Top 11 Kindness Books for Kids: Inspiring Stories to Teach Compassion and Empathy

Kindness is one of the most valuable traits we can nurture in children, and books are an excellent way to share this message. These kindness-themed books offer engaging and heartwarming stories that help young readers understand compassion, empathy, and the joy that comes from being kind. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, these stories are perfect for promoting kindness in a fun and relatable way.

Below is a curated list of the top kindness books for kids, perfect for any home, classroom, or library.

1. Kindness is My Superpower by Alicia Ortego

This delightful story encourages children to realize that kindness is a choice they can make every day. Through the journey of a young boy learning how his kind actions can make a difference, Kindness is My Superpower inspires children to spread kindness wherever they go. Its beautiful illustrations and engaging message make it perfect for children aged 3-7.

2. Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller

This touching book tells the story of a young girl who reflects on how to be kind after seeing a classmate feeling embarrassed. It gently explores the many ways we can show kindness and how small acts can have a big impact. It’s an excellent read for young children learning about empathy and how their actions can shape the world around them.

3. I Am Kind: A Little Book About Abraham Lincoln by Brad Meltzer

As part of the “Ordinary People Change the World” series, this book highlights Abraham Lincoln’s legacy of kindness. It serves as an inspiring example for kids, showing how even small acts of empathy can lead to great changes. It’s a great introduction to historical figures while teaching the value of kindness.

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

A classic for teaching kindness, this book introduces the idea of an invisible bucket that gets filled with kind actions. Kids learn that when they are kind to others, they’re also filling their own bucket. This fun and easy-to-understand concept resonates with younger readers, making it a great choice for children starting at age 4.

5. Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson

This award-winning book tells the poignant story of a girl who misses her chance to be kind to a new classmate, only to regret it later. It’s a powerful reminder for older kids (ages 5-9) about the importance of showing kindness in the moment. The story’s emotional depth makes it a standout for teaching empathy.

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

A wordless picture book that delivers a powerful message, I Walk with Vanessa shows how one simple act of kindness can create a ripple effect. It’s ideal for preschoolers and early elementary school students, encouraging them to see how their actions can inspire others to be kind too.

7. The Kindness Quilt by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace

In this engaging and educational book, children are encouraged to share their acts of kindness by creating a classroom kindness quilt. This interactive story is a great way to encourage young readers, particularly kindergarteners and first graders, to reflect on the ways they can be kind to others.

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

This simple yet powerful picture book explains kindness in a way that young children can easily understand. It offers practical examples of how small kind acts can make a big difference in the lives of others. Ideal for children aged 3-7, it’s a great resource for teaching empathy and understanding.

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

This heartwarming story follows a group of zoo animals who take care of their friend Amos when he falls ill. It’s a gentle, comforting tale that shows children how kindness often means being there for the people (or animals) we care about. A lovely choice for kids aged 4-8.

10. The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

A retelling of Aesop’s classic fable, this beautifully illustrated, wordless book demonstrates that even the smallest act of kindness can have a big impact. With its stunning visuals and timeless message, it’s perfect for children aged 3-8, encouraging them to see the importance of helping others.

11. Can Be Kind by Alicia Ortego

This delightful story encourages children to understand that kindness is a choice they can make in their everyday lives. Through the engaging journey of a young child discovering the value of kind actions, I Can Be Kind helps kids see how their thoughtful behavior can positively impact others. With charming illustrations and a relatable message, this book is ideal for children aged 3-7, inspiring them to be kind at school, home, and everywhere in between.

Bringing Kindness Books to Life

Reading these kindness stories is just the beginning. Here are a few ways to bring the lessons from these books into everyday life:

• Create Kindness Posters: After reading, have children create posters about empathy and kindness to serve as daily reminders.
• Try Printable Worksheets: Pair the books with free printable worksheets that focus on kindness activities and empathy-building exercises.
• Kindness Challenges: Set up weekly kindness challenges inspired by the stories, encouraging kids to put what they’ve learned into practice.

Teaching kindness through stories is one of the most effective ways to help children develop empathy and compassion. These carefully chosen books offer valuable lessons that will resonate long after the final page is turned. Explore these beautiful stories and inspire a kinder, more compassionate future for all.