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Picture Books about Kindness

Would you like to explore a selection of picture books about kindness? Some of the stories will make you laugh and some of them will make you cry. They’ll make you think and, best of all, they’ll make you talk.

And talking about the characters in these stories will help your children become more aware of kindness and the ways they might show it every day—to their friends, to their siblings, and sometimes even to perfect strangers.

Read the synopses of a few of my favorite picture books about kindness below, then head to your local library with my free printable library list.

A Home for Bird book cover

A Home for Bird
by Philip C. Stead

Vernon the toad has found a new friend. But Vernon is worried. Bird doesn’t seem to want to talk, and he doesn’t seem very happy. It must be because he’s missing his home. So Vernon does what anyone would do when he discovers his friend is lost. He sets out to find A Home for Bird … whatever it takes.

Bear in Love book cover

Bear in Love
by Daniel Pinkwater

If the way to a bear’s heart is through his stomach, then Bear’s new admirer is certainly on the right track. When special treats begin to appear on Bear’s doorstep, he can’t wait to meet his new (but very secretive) friend! He may not know who is showing him such kindness, but that doesn’t stop Bear from returning the favor.

Boxes for Katje book cover

Boxes for Katje
by Candace Fleming

In the dark days after WWII, a small kindness blossoms into a full-blown friendship between two little girls who live a world apart. One day the postman brings Katje a box filled with much-needed gifts—all the way from America. But that’s just the beginning for these two girls, their families, and eventually their communities.

Chicken Sunday book cover

Chicken Sunday
by Patricia Polacco

Kindness begets kindness—and the kindness in Chicken Sunday begins with Miss Eula and her big heart. But it doesn’t stop there. The kindness continues with fried chicken dinners, three grateful children, a soft-hearted old shopkeeper, and an Easter bonnet for a much-loved Grandma.

Each Kindnes book cover

Each Kindness
by Jacqueline Woodson

Kindness is contagious, but Each Kindness offers a sad reminder that kindness that isn’t shared can’t spread. Chloe doesn’t want to be friends with the new girl who wears secondhand clothes. But when Maya stops coming to school, Chloe realizes that her chance to be kind may not last forever.

Fritz and the Beautiful Horses book cover

Fritz and the Beautiful Horses
by Jan Brett

Jan Brett’s beautiful illustrations tell the story of Fritz, a dependable and sure-footed pony who dreams of the day the children will ride him. But Fritz isn’t like the beautiful horses that live within the city walls. So he just watches and wishes from afar. But when the bridge collapses, everything changes.

How to Heal a Broken Wing book cover

How to Heal a Broken Wing
by Bob Graham

Bob Graham doesn’t use very many words in his touching story about a big-hearted boy and a very lucky bird. In the hustle and bustle of the big city, no one stops to notice a bird with a broken wing. Nobody, that is, except Will. The illustrations do most of the storytelling in this sweet book about kindness and compassion.

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters book cover

Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters
by John Steptoe

In John Steptoe’s African tale, Mufaro’s daughters are both beautiful, but only one is kind. When a search is announced to find a woman beautiful and worthy enough to be the king’s wife, Mufaro sends his daughters to the palace. But the girls soon discover that kindness shown in secret may be much more visible than you realize.

One Smile book cover

One Smile
by Cindy McKinley

Showing kindness—even something as simple as a smile—can make a huge difference. As Katie walks through the park with her mother, she smiles at a sad young man. And when Katie’s simple act of kindness is passed from one perfect stranger to the next, it’s plain to see that kindness is contagious after all.

The Invisible Boy book cover

The Invisible Boy
by Trudy Ludwig

If you’ve ever felt invisible, Trudy Ludwig’s The Invisible Boy will make you smile. Brian has always felt invisible. But when a new boy comes to school, Brian shows him kindness. And as their friendship blossoms, so does Brian. The once-invisible boy suddenly seems full of life and color.

