10 Children’s Books that Foster Kindness
This week’s theme is “Books that Foster Kindness”. I feel that we need a little kindness in the world right now, and the language I speak is books. So these are ten books to help ignite the spark of kindness in your kids.
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#1. One by Katheryn Otashi
I absolutely love this book about standing up to a bully and speaking up when you see someone being mistreated. Plus, it has the added benefit of teaching numbers and colors. It’s an over-all beautiful book that teaches inclusion and kindness in a bold way.
#2.The Rabbit Listened by Corri Doerrfeld
This book is all about what it means to be a good friend. When Taylor’s blocks get knocked down, he’s upset. All of his animal friends seem to have a solution for Taylor’s problem, but none of them really listen, until Rabbit comes along. This book is one that I love to read, even just on my own from time to time, as it helps me remember how to respond as a parent. But for children, this book really helps to paint a picture of what a good friend is.
#3.Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev
This is a story about inclusion and acceptance that even the smallest children can understand. It opens up bigger conversations about exclusion and inclusion and how they hurt others. It teaches kindness, acceptance, and friendship through wonderful illustrations.
#4. Kindness Rocks By Sonica Ellis
This book is a charming, and a great way to inspire public kindness in children. We also made our own kindness rocks, which you can do as well.
#5. Seeds and Trees by Brandon Walden
This is a book with a powerful metaphor. Your words are seeds, and good or bad they will grow a tree. The illustrations are a treat and the message is memorable.
#6. Jake the Growling Dog by Samantha Shannon
I found this book by chance and I am very glad I did. It’s a very unique story about being kind to those who are different from you and seeing past first impressions. It also has a great kindness meditation exercise in the back of the book.
#7. Listening with my Heart by Gabe Garcia
This is a sweet story of a girl finding a way to to be kind, not only to others, but to herself. She carries a small heart-shaped stone with her to help her remember. Well written and well illustrated, with diverse characters.
#8. Porcupine Hugs by Belle Brown
This cute little book is about finding a way to show love and kindness, even when someone is different from us. Perry Porcupine likes to hug but it’s hard to hug a porcupine. Still, all of the other animals find their own way around this, each of them hugging in their own special way.
#9. A Little Spot of Kindness By Diane Alber
Oh, how I love these books. I somehow have this feeling that they will make their way onto almost every list on this blog. This particular one is about remembering to be kind, and even suggests to kids that they can put a sticker spot on their hand to help them remember.
#10. Be Kind By Pat Zietlow Miller
What does it mean to be kind? This book is a girls journey to finding the best way to be kind to a friend at school. It tells kids about all of the different types of kindness you can show.
What did you think of the list?
Are there any you would add?
Are there any books about kindness that you love?
