Teach empathy with these excellent stories!
Simple acts of kindness can have a big impact on the world, as one good deed inspires the next. This evolving list of picture books will motivate your family to help others in ways great and small every day.
Check back often to browse newly added titles!
Wanting to reflect on what you’ve read? See our list of everyday kindness discussion questions.
Featured Title
Have you Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud
This is the book that’s sweeping elementary schools across the nation. The bucket provides a perfect metaphor for the way our words and actions can make others overflow with happy feelings or the way we may lash out at others when we’re feeling depleted and empty. Even the youngest readers will set out to fill a bucket near them!
Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller
What does it really mean to be kind? Follow one big-hearted kid on her quest to find out. She soon discovers that even small acts of kindness can make a difference, inspiring her to imagine a chain of kind acts that stretch "all the way... around the world."
Buddha at Bedtime: Tales of Love and Wisdom for you to Read with Your Child to Enchant, Enlighten and Inspire by Dharmachari Nagaraja
Explore 20 modernized versions of ancient Buddhist stories. Most are full of whimsy and wonder, spurring on creative play, even as they teach about kindness, courage, and peace.
Change Sings by Amanda Gorman
This lively, inspiring illustrated poem is sure to light a spark for your young change maker.
The Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond
When Cornelia Augusta catches hearts from the sky, she must decide what heart to give to what friend.
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
Fall in love with the latest picture book from the incomparable Jacqueline Woodson. This book is a beautiful reminder to take pride in our own stories, watch for what we have in common with others, and delight in our fabulous differences.
Doña Flor: A Tall Tale about a Giant Woman with a Great Big Heart by Pat Mora
This heartwarming and humorous original tall tale is peppered with Spanish words and phrases. Readers will fall in love with Doña Flor, a giant lady with a great big heart.
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
When Chloe and her friends reject new girl Maya, she learns a valuable lesson about accepting people. And the regret of missing an opportunity to share kindness.
The Gift of Nothing by Patrick McDonnell
A wonderful story for inspiring a discussion about the power of friendship, appreciation for what we have, and the true meaning of gift giving.
The Gift Inside the Box by Adam Grant and Allison Sweet Grass
Your whole family will enjoy this charming story about a gift in search of a giver. This story is a natural extension of Adam Grant’s remarkable work on the subject of generosity for adults.
The Giving Book: Open the Door to a Lifetime of Giving by Ellen Sabin
This book is a wonderful tool to help elementary school kids understand and set their own charitable priorities. This book is one part journal, one part work book, and one part cheerleader for the task of doing good.
The Giving Box: Create a Tradition of Giving with Your Children by Fred Rogers
The folktales and fables in this small volume encourage children in the spirit of giving. A “giving box” is also included — a simple way to make donating to charity a family ritual.
Good People Everywhere by Lynea Gillen
A beautifully inspiring book filled with examples and activities that encourage children to live with kindness and gratitude as they look for the good in all people.
A Hat for Mrs. Goldman: A Story about Knitting and Love by Michelle Edwards
This book is full of warmth and coziness, and it perfectly illustrates the challenges and satisfaction of creating a special gift for someone who deserves extra kindness.
Buddy the Bucket Filler by Maria Dismondy and Carol McCloud
This heartfelt story illustrates the concept that we all carry around an invisible bucket and that we can fill or dip from ours and others buckets. Buddy, a boy who lives in the city, can't wait to visit his Uncle Frank in the countryside. Buddy ends up learning so much more than just farm life as he and his Uncle find opportunities for simple acts of kindness.
Here We Are: Notes for Living On Planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers
This users guide for planet earth is both simple and profound, folding bits of wisdom into every page.
If Everybody Did by Ellen Javernick
This funny book has a nice message about the impact of your actions on others.
I Walk with Vanessa: A Story about a Simple Act of Kindness by Kerascoët
Winner of Parents Magazine's "Best Book that Champions Kindness" of 2018! This wonderful, wordless book is a must-have for any big-hearted library.
I am Human: A Book of Empathy by Susan Verde
This delightful book helps kids understand that even though we’re flawed and make mistakes, kind words and kind actions can make a difference. We’re all in this together!
Kiki's Hats by Warren Hanson
Kiki’s story is another variation on the theme of how love and kindness can touch the world. Kids are inspired to start right now, sharing their own talents in whatever way they can. My five-year-old is especially in love with this simple story.
Kindness Is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler by Margery Cuyler
When Mrs. Ruler’s class is challenged to perform as many good deeds as possible, they find creative and fun ways to give back to people.
