There are so many ways we can show our children how to be kind to themselves and others. Books are a handy tool we can use to provide examples, narratives, images, and fresh perspectives. Acts of kindness can be little like sharing your toys, or big like taking care of your baby brother.
Each of these sweet books tells a story of friendship and love in its own way. So grab a few favorites from our list and get reading with your family, friends, or classmates!
1. Kindness is my Superpower
Superhero Lucas is learning how to be a good human in his quest to save the world! The powerful message of acceptance, generosity, and empathy comes through on every page as Lucas experiences events that help him grow.
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2. Kindness Makes Me Stronger
This is one of my favorite books to read with kids. It stars little Nick and some new animal friends on his grandparents' farm. When Nick comes to stay at the farm he notices that the animals are not so nice. So he takes it on himself to show them what kindness looks and feels like!
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3. Enemy Pie
Kindness comes when we try to understand more about others. When a new neighbor kid moves into town, it can be a little intimidating for a young boy, but Dad's solution is a clever one! Enemy Pie is a brilliant book that packs a powerful punch about friendship and giving people a chance.
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4. Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed
Emily Pearson and Fumi Kosaka bring us a classic bedtime story about an ordinary girl who picked some ordinary blueberries and shared them with her neighbor. We can learn how simple acts of kindness begin a chain reaction that can better our world!
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5. The Invisible Boy
A beautiful book about friendship and how it can transform a person. Brian feels invisible in school, no one seems to care if he's there. Until a new kid arrives and shows him he is not invisible, he's awesome!
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6. Because Amelia Smiled
David Ezra Stein tells a compelling story with an inspiring cast of characters who see good and do good. It all started with little Amelia smiling as she ran down the street and ended with some pretty spectacular events.
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7. Each Kindness
Jacqueline Woodson shares a powerful story about kindness and how important it is to be caring to others. When a new girl comes to school, Chloe and her friends don't let her join, but when their teacher tells them how far acts of kindness go, Chloe changes her mind.
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8. Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light
In the woods, Bear has a hard time making animal friends because he is so big. His human friend Coco wants to help him, so they decide to go out of their way to be generous and thoughtful. In the end, they all discover the beauty of kindness comes from inside you!
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9. Kindness Snippet Jar
A truly unique and inspiring story of how a slip of paper wants to make it in the kindness jar that makes people so happy. His journey teaches readers that there are infinite ways to be kind, and motivates them to create their own kindness jar!
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10. What is Given from the Heart
Acclaimed picture book author Patricia C. McKissack brings us this beautiful story about what it truly means to give. James Otis wants to help his community but doesn't think he has anything valuable to offer until he learns that it's not about what you give but the love that motivates it.
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11. Max
No good deed is too small, and no superhero is too young to help the world be a kinder place. Award-winning author Bob Graham gives us a beautiful story about a superhero family that teaches their son Max how little acts of kindness fill the world with joy.
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12. A Sick Day for Amos McGee
There are tons of extraordinary animals at Amos McGee's zoo, and he loves each and every one of them! Amos goes out of his way to make sure every animal feels safe and taken care of. One day Amos is sick, so the zoo animals decide to do what they can to help him feel better.
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13. Have You Filled a Bucket Today?
This creative concept comes to life with charming illustrations by David Messing and a powerful message about how what you do not only affects others but yourself as well. When we do or say thoughtful things we are not only helping others, but ourselves!
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14. Our Class is a Family
Part of a teacher's job is to create a safe environment where students feel supported and encouraged to learn and try new things without fear of being ridiculed or judged. This sweet story has important messages of empathy for an important community, our classrooms.
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15. Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners
When Mr. Rabbit's new neighbors move in, he isn't sure how to treat them because he's never met an otter before. Mr. Owl gives him some great advice, just do and say to them what you would want done and said to you. This is how Laurie Keller teaches kids kindness through philosophy.
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16. What if Everybody Did That?
The world is full of people, so we have rules to keep everything from becoming too chaotic. Through outrageous illustrations and a hilarious concept, we see what would happen if everybody disregarded rules. An important message to teach kids to be self-accountable.
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17. A Small Kindness
Stacy McAnulty and Wendy Leach use a few choice words and adorable illustrations to teach young readers how small acts of kindness can start a chain of generosity and good deeds.
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18. Kindness Starts With You
It can be hard for a child to think of ways to be kind. This simple picture book pacts a practical punch with each page illustrating how kids can do good things at school.
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19. Hats Off to Mr. Pockles!
Your little readers will love the stunning illustrations by David Litchfield in this wacky but inspiring tale of Mr. Pockles the dog, and his many hats. When a friend in town loses their hat, Mr. Pockles doesn't hesitate to share one of his.
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20. Listening With My Heart
Gabi Garcia brings it home with this important message of self-acceptance and knowing how to be kind to ourselves when we need it most. Esperanza tries really hard to be kind to others, but when she doesn't get the part she wanted in the school play, she needs to remember to be kind to herself.
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21. Kindness Is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler
Mrs. Ruler is a teacher on a mission to get her kindergarten class excited about doing good deeds. Margery Cuyler gives us this inspiring story about how a group of rambunctious kids fills up an entire kindness bulletin board!
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22. Be Kind
This bestselling picture book shows kids all the ways we can be kind to others in small ways. Jen Hill illustrates this message of empathy beautifully, from standing up to bullies, to supporting someone who spilled grape juice on their clothes, every kindness matters.
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23. Room on the Broom
Get a little spoooooky with this Halloween-themed story about a witch and her cat. On a particularly windy day, the witch's bow, hat, and wand blow away! Some friendly animals end up finding her things, returning them, and would like to take a ride on her broom. A tale of paying it forward with illustrations by the amazing Axel Scheffler.
