An inspiring collection of picture books about kindness. Add them to your collection of best books for kids.
Ask a parent which qualities they want their child to grow up with and I am pretty sure kindness would make the list 99% of the time. In today’s harsh world, learning to be kind is more important than ever, and with a positive link between kindness and life satisfaction being backed by research it’s a skill I am making a conscious effort to nurture in my children.
Whether you have a kindhearted kid, or you are hoping to influence your child’s interpersonal skills, the picture books about kindness in this collection provide an invaluable tool for inviting discussion with your child. These books are perfect for introducing your child to engaging, kind characters and story lines that demonstrate kindness in action.
15 Wonderful Picture Books About Kindness
 How Kind! by Mary Murphy is a fun first book for little ones about kindness inspiring kindness.Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 Even the littlest readers will love the story of the Hug Machine by Scott Campbell. A warm reminder of the kindness of giving (and receiving) hugs.Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Daily Guide to Happiness for Kids by Carol McCloudAvailable: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 Plant a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal is a simple story of spreading love and sharing your good fortune with others.Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 Through bold illustration and simple text, Little Bird by Germano Zullo, tells a story of kindness being found in small acts, and that small things can change everything.Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 Good People Everywhere by Lynea Gillen reminds the reader that everywhere, right across the world, people are being helpful and kind as they go about their everyday lives and invites us to think about what kind acts we will be doing that day.Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 The Cloud by Hannah Cumming is a simple and beautiful story about a bad day and a little kindness.Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 Dogger by Shirley Hughes is a beautiful story of kindness between siblings.Available: The Book Depository |
 An unlikely hero, Superworm (by Julia Donaldson) is always wriggling to the rescue with his friends. But who will come to Superworm’s rescue, when he’s captured by a wicked Wizard Lizard?Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 The Lost Thing by Shaun Tan shares the touching story of a young boy who tries to find a home for The Lost Thing he discovers on a beach.Available: The Book Depository |
 Be Kind by Pat Zietlow MillerA wonderful story about the power of one small act of kindness. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 What Does It Mean To Be Kind? by Rana DiOrioA wonderful exploration of kindness in all its forms. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 The Smartest Giant In Town by Julia DonaldsonA beautiful story about giving selflessly to others in need. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 Sad, the Dog by Sandy FussellThis simple story includes a powerful message about the importance of kindness. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
 Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed by Emily PearsonHow Mary’s one small act of kindness changed the world. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
Kindness is just one of a whole set of important interpersonal skills. If your are interested in using books to help your child develop a range of healthy friendship, communication and social skills, check out our comprehensive booklist – 101 Books That Build Friendship, Communication and Social Skills.
Do you have a favourite picture book about kindness?
Christie Burnett is a teacher, presenter, writer and the mother of two. She created Childhood 101 as a place for teachers and parents to access engaging, high quality learning ideas.
