10 Children's Books That Inspire Kindness

Kindness is a quality defined by actions and attitudes that reflect care, empathy, and respect for others. It can strengthen relationships, increase empathy, and reduce conflict in various social settings. We can promote this quality in young people by encouraging them to read children's books about kindness.

A 2015 article explores how kindness is becoming more valued in schools alongside academics, although it still receives less focus than anti-bullying. The study asks children to depict recent acts of kindness. The results showed that they often link kindness with helping friends, maintaining friendships, and being inclusive [*].

The article suggests that schools should focus more on kindness to foster empathy and reduce aggression [*].

Another study explored the connection between prosocial behavior (like kindness and generosity) and academic success in children. Researchers found that children who were more considerate and helpful towards others scored higher on tests and showed greater progress in areas such as math, reading, and science [*].

To further encourage this quality, here are 10 children's books that inspire kindness.

Children’s Book About Kindness

These 10 books about kindness can help children learn empathy, understand their impact on others, and inspire kindness.

1. Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud

This story introduces children to the idea that everyone has an invisible “bucket.” We fill others' buckets by showing kindness, and we empty them by being unkind. Additionally, we also have our own bucket that we can fill or empty.

This book teaches kids that simple, caring acts can make others—and themselves—feel happier.

Price: $7.89 on Amazon, $10.95 on Barnes and Noble

2. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña

CJ and his grandmother catch a bus ride across town after going to church. CJ wonders why they don’t own certain luxuries, but his wise grandmother helps him see the richness in their experiences, the beauty around them, and the people they meet.

This story beautifully explores themes of gratitude, perspective, and kindness. It shows kids how they can find value in what they have and appreciate others’ unique journeys.

Price: $10.44 on Amazon, $18.99 on Barnes and Noble

3. Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts

Jeremy really wants the cool shoes that all his classmates have, but his family can’t afford them. Eventually, he finds a pair in a thrift store, but they’re too small. When he sees a friend in need, he decides to give him the shoes instead.

This story is a moving look at generosity and selflessness. It shows children that sometimes kindness means putting others’ needs ahead of our own desires.

Price: $7.02 on Amazon, $8.99 on Barnes and Noble

4. Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller

When a classmate spills juice on herself, a young girl thinks about how she can help and make her feel better. The book shows how kindness comes in many forms. By highlighting different ways to show care, it encourages children to be kind in everyday situations.

The story illustrates how each small act of kindness can create a ripple effect and make the world a better place.

Price: $10.91 on Amazon, $18.99 on Barnes and Noble

5. The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig

Brian is often overlooked by his classmates and feels like he doesn’t belong—until a new student arrives and includes him. The story captures the experience of feeling invisible and the importance of inclusion.

This heartwarming book helps kids understand empathy. It emphasizes how a small act of kindness, like inviting someone to play, can make a big difference in someone’s life.

Price: $9.84 on Amazon, $18.99 on Barnes and Noble

6. I Walk with Vanessa: A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness by Kerascoët

In this powerful story, a girl witnesses her classmate Vanessa being bullied. The next day, she decides to walk with Vanessa to school. As others see her act of kindness, they join in, and this helps create a supportive community.

This story demonstrates that kindness is contagious and shows children that standing up for someone, even in small ways, can make a big impact.

Price: $20.38 on Amazon

7. Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson

Maya, a new student, feels left out by her classmates. When she stops coming to school, her peers are left with regret. They realize they missed their chance to show kindness.

This story gently reminds young readers that kindness should be given whenever possible and that once missed, those opportunities may not come again. It’s a thought-provoking story about the power of kindness and the importance of making others feel welcome.

Price: $11.30 on Amazon, $18.99 on Barnes and Noble

8. Kindness Makes Us Strong by Sophie Beer

This vibrant board book introduces young readers to kindness through simple yet powerful examples. Through its bright and cheerful illustrations, it provides an introduction to caring behaviors for toddlers and preschoolers.

Each page encourages kids to think about different ways they can be kind. This reinforces that even the smallest acts of kindness make a big difference.

Price: $7.36 on Amazon, $11.99 on Barnes and Noble

9. A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead

Amos is a beloved friend to his animal companions. He is always attentive to their needs. One day, he falls ill and stays home, and his caring animal friends decide to visit him.

The story showcases kindness, loyalty, and friendship. It demonstrates that kindness is often repaid. Its warm, whimsical illustrations and gentle storytelling make it a comforting tale about the joy of helping and being helped.

Price: $11.40 on Amazon, $18.99 on Barnes and Noble

10. What Does It Mean to Be Kind? by Rana DiOrio

This book helps young readers understand kindness through relatable examples, such as smiling at the new student in class and embracing differences.

With colorful illustrations and clear language, the book encourages children to make kind choices in everyday life and promotes kindness as a habit. It’s a great read for families and classrooms, because it promotes a culture of empathy and compassion by teaching kids that kindness is a choice we make every day.

Price: $11.59 on Amazon, $8.99 on Barnes and Noble

The Bottom Line

Kindness is a vital social skill that helps children form positive relationships and understand others’ feelings. These books on kindness provide kids with stories of empathy, generosity, and compassion. It shows them the joy and importance of kind actions.

In addition to reading books about being kind, children can engage in kindness activities like writing thank you notes and volunteering. These hands-on activities support the lessons in the books by offering ways to practice kindness regularly.

Feel free to explore our character education posters collection for more social emotional resources about positive character and values.

References:

1. Gaertner, Amy & Binfet, John-Tyler. (2015). Children's Conceptualizations of Kindness at School. 40.
2. Morrison, N. (2024, February 22). If you teach children to be kind you get better results in class. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/nickmorrison/2021/02/17/if-you-teach-children-to-be-kind-you-get-better-results-in-class/