Kindness Books for Children
A collection of books that focus on kindness for children…
Kindness – the little thing that matters most
Written by 52 Lives founder, Jaime Thurston, this book features 52 ways to bring more kindness into our own lives and the world. It uses the voices of those who have been helped by the charity, and little nuggets of science to ground the ideas in real life action.
Available here and in most bookshops.
Books for EYFS
Superheroes Always Fight Back…Or Do They?
Ages 3-6
Arthur dreams of being a mega-fast and strong superhero with the ability to fight and banish the baddie next door. But when Grandpa explains that the best superheroes actually save the day by being kind, Arthur realises that we all have a superpower inside and that an act of kindness, no matter how small, really can change the world.
By Kate Thompson
The Boy With Flowers in His Hair
Ages 4-10
David is the boy with flowers in his hair. He’s sweet and gentle, just like his petals. But when David’s flowers begin to fall – a single petal at first, then every last blossom – his best friend never leaves his side. And through kindness and creativity, he even finds a way to give David his colour back… Beautifully illustrated, this story is about being there for someone when they’re at their most vulnerable.
By Jarvis
The Kindness Book
Ages 4-5
The Kindness Book is a free teaching resource to encourage values of kindness, respect, integration and empathy within classrooms. The book invites children to recall and share moments of kindness with each other.
The Hugasaurus
Ages 2-5
By Rachel Bright, the author of The Worrysaurus, this is the heart-melting story of a kind and caring dinosaur, perfect for teaching children about the value of compassion and love.
Ned and the Great Garden Hamster Race by Kim Hillyard
Age 2-5
An inspiring picture book for younger children about kindness, empathy and being there for others.
This fast paced, funny book has kindness at its very heart and is great for young readers, with dynamic illustrations that really bring the characters to life.
There’s only one thing on Ned’s mind and that’s winning. He’s been training hard and at last the day has arrived for the Big Garden Hamster Race. Ned is so focussed on the win that he can’t spare a second to reassure other animals around him but when he takes a nasty tumble and is shown a little unexpected kindness himself, he realises what is really important.
Hilarious and heartwarming, this delightful tale shows the value of kindness to those who give it as well as those who receive it – by making others happy, you will also feel good and happy about yourself!
Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller
Age 2-5
A thoughtful exploration of small acts of kindness, empathy and thoughtfulness.
When Tanisha spills grape juice over her new dress, her classmate contemplates how to make her feel better and what it means to be kind. From asking a new classmate to play or standing up for someone being teased, this thoughtful picture book helps younger children process the concept of kindness and how small acts really matter. Because when all of those small acts come together collectively, you build a culture of kindness that spreads to everyone.
Beautifully illustrated, the story describes the many ways in which you can be kind and that you don’t need to be a stand-out hero to do so – sometimes just quietly listening, smiling or using someone’s name when you talk to them, is all it takes to make a difference.
Kindness Rules by Eunice Moyle
Age 2-5
A fun-packed picture book with inspiring lessons of kindness, sharing and gentleness.
Its time to put on your respectables, cape of kindness and positivity pants in this heartwarming journey of Magic Manners, a large blue elephant, ready to help us using his kindness rules!
This bright, cheery, rhyming board book is great for preschoolers and toddlers ready to start learning about sharing, being gentle and treating others as we would want to be treated ourselves. Whether it’s being reminded to say please, being gentle when playing with others or using our words when we get upset, superhero Magic is their to help find the answers!
Pass It On by Sophy Henn
Age 2-5
This book captures the power of giving, sharing experiences, emotional awareness and empathy.
This beautifully uplifting picture book is all about finding happiness in the smallest of things and sharing the joy with those around you.
Young readers will enjoy following this celebratory story alongside an adult as they discover how important it is to find joy and amazement in the small things in life and share it with others. The book also reminds us that by spreading happiness to others, even when times are a little grey and lonely, a smile or a giggle can always help – and when you are least expecting it.
It’s a No-Money Day by Kate Milner
Age 3+
A moving picture book gently and empathetically exploring a family’s experience of food poverty
This sensitive insight into the necessity of food banks, from a perspective of a mother and daughter, helps young readers build empathy in a warm and accessible way. The story itself is one of positivity and explains, with dignity, an experience which many children and their families are facing these days.
