Kindness and community books for children (picture books & beginning readers)

If you're working on our February SweetBean challenge and looking for related reading recommendations, look no further! Here are some books that center kindness and community for adults.

Looking for lists for other age groups? Check out the teen list here.

Check out the adult list here.

Check out the chapter books list here.

Updated February 1, 2024
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Each kindness
Woodson, Jacqueline.
Paper Book
WINNER OF A CORETTA SCOTT KING HONOR AND THE JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD! Each kindness makes the world a little better This unforgettable book is written and illustrated by the award-winning team that created The Other Sideand the Caldecott Honor winner Coming On...
Every little kindness
Bartolj, Marta
Paper Book
An Ezra Jack Keats Illustrator Honor Winner Follow the trail of good deeds in this beautiful wordless picture book to learn how small acts of kindness can make all the difference! When one act of kindness sparks another, anything is...
How kind!
Murphy, Mary
Paper Book
One good turn deserves another - and another - in this universal tale about the contagiousness of being kind. Hen gives Pig an unexpected present. "How kind!" says Pig. Pig is so touched, in fact, that he decides to do something kind too. So Pig gives Rabbit a gift. "How kind!"...
The kindness book
Parr, Todd
Paper Book
New York Times bestselling author Todd Parr uses his signature blend of playfulness and sensitivity to explore the value and joy in being kind to others. With his colorful illustrations, playful humor, and inclusive storytelling, beloved author Todd Parr has...
Last stop on Market Street
de la Pen?a, Matt
Paper Book
On Sundays, CJ and his nana ride the bus across town to their stop on Market Street. But today, CJ's not happy about it. Today, he's wondering out loud why they have to wait in the rain and why they don't have a car like his other friends. But it's Nana who opens young CJ's eyes and shows him the...
Once upon a dragon's fire
Blue, Beatrice
Paper Book
A charming story about kindness, friendship, and magic from a rising star picture book creator. How did dragons get their fire? It all began once upon a magical kingdom, where a fearsome dragon stalked the land. The dragon was mean and scary and evil,...
Simon and the better bone
Tabor, Corey R.
Paper Book
Using the same innovative format as his Caldecott Honor winner, Mel Fell, Corey R. Tabor reimagines Aesop's "The Dog and His Reflection" in a clever, charming tale of empathy and generosity.  One day, down by the pond, Simon meets another dog just like him.  ...
Thank you, Omu!
Mora, Oge
Paper Book
A Caldecott Honor Book  In this cozy, sweet story perfect for fans of Last Stop on Market Street as well as for the Thanksgiving season, a generous woman is rewarded by her community. A Spanish edition, ¡Gracias, Omu!, is also...
I walk with Vanessa : a story about a simple act of kindness
Kerascoët.
Paper Book
This simple yet powerful picture book--from a New York Timesbestselling husband-and-wife team--tells the story of one girl who inspires a community to stand up to bullying. The perfect back-to-school read for every kid, family and classroom! Don't miss the companion book, I...

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