Penguin and Pinecone

Penguin and Pinecone
by Salina Yoon

When a penguin discovers a cold and lost-looking pinecone, an unlikely but wonderful friendship is born. And although friendships can be somewhat unexpected, and sometimes don’t even make sense, Penguin and Pinecone prove that when you give kindness and love, friendship always grows.

I Walk with Vanessa

I Walk with Vanessa
by Kerascoët

No words are needed to tell this sweet story of kindness and friendship. When a girl witnesses a new student being bullied at school, she makes the decision to befriend the new girl and walk to school with her the next day. And that small gesture of kindness changes everything!

Be Kind

Be Kind
by Pat Zietlow Miller

What can she do to make her friend feel better? That’s the question a young girl asks herself when she sees her classmates laugh at another girl who spilled her grape juice. But that leads to an even bigger question. What can we all do every day to show kindness?

Enemy Pie

Enemy Pie
by Derek Munson

How do you deal with your very first enemy? A boy needs ideas, and his somewhat sneaky dad comes up with a great one: bake your enemy an “enemy pie.” But there’s a catch. Enemy pie only works if the boy is willing to spend an entire day playing with his enemy.

The Girl and the Bicycle

The Girl and the Bicycle
by Mark Pett

The green bicycle in the store window is perfect, and the girl just has to have it! But when she finally earns enough to buy the bicycle—it’s gone! This wordless picture book will inspire readers with its tale of hard work, perseverance—and kindness.

Last Stop on Market Street

Last Stop on Market Street
by Matt de la Peña

Winner of both the Caldecott Medal and the Newbery Medal, Last Stop on Market Street features eye-catching illustrations and a charming story. As CJ and his grandmother ride the bus, Nana helps CJ spot the worth and beauty in the people and situations around them.

Stick and Stone

Stick and Stone
by Beth Ferry

In this delightful tale of kindness and friendship, when Pinecone starts teasing Stone, Stick “sticks up” for Stone and the two become best friends. But then disaster strikes, and Stick is blown away in a sudden hurricane. Can Stone find him or is their friendship lost forever?

Those Shoes

Those Shoes
by Maribeth Boelts

Every kid in Jeremy’s school is getting new shoes. Those shoes. When Jeremy finds a pair in a thrift shop, he convinces his Grandma to buy them—even though they’re way too small. But when he notices another boy wearing worn-out shoes, Jeremy knows exactly what to do!

The Rabbit Listened

The Rabbit Listened
by Cori Doerrfeld

Taylor builds a magnificent house of blocks. When the house gets knocked down, Taylor’s friends try to cheer her up. Some want to talk about it and some want to get angry. Others want to help her rebuild, but Taylor doesn’t want any of those things. What does Taylor need?

A Hat for Mrs. Goldman

A Hat for Mrs. Goldman
by Michelle Edwards

Sophia loves helping Mrs. Goldman make hats for people. Mrs. Goldman knits them and Sophia decorates them with beautiful pompoms. One day Sophia notices that Mrs. Goldman doesn’t have a hat of her own. But can Sophia make an entire hat all by herself?

Sidewalk Flowers

Sidewalk Flowers
by JonArno Lawson

As a young girl walks with her father through the city, she gathers a bouquet of flowers and begins to share them with the people and animals she encounters. Without a single word, this sweet picture book shows how small acts of kindness bring beauty to the world!

FREE Picture Books about Kindness Library List

Picture Books about Kindness library checklist download

Would you like to read some of my favorite picture books about kindness with your children? Click to download my list to take to your local library.

Looking for MORE books? You can find more great library lists here!

Picture Books about Kindness Recommended by Our Readers

Do you have a favorite picture book about kindness? Please share it in the comments and I’ll add it to our Readers’ Picks list!

FREE Picture Book LIbrary Lists

All About Learning Press, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. All proceeds from our partnership with Amazon.com will be donated to local libraries.

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Susan Diamond

says:

So much fun…

Susan Diamond

says:

This was a very interesting topic!