Mum works hard and is careful with spending money, but today there is no money to buy food. She is uncomfortable with relying on donations from others, but her daughter has a different perspective. Visits to the food bank mean chatting to a kind lady who gives her biscuits and squash. No-money days mean free activities like reading a scary book in the library, practise singing in front of the telly or trying clothes on in the charity shops.
A hopeful tale, with muted colours and ofter sparse text, it prompts discussions both at home and in a class environment about why food banks are needed and who might use them. This gently thought-provoking book allows children to really develop an empathy for those facing this poverty and also helps others recognise their own similar situation.
Last Stop On Market Street by Matt de la Peña
Age 3-5
A timely reminder that kindness, inclusion and community are more important that material wealth.
This award winning book tells the story of a very simple journey through urban life – a weekly bus ride from the church to the soup kitchen with Nana. CJ wishes he had a car or a bike, or many of the expensive things that other children have. But it is on that bus that he learns to look at world the way Nana does – seeing the beauty in everyday things. She encourages CJ to enjoy interacting with their fellow passengers and to consider their neighbourhood and the lives of others. CJ realises that he is glad he came after all.
CJ’s journey inspires conversations, both at home and in the classroom, around themes such as gratitude, kindness and community and that caring for others is ultimately more important than the material wealth you have in your life.
I’m (Almost) Never Bored
Ages 3+
In a world where children can find entertainment at the touch of a button, it’s ever-more important that they have time to be bored – because that’s where they have the space to come up with their own Really Good Ideas. A wonderful book about why letting ourselves be bored is one of the kindest things we can do for our minds.
By Anna Milbourne.
Books for Key Stage 1
I’m (Almost) Always Kind
Ages 5-7
Being kind is super important, but it isn’t always easy. Using a goodhearted, enthusiastic little boy’s perspective, a lot of sensitivity and a little gentle humour, this story explores the potential pitfalls of trying to be kind, and what being kind really means. To be truly kind, it turns out, you have to try to look at things from other people’s points of view.
By Anna Milbourne.
The Boy With Flowers in His Hair
Ages 4-10
David is the boy with flowers in his hair. He’s sweet and gentle, just like his petals. But when David’s flowers begin to fall – a single petal at first, then every last blossom – his best friend never leaves his side. And through kindness and creativity, he even finds a way to give David his colour back… Beautifully illustrated, this story is about being there for someone when they’re at their most vulnerable.
By Jarvis
Go, Tony, Go!
Ages 4-6
Inspired by Tony Hudgell, a five-year-old hero, this is a charming and positive hardcover picture book for preschool aged children. Profits from the sale of the book go to the Evelina London, Children’s Hospital which is part of the Guys & St Thomas’ Hospital NHS Trust to help give vital care to more children like Tony.
The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates
Ages 4-8
Inspires conversations around kindness, empathy, inclusivity and acceptance.
This beautifully illustrated book, written by Amy Bates and her daughter Juniper, was co-written whilst walking to school together in the rain. The simple, lyrical text addresses themes of inclusion and tolerance and how no matter how many people (or even a dog) come under the big umbrella, it can cover them all because “there is always room.”
On each page the umbrella is personified; welcoming and accepting those who take shelter, with the final spread opening to show just how much room there is. This book is designed for reading aloud in the classroom as well as sharing at home.
Available here.
Home for Grace by Kathryn White
Ages 4-7
A powerful and thoughtful introduction to homelessness, kindness, friendship and accepting differences.
Jess and her Mum befriend a woman named Grace, who appears in a shop doorway but no-one knows who she is. With a sleeping bag, a small tin of memories and her cat, Luna, Jess is curious as to why Grace left her home. She wonders whether she has enough to eat and what will happen when the weather gets cold. Slowly, she begins to learn more and more about her new friend as Grace relates her journey from her homeland using her tin of “special things”
This compassionate tale shows that everyone has a story to tell and everyone’s reasons for being homeless may be quite different. The storyline is engaging from the very beginning and reminds us of the need for kindness and understanding for those less fortunate than us.
