Teaching kindness is just as important as teaching reading and math, especially in the formative years of kindergarten and first grade. It's one of the most important social emotional learning skills for children to learn. One of the most effective ways to instill this value is through engaging children’s books that demonstrate the power of simple acts of kindness. From classic tales to modern favorites, these books not only entertain but also teach valuable lessons about empathy, compassion, and cooperation.
In this blog post, I've compiled a list of some of the best kindness books for kids, perfect for elementary classrooms or bedtime reading at home. Whether you're looking to spark meaningful discussions about kindness or simply want to inspire your students to do some random acts of kindness, this list of books are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Books About Kindness For Elementary Students
1. I Walk With Vanessa by Kerascoet
I chose this as the number one book about kindness because it will bring chills to you when you read it. This wordless book tells the powerful story of a new girl at school who is bullied by her classmates. Through the simple act of walking with her, one student demonstrates the transformative power of kindness and empathy. This will be come one of your favorite picture books to add to your kindness lessons.
2. The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
This is the story of a little fish who feels very proud of his special, shiny scales. He wants to keep them all to himself but learns that when he shares his scales he makes everyone happy, including himself. With its vibrant illustrations and heartwarming message, this classic tale is a great way to introduce the concept of kindness to children.
3. The Jelly Donut Difference by Maria Dismondy
In this charming story, two siblings learn the importance of small acts of kindness through the simple gesture of sharing jelly donuts with their neighbor. It's a wonderful reminder that even the smallest actions can make a big difference in someone's day. This is a great book to read when doing a Donut Day theme day!
4. Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry
This delightful story follows the friendship between two best friends, Stick and Stone, who help each other out in times of need. It's a great lesson in kindness and loyalty, with adorable illustrations that will captivate young readers. We read this book at the beginning of the year when students are meeting all of their new friends. We set up friendship stations around the classroom and the kids pick a new friend to work with. It's a great way to help students make a new friend.
5. Try A Little Kindness by Henry Cole
In this cute rhyming book some animal friends demonstrate different activities that kids can do to show kindness. This book shows kind actions like letting others go before you in line, sharing toys and inviting someone to play. it has beautiful illustrations and a great book to teach elementary kids about kindness.
6. Kindness Is My Superpower by Alicia Ortego
In this story a little boy starts off teasing a classmate and hurting her feelings. His mom explains to him that being kind is important and he decides that from now on he will be kinds. With its diverse characters and uplifting message, this book empowers children to be everyday heroes by spreading kindness wherever they go. It's a great addition to any classroom library.
7. Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller
In this touching story, a young girl named Tanisha spills her grape juice and is teased by the entire class. Another child witnesses this and feels bad. She isn't sure what to do? Should she give her a napkin? Tell her not to feel bad? In this book, chidlren learn that kindness is a choice we can make every day, even when faced with challenges. It's a gentle reminder that a little kindness goes a long way and a perfect addition to your kindness activities in class.
8. A Little Spot Of Kindness by Diane Alber
Through the adventures of a colorful spot, this book explores the ripple effect of kindness and how a simple act of kindness can brighten someone's day. It gives lots of examples of ways that children can be kind to one another. It's a wonderful way to teach children about the power of their actions.
9. Enemy Pie by Derek Munson
When a new boy moves into the house next door to Derek, he isn't sure he likes him. The new boy invites other kids over to play, including Derek's best friend and Derek feels left out and jealous. When he tells his dad he says that Derek needs to make Enemy Pie. Derek soon finds out that being friendly and kind can turn enemies into friends. This is a great book to read if you're having friendship squabbles in class. It's a heartwarming story that your students will love and great to add to your kindness lesson plans.
10. Kindness Makes Us Strong by Sophie Beer
With its vibrant illustrations and positive message, this book celebrates the many ways children can show kindness to others. It's a great conversation starter for discussing different ways we can spread kindness in our daily lives. Use this book to help you make and anchor chart with little things that kids can do to be kind.
11. Kindness Starts With You by Jacquelyn Stagg
Through simple acts of kindness, a little girl shows how we have the power to make the world a better place. The books reminds us that we should always treat others the way we would want to be treated. It's a wonderful reminder that kindness begins with each one of us. This is a great book to use during kindness activites in first grade or kindergarten.
12. Kindness Counts by Jan and Mike Berenstain
In this Berenstain Bears classic, Brother Bear is playing with his model airplane in the park when another little bear comes along. Brother Bear lets the little bear help fly the plane and even shows him how to make one himself. It's a heartwarming tale that shows children how small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the lives of others.
13. Kindness Rocks by Sonica Ellis
In this book, a little girl named Clara decides to paint rocks with positive messages and leave them in the woods for her animal friends to find. The uplifting messages make everyone feel great but when Clara moves away there are no more kindness rocks. So, a turtle decides to paint positive messages on his shell and continues the tradition for his friends. Through colorful illustrations and engaging storytelling, this book encourages children to spread kindness like rocks in a pond, creating ripples of positivity wherever they go.
