21 Books About Kindness That Give Us All the Feels

Gina I.:  When the garden dries up, its insect inhabitants become equally desolate. That is until Cate the Caterpillar steps in. Able to see the garden's potential, she uses kindness and a positive attitude to rally the insects together to bring life back to their home. This kindness book shows how words can transform even a bleak situation into a bright one.

Vanessa M.:  Sometimes simple acts of kindness are all it takes to make a difference. This wordless book about kindness explores the tension between seeing someone being bullied and becoming courageous enough to do something about it. The last pages offer a helpful guide for handling bullying for both kids and adults.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  This award-winning kindness book teaches kids that they have the autonomy to be kind to others and in doing so, they receive that kindness back. It uses the example of each person having an invisible bucket that anyone can help fill with kindness.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  It is unfortunate there are children who feel they don't count or are not seen among their peers. This books shows how one person's kindness can make a life-changing impact for another.

Children will grasp the message that it only takes one person to be kind. This book also demonstrates that children are independent to make their own choices and do not have to follow the bad habits of another.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  This fun kindness book is about kids showing kindness at school, home and the community. Their teacher leads the efforts with her enthusiasm as she encourages her students to reach 100 acts of kindness, which are listed at the end of the book. The positive aspect of this book will motivate children to show kindness over and over, without expecting anything in return, except the good feeling of knowing they helped another person.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  This book shows how kindness has a ripple effect in that people who receive kindness will pay it forward. On the reverse, not being kind to others can leave both people feeling guilt and regret with sadness and hurt feelings.

Shila:  This kindness book demonstrates common situations where empathy and helping are in play. What would you do if a friend dropped her ice cream? Or if a classmate fell on his knee? Before knowing how others may feel, it might be good to first discover how you'd feel if the situation was reversed.

This book offers discussion points and games where you as parents have an engaging opportunity to chime in your own views.

Erin P.:  A child demonstrates simple acts of kindness such as sharing a treat with a friend and picking up toys. We read this one quite a bit in our house, and it's not unusual to hear us ask our son, "What would the boy do in the Let's Be Kind book?"

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Don't let the title fool you, this book is really about Kindness Pie. This is the story of a father who uses reverse psychology to teach his son to be kind, even to an "enemy."

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Jeremy wants the same shoes that all the other kids have, however the cost is too high. He buys them second-hand despite the size. Some of the kids at school laugh at him, except for Antonio, who is empathetic because he also can't afford the shoes. Jeremy shows kindness by giving Antonio the shoes. This kindness book teaches children to be kind to everyone and that being rich or poor does not matter.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Born into slavery, William Key was shown kindness by his masters, who allowed him to be educated. He had a natural, special way with animals and took that kindness to a special horse he named Jim Key. He taught Jim how to read, do math and spell and they traveled the country to perform. It is a remarkable book about kindness, perseverance and empathy shown toward all people and animals.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Nico & Lola shows the kindness a little boy gives to his aunt's dog and that being kind to animals is of utmost importance. The book also shares themed examples on how to be kind, such as taking turns, being a good listener and using manners.

Young children will relate to the story due to the real pictures and easy-to-grasp kindness concepts. It also shows that when a person is kind, they receive kindness back.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  This is a wonderful book that teaches about sharing with friends, being considerate and helping with chores. It demonstrates that when everyone is kind, it grows and reaches more people.

Stephanie W.:  Who knew that Madonna could write incredible children's lit that encourages kindness?? The English Roses is about a group of popular 11-year-old girls who are jealous of another girl at their school, thinking that she has it all- when in reality she is very lonely. They are taken on a "Christmas Carol" type journey to the girl's home and are able to see how sad she is, therefore realizing that instead of being mean to her, she really needs them to be her friends. It's a great story of compassion, with a little humor thrown in, and kids will love that it's written by a famous pop star!

Katie G.:  This book on kindness follows the story of a girl who befriends a new student in her class by showing her acts of kindness. The movement is contagious as the whole community joins in and understands what it means to be kind.