The Cat Man of Aleppo by Irene Latham & Karim Shamsi-Basha
Ages 5-8
Sparks conversations around kindness, selflessness and the power of community in the face of hardship.
This heartwarming story tells the true story of Alaa, an ambulance driver in war-torn Aleppo, who chose to stay and aid the civilians who couldn’t leave. But he realised quickly that it wasn’t just people who needed care. With the little money her earned and help from his neighbours, he began caring for the city’s abandoned cats on the streets. But there were too many for Alaa to care for on his own, so he asked the world for help to keep his new friends safe. Soon, his call was answered.
Alaa’s connection to his feline friends appears almost magical at times in this beautifully told and illustrated story, that enables young readers to connect closely to his selfless character and love of his community. This book truly shows how small acts of kindness can create large ripples of change and includes a note from Alaa himself.
Longlisted for the Cogan Heroes Picture Book Award 2023, Winner of The Caldecott Conor and Winner of the Middle East Book Award.
The Smile Shop by Satoshi Kitamura
Age 4-8
A sincere and thoughtful tale of happiness, possessions and the power of a simple smile.
This picture book, nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal in 2021 and written and illustrated by award-winning artist Satoshi Kitamura, gives the powerful message that kindness is free and far more important than money.
A young boy plans how to spend his first ever pocket money, wandering around a multi-ethnic market filled with exciting sights and wonders. He wants to buy something but what should he choose? When he looses his pocket money, his day is ruined – that is until he visits The Smile Shop.
This simple story, aimed at Early Years and KS1, takes children on a journey through excitement, anticipation, disappointment and then a final realisation that a smile is for free and can be shared with the whole world.
The Thing at 52 by Ross Montgomery
Ages 4-7
A tender tale of loneliness, companionship, community and saying goodbye.
This simple but touching story covers issues such as befriending, loss and acceptance as a girl reaches out to a large, lonely monster with a simple act of kindness—the giving of a flower. That one act grows into a beautiful friendship filled with empathy and companionship when it is needed most.
The girl introduces the monster to a whole community of other monsters; building connections and friendships that fills the monsters heart. Indeed, it is this very community she has built with kindness, that poignantly provides her with comfort when the monster himself has to say goodbye.
Written by well-loved author Ross Montgomery and wonderfully illustrated by Richard Johnson, this meaningful book gently inspires conversations around difficult subjects that are not always easy to talk about and itself gives comfort in times of change.
The Kindest Red – by Ibtihaj Muhammad
Age 4-8
An uplifting story of family, friendship, kindness and celebrating each other’s differences and similarities.
Olympic medallist, Ibtihaj Muhammad, beautifully explores kindness and sisterhood in this follow up to her bestseller, The Proudest Blue. Faizah’s teacher asks her class what kind of world they would like to live in. Some want ice cream, some unicorns. But Faizah simply wants a world that is kind.
That break time, she and her friend Sophie decide to create that world; helping friends in different ways and spreading kindness throughout the school. Later, the school class photo is a lot of fun. But when it comes to sibling photos, Faizah sees that everyone else is matching with their siblings but she and her sister Asiya don’t. That is when kindness is bought back to her and their friends help save the day!
This multi-cultural book, full of colourful illustrations, has a beautiful way of showing children how they can spread kindness and gives inspiration to want to create the world they really want to be part of.
Books for Key Stage 2
The Boy With Flowers in His Hair
Ages 4-10
David is the boy with flowers in his hair. He’s sweet and gentle, just like his petals. But when David’s flowers begin to fall – a single petal at first, then every last blossom – his best friend never leaves his side. And through kindness and creativity, he even finds a way to give David his colour back… Beautifully illustrated, this story is about being there for someone when they’re at their most vulnerable.
By Jarvis
The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates
Ages 4-8
Inspires conversations around kindness, empathy, inclusivity and acceptance.
This beautifully illustrated book, written by Amy Bates and her daughter Juniper, was co-written whilst walking to school together in the rain. The simple, lyrical text addresses themes of inclusion and tolerance and how no matter how many people (or even a dog) come under the big umbrella, it can cover them all because “there is always room.”
On each page the umbrella is personified; welcoming and accepting those who take shelter, with the final spread opening to show just how much room there is. This book is designed for reading aloud in the classroom as well as sharing at home.
