Picture Books About Kindness
Whether you are looking for picture books for Valentines Day or just wanting to explore kindness with your kids, today I’m sharing some of our favorite picture books about kindness.
Honestly, anytime is a great time to explore kindness. And reading books that teach kindness and empathy (like the ones in this list) will only help to open our kids eyes to those around them.
From getting along with siblings to initiating a random act of kindness, our kids can greatly benefit from learning more about kindness.
With that being said, here are some fantastic picture books about kindness you can share with your little ones.
Picture Books About Kindness
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Ferdinand by Munro Leaf
Our kids love this book! Ferdinand lives in the world of bull fighting but he isn’t interested in showing off, being powerful, or even fighting. He is gentle and is perfectly content to sit on a grassy hill and smell the flowers.
Miles of Smiles by Karen Kaufman
This is a sweet simple story about how a smile can pass from person to person. By the end, you will, more than likely, feel inspired to spread smiles and joy to other people throughout your day.
Corduroy by Don Freeman
Corduroy is a stuffed bear who lives in a department store. Though he is not much to look at a girl saves up her money and brings him home. This is a touching story about a caring friendship and has been a favorite for our kids.
A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Phillip and Erin Stead
One of the best picture books about kindness! Every day Amos McGee visits his animal friends in the zoo. He plays cards with them, reads them stories, and even races with them. One day he can’t come. He is sick. So, all his animals friends leave the zoo and come to him. They care for him in return.
The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney
This book about kindness is based on one of Aesop’s fables. With only pictures to tell the story, you can learn about how the mouse and the lion became great friends. The illustrations are stunning and do a wonderful job of telling the story.
Kindness Counts by Jan and Mike Berenstain
Our kids love the Berenstain Bear books. These books always do a good job of teaching a moral through an engaging storyline. This one is unique because it is written from a Christian perspective. There are Bible references in it, and a prayer at the end.
The Spiffiest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson
Our kids got this book through Dolly Pardon’s Imagination Library program when they were little, and it’s still being read and enjoyed. The giant in this book finally gets a new spiffy outfit but along the way he gives pieces of it away to his needy friends. He may no longer be the spiffiest giant in town, but he is definitely the kindest.
A Hat for Mrs. Goldman by Michelle Edwards
Mrs. Goldman knits hats for people and Sophie helps by making the pom-poms but when winter comes Sophie realized that Mrs. Goldman doesn’t have a hat for herself because she’s been so busy thinking of others. So, Sophie has to get creative. This book highlights these character qualities: kindness, determination, and graciousness.
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt De la Pena
CJ and his grandmother ride the bus every week. CJ wonders why they don’t just drive a car. Grandma points out all the wonderful people they would miss out getting to know if they hadn’t taken the bus. I like that the grandma shows kindness by admiring the various qualities in people that she sees.
Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett
Annabelle finds a box of yarn and knits herself a jumper, but she’s got extra yarn left over. Follow to the story to see her use her talents and the extra yarn to bless the people in her town. I love that this books demonstrates a way to show kindness using the things and talents that you have.
Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller
The new girl at school is shy and nervous and on top of that, she spilt grape juice on her outfit. Read about all the big and little ways a little girl found to show kindness. I like the diversity showcased in the illustrations, but I hoped to see the other kids in the classroom learn kindness as well.
Peace is an Offering by Annette Lebox
This is a gentle and sweet poem about peace and kindness. Even when hard things happen there are little ways that we can how love to those around us. (I like the rhyming in this book and the soft tone of the words and illustrations.)
Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson
This book shows how one kind deed and lead to a host of others. I like that this book gets kids thinking about random acts of kindness. (And just thinking about others in general)
Favorite Picture Books about Kindness for Kindergarten
Pretty much all of these book on this list will work wonderfully with kindergartners. However, let me share our favorite books about kindness for kindergarten. (Note: The titles in this list are linked to thriftbooks.com which is one of my favorite discounted book sites to shop through.)
Books about Kindness for Kindergarten:
- The Spiffiest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson
- A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Phillip and Erin Stead
- Ferdinand by Munro Leaf
- A Hat for Mrs. Goldman by Michelle Edwards
- Last Stop on Market Street by Matt De la Pena
Note: Be sure to get the huge free printable picture book list that is organized by topics. From kindness and colors to apples and gardening find picture books for any unit or theme you are working on with your kids!
What are your favorite picture books about kindness?
*This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.
Great list Jessica ! Thanks for sharing , Terri xo.
Sure! Thanks, Terri! ❤️