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Book list · Ages 3–8

Picture books about kindness

Picture books that show kindness as something kids can actually do: include the new kid, mend what is broken, share what you have. Picked by Ken Yeung, author of The Rummage Crew.

  1. Our book

    The Secret of the Squeaky Wagon

    Ken Yeung · Ages 5–9 · Repair and reuse

    Big sister Aria sews up her little sister's torn polar bear, and the crew fixes an old wagon to deliver toys to younger kids. Ours, so take the top spot with a grain of salt.

    Tell me when it's outComing soon to Amazon.com and Amazon.ca

  2. Each Kindness

    Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E. B. Lewis · Ages 5–8 · Grades K–3

    Chloe and her friends won't play with Maya, the new girl. When Maya moves away, Chloe wishes she had been kind. A quiet book that starts real conversations.

    Find it on Amazon · Find it at a library

  3. The Invisible Boy

    Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Patrice Barton · Ages 5–8 · Grades K–3

    Brian feels invisible at school until a new kid arrives and one small act of friendship changes things. The art adds colour to Brian as he is noticed.

    Find it on Amazon · Find it at a library

  4. Be Kind

    Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Jen Hill · Ages 4–8 · Preschool–grade 2

    A girl wonders what she can do after a classmate spills grape juice on her dress. It shows kindness as small, doable things.

    Find it on Amazon · Find it at a library

  5. Last Stop on Market Street

    Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson · Ages 4–8 · Preschool–grade 2

    CJ rides the bus across town with his grandmother and learns to see beauty in everyday places. Winner of the Newbery Medal.

    Find it on Amazon · Find it at a library

  6. A Sick Day for Amos McGee

    Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead · Ages 3–6 · Preschool–K

    A zookeeper visits his animal friends every day. When he gets sick, they come to look after him. Winner of the Caldecott Medal.

    Find it on Amazon · Find it at a library

  7. Have You Filled a Bucket Today?

    Carol McCloud · Ages 4–8 · Preschool–grade 2

    Everyone carries an invisible bucket that kind words fill and unkind words empty. Many classrooms use the bucket idea all year.

    Find it on Amazon · Find it at a library

  8. Strictly No Elephants

    Lisa Mantchev, illustrated by Taeeun Yoo · Ages 4–7 · Preschool–grade 1

    A boy with a tiny pet elephant is turned away from the pet club, so he starts a club where everyone is welcome.

    Find it on Amazon · Find it at a library

  9. Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed

    Emily Pearson · Ages 4–8 · Preschool–grade 2

    Mary picks blueberries for a neighbour, and that one kind act gets passed on around the world.

    Find it on Amazon · Find it at a library

More lists: recycling books for kids and Earth Day books for kids.

Kindness books: questions

What is a good picture book about kindness?

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson and The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig are two of the most used kindness books in K–3 classrooms. For preschool, try A Sick Day for Amos McGee.

What books teach kindness to kindergarten?

Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller, Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud and Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev all work well for kindergarten.

Are there kindness books about siblings?

In The Secret of the Squeaky Wagon from The Rummage Crew, big sister Aria mends her little sister Zoey's torn polar bear instead of replacing it, then the crew gives their outgrown toys to younger kids.

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