverend Dennis said at church---"What is given from the heart reaches the heart." What will James give? What will Sarah think? Such a tender story, enjoy!
Adrian Simcox Does Not Have a Horse
By Marcy Campbell, illustrated by Corinna Luyken
Chloe doesn't believe one bit that Adrian Simcox owns a horse, and she tells everyone and anyone who will listen to that, too! Imagine a kid like that, owning a horse! This read gives all the feels and provides plenty of talking points.
Each Kindness
By Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E. B. Lewis
"This is what kindness does, Ms. Albert said. Each little thing we do goes out like a ripple into the world."
When Ms. Albert introduces Maya, a new student, to the classroom, most kids are silent. When Maya sits down in the empty seat next to Chloe and smiles at her, Chloe turns away from her, which continues every day after that. Whenever Maya asks to play, the girls turn her down. They laugh and whisper about her worn clothes and shoes and her strange food. One day Maya's seat is empty, and Ms. Albert has everyone gather around to watch the effect of a small stone dropping into a bowl of water to describe the impact of a small act of kindness. Chloe thinks about Ms. Albert's kindness ripple effect and decides to be kind to Maya with a smile when she returns. Only Maya never does, and Chloe's left with the thoughts of not having a second chance to show Maya kindness, but the opportunity to choose kindness in the future. The unresolved ending leaves readers with a lot to think about and process. This is the book's strength because it gets the brain moving to make connections about kindness, actions, and consequences.
Tani's New Home
By Tanitoluwa Adewumi, illustrated by Courtney Dawson
In this true picture book biography, the author writes about his experience as a child refugee coming to America and starting a new life. The hope, help, determination, and kindness make this story moving and inspiring to kids and adults. Tani remembers a happy and safe home filled with family in Nigeria, but when the Boko Haram terrorist group visits his Dad's print shop, they end up fleeing. Eventually, they end up in New York City and can find a place to stay at a homeless shelter. They were grateful to have a safe place, but still, it was a hard move. When Tani learns about chess in class, a game he had tried unsuccessfully with his brother when they were hiding out, he gets excited to join. The only problem is the money to join; luckily, Coach Russ waved the fee. At chess, Tani learns that you have to work hard to be the best in chess. After many failures, then slowly more successes, eight-year-old Tani competes in the New York State Championship. I won't spoil the championship results or what happened following the championship, but if you're like me, you'll be moved to tears! I love Tani's hard work and determination, plus all the acts of kindness. The fact that this is a true story about a child draws kids in even more—an excellent read for the windows, mirrors, and sliding doors concept.
This book highlights some of the kids who stepped up to be leaders and helpers in a time of need during COVID. This book showcases acts of kindness and inventions made by kids worldwide during our pandemic. Kids featured in this book collected and delivered supplies to help others make creations for sharing and even hosted online programs to help out. Chelsea Phaire from Connecticut gathered art supplies for kids in schools, foster care, women's shelters, and homeless shelters. Jorge Martinez from Oaxaca, Mexico, made more than 1,500 masks to help health care workers. Stephen Wamukota from Kenya invented the semi-automatic wooden hand-washing machine to help the coronavirus stop spreading. These are just a few of the fantastic kids included in this reading. Definitely, a book to check out to uplift and inspire, also some kids to watch out for as our future leaders!
Chapter Books
Be Kind: You Can Make the World a Happier Place!
By Naomi Shulman, illustrated by Hsinping Pan
Simple and sweet read full of 125 ideas of things to say and do to show kindness. Ideas include painting kindness rocks, fist-bumping someone for doing a great job, and leaving kind notes around the dinner table.
The Hundred Dresses
By Eleanor Estes, illustrated by Louis Slobodkin
This Newberry honor book has been around for some time, but it is still a great read. Wanda, poor and friendless, lives with her father and brother in the rough section of town. She is treated unfairly based on where she lives, her "different" sounding name, and what she wears. When mentioning she has a hundred dresses at her house, all the girls tease and mock her constantly. We have been able to talk about standing up to bullying, being a friend, and thinking before casting judgment while reading this one. A great one for some excellent discussions, I highly recommend.
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