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24. Hello, Neighbor!: The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers
Whether you grew up watching Mr. Rogers, or this is the first you've heard of him, Matthew Cordell breaths to life this infamous example of kindness for little readers of today.
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25. Plant a Kiss
Sometimes the biggest adventures start with the smallest act. Amy Krouse Rosenthal brings us this sweet board book teaching the wonders of imagination and sharing.
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26. The Nice Book
Help your little kiddos learn the basics of manners from award-winning author David Ezra Stein's adorable board book. Each page has simple illustrations of animals doing good deeds kids can do on their own!
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27. Kindness Makes Us Strong
What does kindness look like? Can you name a few acts you've never tried? Read aloud as a family or in class to get inspired.
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28. A Little SPOT of Empathy
Empathy is something we learn as we grow up and experience the world in all its differences. Learn how to care for others and see things from a new perspective with Spot and his friends.
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29. We're Better Together: A Book About Community
Didn't you know? Two heads are better than one, and that goes for voices, hands, and hearts! This touching story helps kids understand that when they share or include someone, it doesn't take away from them, it makes everything better!
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30. ABCs of Kindness
Your child's first lesson on kindness also includes alphabet and reading practice! Each letter stands for something nice they can try doing for someone else and encourages them to think of other nice deeds they can do on their own.
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31. Monty the Manatee
A colorful book with strong anti-bullying messages all kids can learn from and use in their social experiences. Monty is starting school, but the other sea creatures make fun of him for being big and slow. When danger invades the school, can Monty save the day and show his classmates that everyone deserves kindness?
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32. The Shining Stars
Kindness is a shared experience that can bring people together and foster other positive connections and emotions. When a group of kids chooses to spend their free time feeding animals at the shelter, their efforts are acknowledged by some encouraging shining stars.
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33. I Don't Want to Be Nice!
Many young kids struggle with understanding and controlling their emotional reactions, and this can cause them to hurt others and feel isolated. When Finn goes to school he doesn't want to be nice, and now he has lost his friends. Can Finn learn how to be kind and win them back?
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34. It's Brave to Be Kind
A book that will inspire conversations with your kids about how they can be kind to others. Alex is a great role model for showing how small actions can make someone else's day better.
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35. A Sea of Stars
When this little sea star discovers the whole sky is full of stars, he sets off on a journey that leads him to make new friends and learn how powerful courage, compassion, and friendship can be in pursuing your dreams.
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36. The Three Little Monsters and the Cranky King
In a far-off land, there is a scary-looking monster king who rules over his fearful monster subjects. One day some little monster kids get lost and run into the king, and come to realize he isn't so scary after all. This story teaches kids that everyone deserves friendship and kindness no matter what they look like.
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37. The Little Book of Kindness
After seeing all these great examples, we can learn how to be kind in any situation. At the park, at school, at the store, and at home, there are ways to make others feel appreciated and acknowledged no matter where we are!
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38. Jake the Growling Dog
Jake is a very nice dog who likes to do very fun things, but he has an unusual voice. When he opens his mouth a noise comes out that puts the other animals off. Can they overlook his differences and realize that he deserves friendship and love just like anyone else?
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39. Dragons Make Great Friends
From princesses and ogres to mermaids and knights, this whimsical tale shows how all your favorite mythical creatures can help make your life brighter. We all have special gifts and characteristics we can contribute to a friendship, let's share them together!
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40. I Like to Be Kind
Max thinks being kind sounds like a lot of work and no fun! Until his dad leads by example and shows him how great it can feel to help others. Now Max feels inspired and wants to try it on his own, turns out he likes it!
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41. What Does It Mean to Be Kind?
How can we learn how to be a kind person, and how big do our gestures have to be for them to count? Being kind means smiling, giving a helping hand, accepting differences, and showing empathy to those who need it.
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42. Train Your Dragon To Be Kind
A delightful book starring Drew and his dragon Diggory Doo, as Drew tries to teach Diggory good manners. Kids can follow along and learn all the ways they can be kind to this adorable dragon.
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43. One Drop of Kindness
Here is a heartfelt story that turns into a big adventure for our main character Gus. Orphaned as a child, Gus doesn't think kindness is for him. Until one day he discovers his town has a mysterious secret that might change his outlook and fate forever.
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44. Making a Difference
Now here is a 3-book series written to inspire young kids to reach for the stars! Whether they want to protect the planet, speak out for those in need, or volunteer for a cause, kindness is the motivation!
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45. Last Stop on Market Street
Kindness comes from within, so read along and learn the art of appreciating what you have with CJ and his grandmother. CJ doesn't understand why their life looks different than others, but his grandma always knows what to say to make him feel special and important.
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46. Kindness Rocks
Clara is an artistic young girl who enjoys finding rocks around her house and painting encouraging messages on them. One day a turtle down in the dumps sees one of her rocks and it makes his day. We can learn from Clara that little acts of kindness can go a long way!
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47. The Power of Kindness: Through the Eyes of Children
Children have to deal with a lot of overwhelming emotions they don't know how to manage yet. This book teaches the importance of being kind and patient when others react poorly because we never know what someone else is going through.
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48. The Power of One
Kindness is contagious, and this book follows the chain reaction after one child helps a classmate in need. We don't realize the power we have to change the world if we all try a little more each day to spread some kindness.
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49. Strictly No Elephants
There is a pet club, and everyone is so excited to share their pet with all their friends, but the club has one rule: strictly no elephants! When a young boy and his mini elephant want to join, they decide to find a unique way to change the club members' minds.
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50. The Starkeeper
One day a falling star lands in a quiet little town where a girl finds it and decides to keep it. Slowly she begins to realize that the star gets brighter when she or someone around her does something nice. Will this girl and her star save her uninspired town?
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