Available here.
The Smile Shop by Satoshi Kitamura
Age 4-8
A sincere and thoughtful tale of happiness, possessions and the power of a simple smile.
This picture book, nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal in 2021 and written and illustrated by award-winning artist Satoshi Kitamura, gives the powerful message that kindness is free and far more important than money.
A young boy plans how to spend his first ever pocket money, wandering around a multi-ethnic market filled with exciting sights and wonders. He wants to buy something but what should he choose? When he looses his pocket money, his day is ruined – that is until he visits The Smile Shop.
This simple story, aimed at Early Years and KS1, takes children on a journey through excitement, anticipation, disappointment and then a final realisation that a smile is for free and can be shared with the whole world.
The Kindest Red – by Ibtihaj Muhammad
Age 4-8
An uplifting story of family, friendship, kindness and celebrating each other’s differences and similarities.
Olympic medallist, Ibtihaj Muhammad, beautifully explores kindness and sisterhood in this follow up to her bestseller, The Proudest Blue. Faizah’s teacher asks her class what kind of world they would like to live in. Some want ice cream, some unicorns. But Faizah simply wants a world that is kind.
That break time, she and her friend Sophie decide to create that world; helping friends in different ways and spreading kindness throughout the school. Later, the school class photo is a lot of fun. But when it comes to sibling photos, Faizah sees that everyone else is matching with their siblings but she and her sister Asiya don’t. That is when kindness is bought back to her and their friends help save the day!
This multi-cultural book, full of colourful illustrations, has a beautiful way of showing children how they can spread kindness and gives inspiration to want to create the world they really want to be part of.
The Thing at 52 by Ross Montgomery
Ages 4-7
A tender tale of loneliness, companionship, community and saying goodbye.
This simple but touching story covers issues such as befriending, loss and acceptance as a girl reaches out to a large, lonely monster with a simple act of kindness—the giving of a flower. That one act grows into a beautiful friendship filled with empathy and companionship when it is needed most.
The girl introduces the monster to a whole community of other monsters; building connections and friendships that fills the monsters heart. Indeed, it is this very community she has built with kindness, that poignantly provides her with comfort when the monster himself has to say goodbye.
Written by well-loved author Ross Montgomery and wonderfully illustrated by Richard Johnson, this meaningful book gently inspires conversations around difficult subjects that are not always easy to talk about and itself gives comfort in times of change.
The Cat Man of Aleppo by Irene Latham & Karim Shamsi-Basha
Ages 5-8
Sparks conversations around kindness, selflessness and the power of community in the face of hardship.
This heartwarming story tells the true story of Alaa, an ambulance driver in war-torn Aleppo, who chose to stay and aid the civilians who couldn’t leave. But he realised quickly that it wasn’t just people who needed care. With the little money her earned and help from his neighbours, he began caring for the city’s abandoned cats on the streets. But there were too many for Alaa to care for on his own, so he asked the world for help to keep his new friends safe. Soon, his call was answered.
Alaa’s connection to his feline friends appears almost magical at times in this beautifully told and illustrated story, that enables young readers to connect closely to his selfless character and love of his community. This book truly shows how small acts of kindness can create large ripples of change and includes a note from Alaa himself.
Longlisted for the Cogan Heroes Picture Book Award 2023, Winner of The Caldecott Conor and Winner of the Middle East Book Award.
Home for Grace by Kathryn White
Ages 4-7
A powerful and thoughtful introduction to homelessness, kindness, friendship and accepting differences.
Jess and her Mum befriend a woman named Grace, who appears in a shop doorway but no-one knows who she is. With a sleeping bag, a small tin of memories and her cat, Luna, Jess is curious as to why Grace left her home. She wonders whether she has enough to eat and what will happen when the weather gets cold. Slowly, she begins to learn more and more about her new friend as Grace relates her journey from her homeland using her tin of “special things”
This compassionate tale shows that everyone has a story to tell and everyone’s reasons for being homeless may be quite different. The storyline is engaging from the very beginning and reminds us of the need for kindness and understanding for those less fortunate than us.
Go, Tony, Go!
