Looking for children’s books about kindness and empathy? Kindness moves the world. Children must learn the importance of being kind to each other and the value of empathy. Even so important in today’s digital social world.
A variety of books come into this aid helping parents and teachers reinforce the message. The below list contains some of the best kindness books recommended by parents and teachers.
They are fun, light read and brightly illustrated, gently delivering the message to young readers. Choose from the list of best books depending on age – for kindergarten, tweens, teens.
Table of contents
Children’s Books About Kindness
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Children’s Books About Kindness – Preschool and Kindergarten
I Like To Be Kind
Aleks Harrison (Author)
This is a board book about kindness for children 2-6 years olds. A charming story of a father explaining kindness to his child. The child- Max, in turn, starts being kind to others in need. Through small activities Max does, the book teaches children how anyone can be kind to others. Charming illustrations, simple and captivating writing make this book a gripping read. Check here on Amazon.
Jake the Growling Dog
Samantha Shannon (Author), Parker Sinclair (Editor), Kerrie Joyce (Illustrator)
Through the story of Jake, a dog with a growling habit, the book teaches how one needs to show empathy and be accepting of others who are different. The kindness, Neet – the black squirrel, showed to Jake, changed Jake’s life and made other animals accept Jake. A charming rhyming picture book with a great message of acceptance and kindness. Check here on Amazon.
Kind Ninja
Mary Nhin (Author), Grow Grit Press (Author), Rebecca Yee (Editor), Jelena Stupar (Illustrator)
This book is from the popular children’s series – Ninja Life Hacks. Kind Ninja shows how one can be kind to others – be it sitting with a lonely person, or volunteering at a pet shelter. A fun book with real examples for kids to learn to be kind. Check here on Amazon.
Listening with My Heart: A story of kindness and self-compassion
Gabi Garcia and Ying Hui Tan
The book teaches while it is important to be kind to others, it is equally needed to be kind and accepting of self. A book on self-acceptance for young kids. It is the story of Esperanza, who while learning to be kind to others, realizes the need for self-acceptance. The story teaches empathy and helps children set the example in treating themselves and others. It is a charmingly illustrated picture book for children aged 2 to 6 years. Check here on Amazon.
Rock On, Kindness! Pass It On!
Stepheni Curran and Samantha Williams
One way to promote kindness is accepting differences and realizing everyone is the same underneath. This book delivers this message beautifully. Ally, a 7-year-old, paints rocks and hides them for others to find. She has 5 best friends – who come from different races, religions, backgrounds. Still, Ally find similarities and common ground between all her friends., The illustrations are colorful, complimenting the vibrant and cheerful story. A book- written for children aged 4 to 12 years. Check here on Amazon.
ABCs of Kindness
Samantha Berger and Ekaterina Trukhan
How many ways can one make the world a kinder place? No less than 26 ways! Using each of 26 letters of the English Alphabet, and a diverse cast of children, the books list some simple acts which can be done to make this world a better place. Written in simple language for even toddlers, preschoolers to understand, and accompanying pictures, this book delivers a great lesson in kindness. Check here on Amazon.
Kindness Rocks
Sonica Ellis (Author), Color Studio Fx And (Illustrator)
This is a heartwarming tale of how an act of kindness – big or small – is never wasted. A small child Clara collects rocks and leaves them in different places with beautiful messages painted on them. She carries on with her task knowing someone somewhere is being helped, even though she does not know them personally. A book for kids from toddler to elementary age group. Check here on Amazon.
Chapter Books About Kindness
Enemy Pie
Derek Munson
This book teaches young children how to win over enemies through kindness. When Jeremy Ross moved into a new neighborhood, all the other neighborhood kids turned him into an enemy. However, his dad came to the rescue teaching Jeremy how to win over enemies and make them friends. A humorously written book for tweens. Check here on Amazon.
Molly Jo Daisy Being the New Kid
Mary Louise Morris (Author)
This is a chapter book for tweens about different emotions. It is the story of ten-year-old Molly, whose family moves into a new neighborhood. She struggles with making friends. However, kind encouragements from her grandmother and other things help her cross the rough patches. Along comes the realization that being the new kid comes with privileges and responsibilities. Children will learn self-affirmation and how to deal with different emotions from this book. Check here on Amazon.
The Warrior Challenge: 8 Quests for Boys to Grow Up with Kindness
John Beede and Johnny Dombrowski
This chapter book is an illustrated guide to teach boys kindness, empathy, courage as they grow up. A critical chapter book for tweens as they navigate through various stages of development in life. Gripping writing, fun illustrations make this book a wonderful read. The ideas and lessons are universal, which are sure to encourage some discussions in the family. Check here on Amazon.
Through Rosalie Colored Glasses: An Illustrated Novelette of Kindness and Friendship
Carrie J , Paper Peony Press, et al.
This is a charming chapter-book about kindness and friendship. It brings up the discussion about the social menace of bullying. And how it is important to stand up for oneself and others. A beautifully illustrated chapter book for early readers and tweens.. Check here on Amazon.
Channel Kindness
by Born This Way Foundation Reporters and Lady Gaga
This book is from Born This Way Foundation, founded by Lady Gaga. It is a nonprofit organization, committed to making this world a kinder place. It is a collection of stories about the kindness, bravery, and resilience of younger people, collected from different parts of the world. The stories and motivating and powerful. Written for tweens and teens, this book is about moving the world through kindness. Check here on Amazon.