The Best Picture Books that Teach Kindness

I have so many hopes and dreams for my children.  They range from superficial and unimportant (like my vision of us all being Harry Potter fans and taking a trip to Harry Potter World together where we all run around in robes with wands completely stary-eyed) to deep and honest desires for them like how I hope to see them all happy with families of their own someday.

One of the other things that I want badly for my children is for them to learn to be kind now and to “grow up” being kind people.  The world is already such a rough place in some aspects, but in others it is completely beautiful.  And, to me, one of the most beautiful parts is when we are kind to each other and help one another out.  Call it cheesy, but I am one of those people who believes that love can solve pretty much everything.  Below is a growing list of our favorite books that teach kindness. Will they make children kind overnight? Of course not, but books are always a nice place to start.  Don’t you agree?

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“Be Kind” by Pat Zietlow Miller and Jen Hill- This book starts with a scenario at school where a child witnesses another child being embarrassed.  She wants to be kind, but doesn’t know where to start at first.  After some consideration on the subject, she finds just the right way to be kind and make a difference.

“I Walk With Vanessa: A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness” by Kerascoët- This book is wordless, but is oh-so-powerful!  It shows a child witnessing another child being bullied by mean words that remain hidden.  Following the incident this child notices how the bullied child walks alone to and from school and lacks friends.  It ends with them deciding to walk with the bullied child and the ripple effect shown is beautiful.

“The Invisible Boy” by Trudy Ludwig and Patrice Barton-  This story features a small boy who is shy and often overlooked.  The beautiful illustrations start with him in black and white while everything around him is in color.  He is lonely and left out until one child invites him to participate.  All it takes is this simple act of kindness and we watch our protagonist gradually go from black and white to full color.

“A Hat For Mrs. Goldman: A Story About Knitting and Love” by Michelle Edwards and G. Brian Karas-  This is the story of a little girl and her neighbor friend Mrs. Goldman.  She likes to go to Mrs. Goldman’s and help her make hats for people in their community.  However, one day she decides that Mrs. Goldman needs a hat of her own and decides to perform the act of kindness of making one for her herself.

“Miles of Smiles” by Karen Kaufman Orloff and Luciano Lozano- This book has a simple theme that is really impactful.  It shows how a smile is passed form person to person until the whole community is happy and smiling.  I love this representation of how even the smallest act of kindness can have a huge impact.

“What Does It Mean To Be Kind?” by Rana DiOrio and Stephane Jorisch- This book goes through a large list of practical ways that we can be kind to those around us.  I love all the ideas that it presents and is a great way to talk with children about random acts of kindness and what they look like.

“The Jelly Donut Difference: Sharing Kindness With the World” by Maria Dismondy and P.S. Brooks- This story starts with two siblings who appear to be focused on themselves and struggling with being content until they notice a neighbor who looks lonely.  Then, instead of focusing on themselves, they focus on cheering up their neighbor.  They learn that through these acts of kindness not only do they make a difference for their neighbor, but for themselves as well.

“Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed” by Emily Pearson and Fumi Kosaka- This is the story of a young girl who impacted the whole entire world through one act of kindness.  It starts with her act of kindness and how it inspired her neighbor to be kind to five more people and how they were kind to five people and on and on it goes.  It is a great way to show the ripple effect of kindness and how small children can make a big difference.

“Dr Seuss’s You Are Kind” by Dr. Seuss- This sweet little book is full of statements of affirmation that young ones can read and never tire of.  It highlights different characteristics of kindness and features one of our favorite characters from Dr. Seuss: Horton.  A definite winner!

“Try a Little Kindness” by Henry Cole – This is a playful and fun book that is full of practical suggestions on what you can do to be kind. From everything from opening a door for someone to visiting someone who is lonely.

“Kindness Rules” by Hello!Lucky- This bright and bold board book focuses on manners combined with kindness. It is nice to note to children how often the two go hand in hand. Plus, it is highly entertaining to read and the vivid illustrations are sure to catch your child’s eye.

“Adrian Simcox Does Not Have a Horse” by Marcy Campbell and Corinna Luyken- I LOVE this book! The story is a poignant one that promotes empathy and understanding. Kindness should always come first, even if we don’t feel like we understand yet and a journey to understanding is one of love and worth taking. Plus, the illustrations are dreamy.

“I am Kind” by Suzy Capozzi and Eren Unten- This is an early/leveled reader that shows the main character demonstrating different acts of kindness. It is adorable in it’s illustraiotns and text and is a sweet book to teach kindness.

“Tiny Acts of Kindness” by Thuy Ha- This book is such a whimsical and dreamy way to address the topic of kindness with children. It addresses simple acts of kindness that can make a big difference and even points out that we need to be kind to ourselves. I love that addition and I adore the illustrations. A winner!

“Superbuns!: Kindness is her superpower!”by Diane Kredensor- Superbuns is a seemingly average, friendly bunny who has claimed kindness as her super power. Although her sister is skeptical at first, in the end she is convinced that kindness, does indeed, carry its own power. Such a great idea executed so well!

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