Ages 4-6
Inspired by Tony Hudgell, a five-year-old hero, this is a charming and positive hardcover picture book for preschool aged children. Profits from the sale of the book go to the Evelina London, Children’s Hospital which is part of the Guys & St Thomas’ Hospital NHS Trust to help give vital care to more children like Tony.
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
Ages 6-9
Inspires discussions around friendship, inclusion, loneliness and the power of kindness.
Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody ever seems to notice him or think to include him; that is until Justin arrives in class. Brian is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, both boy’s worlds start to change and he begins to shine.
This gentle tale of friendship, tells the story of hope for quieter children who are shy & nervous in school whilst showing all children how empathy and small acts of kindness can help others feel included and allow them to shine. The author, Trudy Ludwig, is an award-winning author specialising in writing children’s books that help children cope and thrive in their social world and has won a number of awards.
Hope on the Horizon: A children’s handbook on empathy, kindness and making a better by Onjali Q. Raúf
Age 9+
An inspirational young person’s guide to being kind, showing empathy and making the world a better place.
It can be easy for older children to feel out of control and frustrated about what is going on in the world. But this inspiring and practical handbook by bestselling children’s author and Human Rights campaigner, Onjali Raúf, sees her share her top ten ways for finding hope and creating change for the better. Using her favourite fictional characters and some of the most inspiring people she has met, she invites readers to deep dive into kindness, friendship and fighting for what you believe in.
It is a book that can be read a chapter at a time either with an adult or as a class, to allow children to reflect on their own emotions and what they can do to make a difference to the world they live in. More aimed at pre-teens, teenagers or even young adults, the book tackles more serious issues such as racism, refugees and the environment, so younger readers may need some guidance.
This beautiful book is written in a friendly style, with compassion and empathy for those whose stories it tells. Onjali encourages readers to ask their own questions, to think deeply about what is happening around them – with the overall theme to be kind and think of others.
Wonder by R.J Palacio
Age 9+
The most heartwarming story of unwavering compassion and friendship that has inspired millions to “choose kind”.
Wonder is the moving story of Auggie Pullman who longs to be ordinary. He does all the ordinary things and feels ordinary on the inside. But Auggie was born with a facial anomaly and has been home-schooled by his parents his whole life. Now, for the first time, he is being sent to a real school, surrounded by kids he doesn’t know and all he wants to be is accepted.
This touching book will make you laugh, cry, get angry and then laugh again. It shows kindness and empathy at its very best, especially as the the story is not only told from Auggie’s point of view, but also that of his sister Via, best friends Jack and Summer and Via’s boyfriend Justin.
This was R.J. Palacio’s debut novel and she called it “a meditation on kindness”. Indeed, this story leaves you with a much greater understanding and appreciation of friendship and the courage it can sometimes take to step into someone else’s shoes and fight for what you know is right. The book has many quotes of compassion, but this one can sum up what Wonder is truly all about; “When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.”
The Boy At the Back of the Class by Onjali Rauf
Age 8+
A powerful story that embraces the importance of friendship and kindness in a world that may not always make sense.
This story is told from a child’s perspective on the refugee crisis and done so in a sensitive, emotional and yet often humorous way. Alexa, Tom, Josie and Michael are a group of 9 year old classmates who try to befriend a new boy in their class. Ahmet is a Kurdish refugee who has been separated from his parents whilst travelling to England to escape the Syrian war.
The story gently ignites conversations around refugees, bullying and discrimination. It gets readers to really thinking about the impact war has on the lives of refugees, especially children, and the difficulties they have in moving to a new country. The group of friends learn of the heart breaking experiences Ahmet has had to endure and vow to make him feel welcome, sticking up for him against the class bullies.
When they hear that the gates to refugees are going to close, they hatch a plan – “The Greatest Idea in the World” – with the mission to reunite Ahmet with his family. Their acts of kindness encourage readers to be kinder, have more empathy and understand the value of friendship for those who feel isolated and vulnerable.
The Station Cat by Stephen Hogtun
Ages 7+
A visually stunning, heartfelt exploration of hope, love, kindness and community.
This is a powerful tale of a small, lonely kitten who arrives at a grey train station full of sad, weary people. However, her own colourful presence starts to bring life to that dreary place and people soon begin to notice her. As she learns about the traveller’s different struggles with sadness, loneliness and loss, it is her own acts of kindness that ultimately help fill their world with hope and colour.
