Want to raise kind kids? These children’s books about being kind will help you instill important values of kindness and empathy for others.
Ask any parent which values they want to teach children, and kindness will make that list.
We need kindness more than ever in this world, for kids to extend genuine compassion that isn’t rewarded with stickers or a high-five. Small acts of kindness that’s done when no one is looking.
More importantly, we need kids to stick up for others. To not look the other way when they see someone needs their help, and to feel empathy for those around them. A simple act of kindness can set off a chain reaction that grows and grows.
I want my kids to grow into kind adults, and so far I like what I’m seeing. They ask one another, “Are you okay?” and fetch a favorite toy when they see someone hurt. They’re concerned when their friends feel upset, and they give hugs, kisses and “I love you’s” to me and my husband.
Unprompted, small kindness makes a big difference.
The best children’s books about being kind
As always, I turn to children’s stories about helping others to emphasize the values of kind deeds I want them to learn. This list of books include fantastic talking points to discuss what it means to be kind, and the importance of being so. They’re perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and the early elementary stages.
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Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson and E. B. Lewis
I Walk with Vanessa by Kerascoët
The Lion & the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney
A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead and Erin Stead
The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates
Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson and Fumi Kosaka
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena and Christian Robinson
Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud and David Messing
Sometimes It’s Hard to Be Nice by Maggie C. Rudd and Kelly O’Neill
What Does It Mean to Be Kind? by Rana DiOrio and Stéphane Jorisch
Adventures in Kindness by Carrie and Sophia Fox, and Nichole Wong Forti
Superbuns!: Kindness Is Her Superpower by Diane Kredensor
Kindness Get a Thumbs Up by Brenda Li
Kindness Rules by Eunice Moyle and Sabrina Moyle
Tomorrow I’ll Be Kind by Jessica Hische
You, Me and Empathy by Jayneen Sanders and Sofia Cardoso
Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller and Jen Hill
Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun by Maria Dismondy and Kimberly Shaw-Peterson
A Bike Like Sergio’s by Maribeth Boelts and Noah Z. Jones
The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade by Justin Roberts and Christian Robinson
Kindness is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler by Margery Cuyler and Sachiko Yoshikawa
Good People Everywhere by Lynea Gillen and Kristina Swarner
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig and Patrice Barton
Little Bird by Germano Zullo and Albertine
Because Amelia Smiled by David Ezra Stein
The Golden Rule by Ilene Cooper and Gabi Swiatkowska
Hey Little Ant by Phillip and Hannah Hoose and Debbie Tilley
Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli and Paul Yalowitz
Get more tips:
- Children’s Books about Peace
- 3 Meaningful Lessons All Moms of Boys Need to Teach
- 23 Children’s Books about Being a Good Friend
- 5 Easy Tips for Kids to Learn Empathy
- How to Raise a Kind Child
Free printables: Want even more book ideas? 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:
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