Kindness. Such a small word, but so hard to define.
We try to be kind. We tell our kids to be kind. But what does it mean? What is kindness? Often, it’s easier to show an example than come up with a fitting definition.
That’s where these books come in. Each is a wonderful example of what kindness is, what it looks like, and how we can be kind. All are written in an accessible way with subtle lessons anyone can imitate, no matter how young or old.
Plus, they’re really good stories. And who doesn’t love a good story?
- Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller — Tanisha spills grape juice all over her new dress. The narrator almost laughs with all their classmates but remembers that her mom says to always be kind. What exactly does that mean? The empathetic, first-person voice is gentle and authentic.
- Every Little Kindness by Marta Bartolj — this wordless gem shows how small acts of kindness make a big difference, individually and to an entire community. It opens with the sad main character putting up posters of her missing dog. Yet she’s still kind, and a passerby notices, which inspires them to be kind too. A bystander notices, then another, and another…
- Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson — Another first-person narrative about welcoming the new girl in school, or not. Their teacher says that each kindness is like ripples in a pond, but will the main character show kindness to the new girl before it’s too late? Spoiler alert: this is one of the few picture books that doesn’t have a happy ending, but this well written, beautifully illustrated, powerful story is worth a read.
- The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig — Brian is the invisible boy. He’s quiet and shy and no one seems to notice him. That is, until the new boy comes along and talks to Brian. Another gentle story about how being kind makes a big difference.
- The Coat by Séverine Vidal — Elise has waited forever for the red coat to be hers! When her sister Mia has finally outgrown it, Elise is overjoyed. But what happens when she meets someone who needs the coat more than she does?
These are 5 of my favorite picture books about kindness. Do you have other recommendations? Comment below with your favorites!