Children’s Books About Kindness

The power of kindness can change the world.  This list of books for kids will model characters who choose kindness.  Let’s dive right into this list of children’s books character strength of kindness.

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” Mother Teresa

Here is a sneak peek at what you’ll find in this post.

1. Favorite books that focus on the theme of KINDNESS including a FREE printable book list.
2. A list of discussion questions/conversation starters about the character strength- KINDNESS which you can also print.
3. Resources for families to hold a Family Dinner Book Club on the KINDNESS theme including menu ideas, activities, and a family service project.

BOOKS ABOUT KINDNESS

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Meet a little boy who is ordinary and extraordinary in We’re All Wonders by R.J. Palacio. I great lesson in choose kindness.  Also, for older kids, try Wonder also by Palacio.

One Smile by Cindy McKinley is a story of paying it forward. It shows the chain of events that one small act of kindness can cause the next person to do an act of kindness and that eventually, it all comes full circle.

Oliver Jeffers wrote Here We Are after the birth of his child. It’s a book that welcomes little ones into this great big world. There is a theme of making sure that kindness is extended to the world and everyone on it.

A brother and sister learn all about getting along and being kind in The Jelly Donut Difference by Maria Dismondy.

The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig is the story of a boy who nobody notices.  Then, one day a new kid arrives in class and the invisble boy makes friends with him and they in turn pair up to work on a project together.

The Can Man by Laura E. Williams is about a boy who learns a lesson of kindness and thinking of others who are in need.

Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller helps young readers see that being kind can be easy and sometimes it can be hard. But, being kind even a small way spreads throughout the world.

Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora is the story of a woman who makes a big pot of red stew. As it simmers, it draws visitors near and far. Each visitor receives a bowl of stew until all the stew is gone and there is none left for Omu. The woman does not get upset and is in fact quite happy when all the visitors return to match her kindness.

Boxes for Katje by Candace Fleming was a featured book in a previous Family Dinner Book Club Trip to the Netherlands.  After WWII, resources are scarce in the Netherlands.  Thanks to care packages from the United States, Katje and her community receive some much-needed gifts.

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson touches on friendship and kindness as a young girl learns a lesson about not missing opportunities to show kindness and making new friends.

Try a Little Kindness by Henry Cole works with our youngest readers. Playful illustrations remind us of all the ways we can be kind in the world.

I Walk With Vanessa: A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness by Kerascoët is a wordless book that packs a powerful message about standing together and standing up to bullies.

Kindness is contagious is Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson when a young ordinary girl performs an act of kindness.

Superbuns! by Kiane Kredensor is a story about the superpower of kindness told by some super cute bunnies.

Finding Kindness by Deborah Underwood show us that kindness can be found everywhere if we stop and notice.

When We Are Kind by Monique Gray Smith shows us that we receive even when we give.

Harlem Grown: How One Big Idea Transformed a Neighborhood by Tony Hillery will inspire you to come together with your community to create something that benefits many.

We even have a special Family Dinner Book Club centered around this book.

In Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Meddour we see that even when we are going through a traumatic experience, kindness can still be found and given. Luna passes her treasured pebble to another refugee in need.

Pass it On by Sophy Henn is a beautiful message to share kindness all around from a smile to a laugh.

Maisy’s Big Book of Kindness by Lucy Cousins is a good pick for preschoolers and kindergarteners.  Youngsters will enjoy the familiar characters while learning about all the ways to express kindness from caring to sharing.

Get your downloadable printable list of all the books on this list below. Take it to the library or copy it for families.

KINDNESS DISCUSSION STARTERS

Whether you pick one book to read on the list or many, you can use these conversation starters to talk about the character strength of KINDNESS. You can also print the list out below.

-How did a character in the story show kindness?

-Can being kind make a difference in the world? How?

-Let’s brainstorm an act of kindness we can do together this week.

-Has anyone ever done an act of kindness for you?

-How do you think a person feels when someone does something kind for him/her?

-Can kindness be contagious? Why or why not?

PRINT THE KINDNESS BOOK LIST AND DISCUSSION STARTERS

Print out the book list and discussion starters. Take it to the library or copy it for families.

KINDNESS FAMILY DINNER BOOK CLUB

This book list and theme make a great start for families to hold their own Family Dinner Book Club.

What is a Family Dinner Book Club?

Each month:

• On the first of each month, we provide all the details for your dinner.
• Laura from Sunny Day Family shares an activity and a family service project.
• And, I share a book list that compliments the themes plus conversation starters.

For our theme of  KINDNESS,  you have found the book list and discussion starters on this page.

And, visit Sunny Day Family for an activity to do with the theme.—> SEE THE KINDNESS ACTIVITY

My friend Megan, from Coffee Cups and Crayons, also has an extensive list of resources for spreading kindness.

Also, follow our Family Dinner Book Club Facebook Page.  We love for you to share pictures from your KINDNESS Family Dinner Book Club.

Plus, teach about kindness in our Cookies and Kindness Preschool Unit.

*First published 12/1/18 and has since been updated.