In our post, Reading & Empathy: A Bridge, we talked about how reading helps promote empathy in kids and choosing the right books can play a big part in nurturing this vital skill.
Check out some of our favorite picks below for encouraging kindness, inclusion and compassion in your child.
1. Most People
Michael Leannah, J.E. Morris
Anxious adults want children to be aware of dangers, but shouldn’t kids be aware of kindness too?
This book reminds kids that even if the world can be a scary place, most people are good people.
Available on Epic!
2. Lovely
Jess Hong
Big, small, curly, straight, loud, quiet, smooth, wrinkly…
Lovely explores a world of differences that all add up to the same thing: we are all lovely!
Available on Epic!
3. Be Kind
Pat Zietlow, Jen Hill
When Tanisha spills grape juice all over her new dress, her classmate wants to make her feel better, wondering: What does it mean to be kind?
From asking the new girl to play to standing up for someone being bullied, this moving story explores what kindness is, and how any act, big or small, can make a difference—or at least help a friend.
4. We’re All Wonders
R.J. Palacio
The unforgettable bestseller Wonder, now a major motion picture, has inspired a nationwide movement to Choose Kind.
Now parents and educators can introduce the importance of choosing kind to younger readers with this gorgeous picture book, featuring Auggie and Daisy on this original adventure.
The Big Umbrella
Amy June Bates
By the door there is an umbrella. It is big. It is so big that when it starts to rain there is room for everyone underneath. It doesn’t matter if you are tall. Or plaid. Or hairy. It doesn’t matter how many legs you have.
Don’t worry that there won’t be enough room under the umbrella. Because there will always be room.
Lush illustrations and simple, lyrical text subtly address themes of inclusion and tolerance in this sweet story that accomplished illustrator Amy June Bates co-wrote with her daughter, Juniper, while walking to school together in the rain.