Members, visit our Exclusive Downloads Collection to print conversation cards for this story.
The Kindness Quilt by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
When the students in Mrs. Cooper’s class are challenged to do acts of kindness and depict them in drawings, their work is so impressive, they create a “kindness quilt” that continues to grow. Don't let the cute, simple design of this book fool you. Children are universally inspired to mimic the activity in this book as soon as reading time ends! Discover our printable project designed to work with this book!
Lend a Hand: Poems about Giving by John Frank
So much good is captured in the pages of this book. Kind acts of children are captured in the thoughtful, observant way only poetry can accomplish.
Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess by Tom Gauld
Reading like a classic fairytale, this enchanting story of a brother and sister helping each other reminds us to start with kindness at home. In the end, additional help is needed!
The Mitten Tree by Candace Christiansen
This cozy story is will inspire a conversation about noticing the needs of others and doing what you can to make a difference.
Paulie Pastrami Achieves World Peace by James Proimos
Equal parts silly and sweet, this fun tale is sure to add heart and giggles to storytime. Pair this book with a quick act of kindness for a fun, family adventure.
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
This lovely book helps young readers think about where they can turn when they are feeling sad, and what they can do when they have a sad friend or family member.
The Spiffiest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson
George, a giant, believes his scruffy wardrobe needs an update, so he buys some new clothes. But he doesn't stay spiffy for long, as he runs into friends who need the items more than he does. Your whole family will love this simple story about kindness and generosity.
Miss Tizzy by Libba Moore Gray
With her colorful daily adventures, Miss Tizzy shares true friendship with the children in her community. When she becomes ill, the children offer her strength and support using all she taught them.
Members, visit our Exclusive Downloads Collection to print conversation cards for this story.
Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson
Introduce the idea that kindness is contagious, and watch kindness circle the globe in just a few days. Mary, as ordinary as any other kid, starts it all with a special delivery. The rhythm and rhyme of this book make it a fun read aloud experience, too.
Plant a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
This book’s simple, rhyming text and lovely illustrations, celebrates how a small act of kindness can grow into something amazing.
The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau
A great read and the perfect antidote to the season’s all-too-common messages of materialism and greed.
Rosie Saves the World by Debbie Herman
Join Rosie on her quest to save the world. She discovers there is much to be done and many people to help in her neighborhood, but her greatest acts wills start right in her own home.
Sidewalk Flowers by JonArno Lawson
In this beautiful, wordless picture book, a little girl collects wildflowers while her distracted father pays her little attention. Each flower becomes a gift, and whether the gift is noticed or ignored, both giver and recipient are transformed by their encounter.
The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson
Discover that friendship overcomes even pronounced difference, and no matter how small you are, you can make a big impact.
Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by Paul Yalowitz
A grumpy, lonely man discovers the importance of friendship when he receives an unexpected package from an admirer. A compelling message about the power of kindness.
Members, visit our Exclusive Downloads Collection to print conversation cards for this story.
The Three Questions by Jon J. Muth
Based on a short story by Leo Tolstoy, The Three Questions is the story of a little boy’s quest to discover the secret to being a good person.
Tomorrow I’ll Be Kind by Jessica Hische
This beautiful, heartful book will inspire everyone, young and young-at-heart, to treat others with more compassion.
The Wednesday Surprise by Eve Bunting
Bunting's beautiful story of a birthday surprise is richly layered with powerful messages about family, relationships, and the importance of everyday kindness.
We're All Wonders by R. J. Palacio
The story of Auggie and his friends - stars of the middle grade hit Wonder - will inspire empathy, compassion, and joy in younger readers.
Zen Shorts by Jon J. Muth
Muth weaves three Zen fables into a whimsical story of three siblings who befriend their new panda bear neighbor. Each fable provides openings for discussions about anger and forgiveness, wealth, manners, imagination, patience, luck, and many other big ideas.
Reflection Questions
How would we know if someone was having a bad day and may need a little extra kindness?
What are some safe and simple ways to share kindness with a stranger?
What acts of kindness have others shared with you recently? How did they make you feel?
Have you ever thought of doing a kind thing for a stranger, but decided not to out of nervousness? How could you overcome your shyness in the future?
“Take care to discuss the books you read and the volunteering you do together. By talking intentionally and openly about complicated ideas, you are giving your child the opportunity to flex their compassion, problem-solving, and empathy muscles. ”
Print DGT’s reflection guide when you volunteer together. Also, click here for our complete list of reflection guides.
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The recommendations we offer are based solely on our mission to empower parents to raise children who care and contribute.