The Station Cat explores hope, kindness and how their impact changes people’s lives over time, using a strong symbolism of colour which is captured in the most beautiful illustrations. This is a much longer picture book at 48 pages and there is a maturity in its theme that is as much aimed at adults as it is for children. To really understand and appreciate its thoughtful concept, it is perfect for KS2 readers upwards, with trickier concepts being introduced in the gentlest of ways.
You and Me
Ages 6+
This book helps children to build a keepsake of their important friendships and memories, featuring spaces where each friend can record their own information and feelings. The owner can use the first page and the last two pages to record their own photos and notes. The book can then be shared with up to nine friends who will have their own space to draw, write and stick in images to capture what makes them and their friendship special.
Do Something for Someone Else: Meet 12 Real-life Children Spreading Kindness with Simple Acts of Everyday Activism by Loll Kirby
Age 7+
An inspirational, non-fiction picture book that introduces 12 incredible activists from around the world spreading kindness, positivity and change.
Meeting children whose small acts of kindness are changing the lives of others around them, this book is a great way to learn about the work they are doing and discovering how the future of our world starts with you.
Each double page spread focuses on a different project and asks what prompted them to make a change and how it has impacted their community. Packed with diverse stories from raising mental health awareness in South Africa to campaigning for accessibility for people who are disabled here in the UK, young readers are encouraged to take action with some everyday activism of their own in schools and homes.
The How To Help section at the back helps provide practical suggestions on how reader’s small acts of kindness can make a genuine difference – whether it be joining a school council or simply listening to someone’s problems.
This book is part of the best-selling book series Changemakers.
Can You See Me? By Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott
Age 9+
A heartfelt story of empathy, kindness and neurodiversity
Tally is anxious about starting secondary school. New surroundings, new teachers and a boy who calls her names. Even her primary school friends have changed. Tally is autistic and knows she is entering a new stage of life; one where she is painfully aware of the way she is perceived and feels the pressure to fit in and be normal – whatever “normal” is.
Cowriter, Libby Scott was 11 years old herself when she wrote the diary entries for this book which provide the voice for Tally based on her own experiences with autism. To compliment, Rebecca Westcott, a teacher, writes with an understanding of everyday school life that young readers can relate to. Tally’s journey gives such an authentic insight into one girl’s perspective of autism – one that powerfully smashes many misconceptions and stereotypes around neurodiversity.
This book is perfect for engaging discussions around how empathy, understanding and kindness should be at the very heart of every school and that no-one should have to hide who they truly are. This is a great read for adults and children alike; making a thought-provoking Year 6 class read along with those preparing to go to secondary school.
The Soup Movement by Ben Davies
Age 11+
A very funny and deeply moving story about the power of social justice, doing what you believe to make a difference in your community.
Winner of the 2022 Brilliant Book Award, The Soup Kitchen, tells the story of thirteen year old Jordan who meets Rio in hospital whilst both having treatment for cancer. They agree to spend a whole year doing lovely things for people and spread kindness around the world. They plan to then meet exactly a year later to see how much things have changed.
Jordan moves to the suburbs, for a new healthy start and has enough to deal with, without his Mum giving him homemade soup every day. But when Jordan offers his soup to a man who is homeless, Harry, an unlikely friendship develops and leads to Jordan secretly running a soup kitchen for all the homeless people in town.
This maturer, empathy-filled, feel-good adventure is perfect for children starting secondary school and older teens who care about social issues. The characters have well thought out back stories which really bring them to life in this tale. Although dealing with some serious issues, it warmly explores the power of kindness, friendship and making that change we want to see in the world.
Awesome Books
Awesome Books works to stop books being simply thrown away, promoting a real circular economy. They have created ways to collect books that people no longer want and sell them to customers around the world, positively contributing to the sustainability they believe in.
More than that, they believe that every child should have access to books and that our ability to achieve should not be defined by where a child is or what resources they are born with. Their goal is to improve literacy of children all over the world, where access and opportunity is limited.
Every time you buy a book from Awesome Books, you help make an impact – a truly kind bookseller.