Endrita Veshta

says:

May God Bless You all for all the jobs you do. Thank You , I found very hepful this curriculum.

Robin E.

says: Customer Service

You are welcome, Endrita. I’m happy to hear you found this helpful.

Katie

says:

Wilfrid Gordon MacDonald Partridge written by Mem Fox and illustrated by Julie Vivas

Robin E.

says: Customer Service

Thank you for the recommendation, Katie!

Bethany

says:

Thank you so much for your book lists! It makes researching books for the classroom soooo much easier!

Robin E.

says: Customer Service

You are so welcome, Bethany. I’m glad this is helpful for your class.

Natalia

says:

Thank you for this thorough selection of books. We’ve read some of them, but not all.

Tracy

says:

These look like great books, and we have actually not read several of these! I will have to check them out :)

Robin E.

says: Customer Service

I hope you find many to enjoy, Tracy!

Joanne

says:

Definitely will have to check some of these out once our library reopens

Roxanne Levy

says:

Great list. Thank you!

Sarah

says:

Great selection of books!

Robin E.

says: Customer Service

Thank you, Sarah!

Judith Martinez

says:

I’m going to look for Boxes for Katje at my library! It looks like a great book.

Robin E.

says: Customer Service

I hope you enjoy it as much as I have, Judith!

Jodie

says:

One of my favourite books about kindness is Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli. I don’t know if it is still in print, but it is about a lonely man who receives a present, and it makes a difference in his life, and those around him. My kids are now growing too old for picture books, but this is one I’m keeping in the library.

Robin E.

says: Customer Service

Thank you for the recommendation, Jodie! It is a lovely book and it is still in print.

Kristy Smith

says:

Thank you for all of the great recommendations! Great resources.

Kelly

says:

Such an informative article. I like the books mentioned!

Robin E.

says: Customer Service

Thank you, Kelly! I hope you find many to enjoy.

Jesalyn Saulietis

says:

A variety of titles. I look forward to adding a few to our library.

Katrina

says:

Thank you so much for these wonderful book recommendations! My children LOVE the picture books you recommend and I greatly appreciate the library list. It saves me so much time. You never cease to impress me. All About Reading is the best thing since sliced bread for homeschoolers. seriously!

Robin E.

says: Customer Service

Katrina,
Thank you for letting us know that our book recommendations are so well received by your children! It’s nice if parents and teachers like our recommendations, but it’s the little ones that need to be the most pleased!

We are happy to help homeschoolers, tutors, teachers, and anyone else helping children to succeed in reading and spelling!

Jess

says:

Thanks for the info, manners are a great thing to teach!

Beth Bartlett

says:

Thank you for the suggestions and especially the printable list! That makes it so much simpler when I go to my library to have a list of suggestions to look for!

Robin E. at All About Learning Press

says: Customer Service

You’re welcome, Beth. Have fun at the library!

Kristin G

says:

Thank you for the handy downloadable library list!

Lauren

says:

We are always looking for good books to read. We will have to check these out!

Neema

says:

This is a great reading list! Can’t wait to get some of these books

Rachel

says:

Love your book suggestions!

Kelly

says:

Such sweet picks! I’ll have to take this list to the library.

Andrea Wing

says:

Can’t wait to look at some of these

Charis

says:

Our family loves The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde.

Robin E. at All About Learning Press

says: Customer Service

Ooo, thanks for the recommendation, Charis!

Jess

says:

Can’t wait to check out some of these books!

Mistie

says:

Beautiful books

Elissa Hardy

says:

We have the book, How to Heal a Broken Wing. I didn’t realize it was classified as a picture book because it had words in it. It is a great book. My kids enjoy it.

Julie

says:

I love book lists – especially THEMED book lists! Thanks!

Rosanne

says:

This is perfect! We are learning about kindness and generosity this week. Thanks for the list!

Robin E. at All About Learning Press

says: Customer Service

Ooo, great timing! Have fun, Rosanne.