14. The Kindness Quilt by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
In this touching story, a classroom creates a kindness quilt by sharing stories of good deeds. It's a wonderful way to teach children about the power of kindness and how coming together as a community can make the world a better place.
15. Kindness Makes The World Go Round by Craig Manning
Add this book to your kindness activities for World Kindness Day which is celebrated on November 13th each year. This book takes place on Sesame Street where Elmo is given a camera by his mom to take pictures of kind acts he sees in the neighborhood. Young students will love learning about kindness from all the Sesame Street characters in this cute book.
16. 123's Of Kindness by Patricia Hegarty
With its bright illustrations and catchy rhymes, this book teaches children about kindness while also reinforcing early counting skills. It's a fun and educational read that shows how acts of kindness can be as easy as 1, 2, 3.
17. Kindness Week by Tahiya Cooper
When a young girl's school celebrates Kindness Week, she learns valuable lessons about empathy, compassion, and friendship. It's a great story to share during school events like World Kindness Day or as part of a kindness-themed curriculum.
18. Kindness Snippet Jar by Diane Alber
In this interactive book, children can write down their own acts of kindness and add them to the kindness snippet jar. It's a creative way to encourage kids to think about kindness and how they can make a positive difference in the world around them.
19. We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
When a young T-Rex starts school, she struggles to make friends because she keeps eating them! This hilarious yet heartwarming story teaches children that we should treat others with kindness and how we would want to be treat ourselves.
20. Invisible Boy by Patrice Barton
Do you have students who feel left out or unnoticed? This is a great book read when teaching kids about kindness. In this touching tale, a quiet and overlooked boy learns the power of kindness when a new student reaches out to include him. It's a poignant reminder that even those who seem invisible can make a big impact with a little kindness.
21. Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller
Through humor and playful illustrations, this book teaches children the golden rule of treating others as they would like to be treated. It's a fun and engaging way to introduce the concept of kindness and good manners.
22. Taste Your Words by Bonnie Clark
When a young girl's thoughtless words accidentally hurt her friend's feelings, she learns the importance of thinking before speaking and using kind words. It's a valuable lesson about the power of language and its impact on others.
Looking for a game-changing kindness curriculum to help students improve their behavior and social skills? These kindness activities are the ultimate tool to transform your learning environment in just 15 minutes a day! Click here to take a closer look.
Books About Sharing For Elementary Students
23. The Magic Of Sharing by Ruben Lora
In this enchanting story, a little girl is reluctant to share her favorite toy with her friends. But when her mother shares a popsicle with her she begins to realize all the ways that sharing can be magical.
24. Llama Llama Time To Share by Anna Dewdney
When Llama Llama has trouble sharing his toys with his friends, his mama teaches him the importance of generosity and cooperation. It's a relatable story for young children learning to navigate social situations and develop empathy for others.
25. The Squirrels Who Squabbled by Rachel Bright
In this delightful tale, two squirrels learn the value of cooperation and sharing when they find themselves in a race to gather the last pinecone before winter. It's a fun and engaging story with a heartwarming message about the power of working together.
26. The Boy Who Wouldn't Share by Mike Reiss
When a young boy refuses to share his toys with his sister, and gets himself in a pickle when he gets burried under all the toys he won't share. When mom comes in with a plate of fudge his sister gets all of it because the boy was buried under the toys. It's a relatable story for children learning to navigate the social dynamics of sharing and cooperation.
27. It's Mine by Leo Lionni
In this classic tale, three selfish frogs learn the joy of sharing when they encounter a big storm and have to share a large rock to save themselves from the storm. It's a timeless story that teaches children about the importance of sharing and working together.
28. How Do Dinosaurs Play With Their Friends by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague
Through playful illustrations and humorous rhymes, this book teaches children about the importance of kindness, sharing, and playing nicely with others. It's a fun and engaging way to reinforce positive social behaviors.
29. I Can Share by Karen Katz
This is a great resource for parents and educators looking to teach important social skills like sharing and being kind to preschoolers and very young children.
30. Share And Take Turns by Cheri J. Meiners
Through simple language and colorful illustrations, this book teaches young children the importance of sharing, taking turns, and cooperating with others. It's a valuable resource for helping children develop essential social skills and empathy for others.
These books are not only great for teaching the topic of kindness in the classroom but also for fostering empathy, compassion, and positive social behaviors in young children. By sharing stories of kindness and cooperation with them, we can help shape them into kind and caring individuals who make the world a better place for everyone.
If your students need a refresher in how to show kindness to their friends and others, these kindness Google slides are just what you need. Included you'll find Engaging, high-interest daily slides that are designed to help students practice and master kindness skills in quick 15-minute lessons each day. And with a variety of other activities like SEL scenarios, writing, role-playing, and secret missions you can easily differentiate and meet the unique needs of each of your students.
Click here to take a closer look.
Looking for more social emotional learning activities? Take a look at these posts:
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi, I'm Molly, the creative mind behind Firstieland. With over 35 years of experience in early childhood education, I'm your primary support for resources that will save you time and make learning feel like play. Learn more about my mission for Firstieland here.
