Children’s books that teach kindness use storytelling to shape an essential character trait. Below are our favorite picture books that help children understand and practice kindness.
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Most mornings, our house starts with squabbles.
“Sissy, I wanted to play with that!” “Mom, he pushed me!” “I don’t want to play with you!” “You’re not going to be my brother anymore!” “I want to be first!”
The bickering, the shouting, the hurt feelings—this is not the way I want to begin the day. With three kids ages 2 to 6, strong emotions are part of everyday life. While it’s normal for little ones to be self-focused, I feel it is my job to guide them toward a kinder way of interacting.
I want to build their character and teach them how to treat others with empathy and goodwill. I want them to approach people with positive intentions and thoughtful actions—but sometimes that’s easier said than done.
I don’t pretend to have all the parenting answers. What I have learned is that stories are powerful teachers. When children follow characters facing tough choices, they learn by example rather than by lecture. Books let kids see motives, consequences, and gentle models for change.
Stories also make great conversation starters. There’s nothing like snuggling up with a book, reading a meaningful tale, and then talking about it together. I searched for books that highlight kindness—small acts, brave choices, and compassionate hearts—and gathered titles that resonated with our family. Many were available at our local library.
13 Children’s Books that Teach Kindness
Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud
This book gives children a clear mental image: everyone carries an invisible “bucket” of feelings. Kind words and actions fill other people’s buckets, while unkind behavior dips into them. The concept helps kids understand how their choices affect others and themselves.
The Spiffiest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson
A generous giant gives away his prized possessions to help people in need. Later, those he helped return the favor, showing how generosity creates community and goodwill. The rhyming text is delightful for young listeners.
Superworm by Julia Donaldson
Superworm always helps his garden friends, and when he’s captured by a wicked lizard, his friends band together to save him. It’s a fun, rhyming story that celebrates helpfulness and friendship.
Because Amelia Smiled by David Ezra Stein
A small smile from Amelia sets off a chain of kindness that reaches far and wide. This book is a gentle reminder that even small gestures can spread joy and that children have the power to brighten someone’s day.
The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau
In this beautifully illustrated fable, a king learns that possessions don’t bring happiness. A thoughtful quiltmaker demonstrates generosity, and the king discovers the deeper value of giving to others.
Suzy Swoof: A Book About Kindness by Michael Waite
Suzy is teased for not being able to fly, yet she helps her peers when they are in trouble. Her kindness transforms how others view her, showing that compassion can change hearts more than ridicule ever could.
The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson
A tiny snail’s courage helps when a great whale is stranded. The snail enlists the help of many creatures, proving that bravery and community kindness can solve big problems.
The Ant and the Elephant by Bill Peet
The elephant treats others kindly, and when he needs help, an unlikely friend steps in to save the day. This story shows that every person—no matter how small—can make a difference.
Cyrus the Unsinkable Sea Serpent by Bill Peet
Faced with peer pressure to be mean, Cyrus chooses to remain kind. The book models resisting negative influences and standing up for one’s values in a humorous, engaging way.
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
A boy rides the bus with his grandmother to volunteer at a soup kitchen and meets many people along the way. Through their conversation, he learns about dignity, empathy, and the value every person brings to the community.
The Rag Coat by Lauren Mills
Set in rural Appalachia, neighbors sew a rag coat for a girl in need. When classmates mock the coat, the girl responds with kindness and grace, and friendships begin to form. It’s a touching portrait of compassion and resilience.
Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell
Molly Lou Melon faces teasing when she moves to a new school, but her confidence and kindness win over a classmate. The story highlights self-respect as the foundation for treating others well.
How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends? by Jan Yolen
Part of the popular “How Do Dinosaurs…” series, this board book uses rhyme and humor to show specific, age-appropriate ways children can be kind to friends.
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Keep the Discussion Going
Books won’t change behavior overnight, but reading intentionally about kindness and discussing the stories can have a lasting influence. Kindness is a lesson we revisit throughout childhood—and into adulthood. Using gentle stories as examples gives children concrete ways to practice empathy every day.
Stories that teach kindness make abstract ideas tangible and give families a natural way to explore values together. What books do you use to teach kindness to the children in your life?
