Baby & Toddler
Pre-K
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Cool to Be Kind: Children’s Books That Champion Kindness
by Dena McMurdie
My husband and I have spent many family discussions teaching our children about kindness. We tell our kids that what goes around comes around. If you want to be treated with kindness, you need to treat others with kindness. We’ve been successful for the most part, but kids make mistakes (who doesn’t?) and need a refresher now and then. Here are some books that celebrate kindness and help my family remember how and why we should be kind.
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How Kind!
Kindness is contagious. When Hen gives an egg to Pig, she starts a domino effect of kindness that spreads throughout the barnyard. This adorable board book is straightforward and simple in its message of expressing kindness to others.
(Ages 2 - 5) -
A Sick Day for Amos McGee
Amos spends his days caring for his animal friends at the zoo. When Amos gets sick, the animals decide to return the favor. This classic story about selflessness teaches kids that if you treat others with kindness, they'll be kind to you.
(Ages 2 - 6) -
K is for Kindness
Elmo is working to earn his Monster Scout “K Is for Kindness” Badge! Follow along with Elmo as he does good deeds around the neighborhood and learns what it means to be a kind person.
(Ages 3 - 7) -
I Walk with Vanessa: A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness
A classmate wonders how she can help when she sees Vanessa, the new girl at school, walking home crying after a confrontation with a bully. A sweet and simple wordless picture book that opens up conversations around kindness, caring, and stepping up against bullying.
(Ages 4 - 8) -
Kindness Is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler
Mrs. Ruler starts a kindness campaign in her class. As the kids work on their acts of kindness, they realize they can change the world through their good deeds. This offbeat and colorful book offers 100 ideas kids can put into action.
(Ages 5 - 10) -
Those Shoes
Kindness and generosity take center stage as a young man chooses to look past his own desire to fit in and help someone else in need. This is a great discussion starter about peer pressure, kindness, and poverty.
(Ages 5 - 8) -
Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed
Mary is ordinary in every way, but even ordinary kids can do extraordinary things. By performing one simple act of kindness, Mary starts a chain reaction that affects people all over the world.
(Ages 4 - 8) -
What Does It Mean To Be Kind?
Kindness often takes courage. We can choose to be kind to others in our actions each day. Using short, simple terms, this delightful picture book gives kids several specific suggestions of how to be kind.
(Ages 4 – 8) -
The Last Stop on Market Street
Messages of optimism, kindness, and serving those less fortunate than you are palpable in every word and page of this beautiful book. A grandmother teaches her grandson to look on the bright side of life and lift up those around him.
(Ages 3 - 5) -
Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids
Kind actions help both the receiver and the giver. Everyone has an invisible bucket that can be filled up through kindness. As you fill other people's buckets, your bucket also fills up — which makes you (and them) feel good inside.
(Ages 3 - 5) -
The Monster Who Lost His Mean
Excluded by the other monsters for losing his "M", Onster goes in search of new friends. This simple story holds several messages about choosing good friends, self-confidence, peer pressure, and kindness.
(Ages 4 - 8) -
Good People Everywhere
Sometimes you need a reminder that there are good people in the world. This book highlights the good actions of people and encourages children to spread the love. Read this when you or your child needs a lift.
(Ages 3 - 7) -
Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners
A family of otters moves in next door and Rabbit is worried. He doesn't know anything about otters, but Owl teaches Rabbit to treat the otters with kindness — just the way he would want to be treated. This silly how-to book about the golden rule is both funny and enlightening.
(Ages 4 - 8) -
You Go First
Everyone's favorite critter learns a lesson in kindness in a way that's relatable for children. Little Critter learns to put others first, be considerate, and show kindness through his words and actions.
(Ages 3 - 7)
What books have you read that have great messages of kindness for young readers?