Children’s Books about Respect

Want to nurture the value of respecting others? Grab these awesome children’s books about respect, perfect for teaching your child how to interact with other kids and adults.

Children's Books about RespectSometimes we parents have a warped view of what it means to show respect.

We think respect means that kids do what we say, or that they don’t cause us trouble or embarrassment. We urge them to talk to others—even if they don’t want to—as a sign of respect. Or we want them to stop fighting with each other already.

But respect is simply treating others the way we’d want to be treated.

They don’t disrespect us by not doing everything we say, or when they refuse to hug relatives they hardly know. And they certainly aren’t being disrespectful when they voice their opinions.

Instead, they should learn that they can disagree with others, but to do so respectfully. Respect isn’t only about good manners and doing what you’re told.

Because respect is possible when we disagree with others—perhaps it’s even more necessary when we do. I want my kids to question what they’re told, to call us out on our mistakes, and to give their opinions.

All without being told they’re disrespectful.

Above all, respect starts with oneself: we can’t respect others if we’re taught to put our needs last all the time, or to obey and listen no matter what.

Teaching respect is one of the most important tasks for parents. We show them to be kind to others, regardless of who they are or whether they supposedly “deserve” it or not. And we stress the importance of courtesy and empathy toward others, no matter how different they may be.

Children’s books about respect

One of the best ways to talk about the traits of respect and their lessons is through reading children’s books. These books explore how our choices affect others, as well as how to handle difficult situations while still being respectful.

Whether in the playground, the classroom, or at home, kids can learn conflict resolution while still treating others with respect.

For instance, in Do Unto Otters, Mr. Rabbit learns the important lesson of how to treat others who are different from him. My Mouth Is a Volcano is the perfect story to show young readers different ways to control what they say so they don’t interrupt.

Learn how gratitude, friendship, and making good choices can help instill the importance of treating others how we would want them to treat us. I hope you’ll select a few from your local library or your next book shopping trip!

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Recess Queen by Alexis O'neill

The Recess Queen by Alexis O’neill and Laura Huliska-Beith

Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun by Maria Dismondy and Kimberly Shaw-Peterson

Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun by Maria Dismondy

I Just Don't Like the Sound of No! by Julia Cook and Kelsey De Weerd

I Just Don’t Like the Sound of No! by Julia Cook and Kelsey De Weerd

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman

It's Okay To Be Different by Todd Parr

It’s OK To Be Different by Todd Parr

Respect: The Best Me That I Can Be by Rose Angebrandt

The Best Me That I Can Be by Rose Angebrandt and Henrique Rampazzo

The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates

The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates

The Crayon Box that Talked by Shane Derolf and Michael Letzig

The Crayon Box that Talked by Shane Derolf and Michael Letzig

Why Should I? by Sue Graves

Why Should I? by Sue Graves, Emanuela Carletti, and Desideria Guicciardini

Golden Rule by Ilene Cooper and Gabi Swiatkowska

Golden Rule by Ilene Cooper and Gabi Swiatkowska

Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev

Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev and Taeeun Yoo

Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud and David Messing

Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud and David Messing

A Little Respectful SPOT by Diane Alber

A Little Respectful SPOT by Diane Alber

Argus by Michelle Knudsen and Andrea Wesson

Argus by Michelle Knudsen and Andrea Wesson

Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners by Laurie Keller

Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller

The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania of Jordan Al Abdullah and Kelly DiPucchio

The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania of Jordan Al Abdullah and Kelly DiPucchio

Penguin Says "Please" by Michael Dahl

Penguin Says “Please” by Michael Dahl and Oriol Vidal

(Check out more children’s books about penguins.)

A Rainbow of Friends by P.K. Hallinan

A Rainbow of Friends by P.K. Hallinan

The Juice Box Bully by Bob Sornson and Maria Dismondy 

The Juice Box Bully by Bob Sornson and Maria Dismondy

Respect and Take Care of Things

Respect and Take Care of Things by Cheri J. Meiners M.Ed.

My Mouth Is a Volcano by Julia Cook

My Mouth Is a Volcano! by Julia Cook

What If Everybody Did That? by Ellen Javernick and Colleen M. Madden

What If Everybody Did That? by Ellen Javernick and Colleen M. Madden

Free resources: Want even more book selections? Join my newsletter and grab your copy of the Read Aloud Book List! You’ll get hundreds of favorite selections to read aloud with your kids. Get it below—at no cost to you:

Read Aloud Book List

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