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
Drag items up and down to your preferred order then select the "Save Order" button.
I am kind
Fretland VanVoorst, Jenny
Paper Book
Kindness is one of the top traits we look for in friends. What makes this quality so important? What happens when we aren't kind? Young readers can explore this meaning of this virtue and learn how to exhibit it themselves in this helpful title.
The big tree
Knetzger, Laura
Paper Book
How do you cheer up a friend? Kittens Max, Cantaloupe, and Melon love the Big Tree. In spring, they climb it. In summer, they stargaze on it. In autumn, they play in its leaves. It's always been there. But now the Big Tree is sick. Really sick. And Melon and...
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...
A good deed can grow
Bertman, Jennifer Chambliss
Paper Book
Discover the ripple effects of doing a good deed in this interactive picture book about the importance of kindness.   A good deed can grow like a seed. . . .  Join a loving community as they work to create a better...
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!" says Rabbit, who does...
The kindest red : a story of hijab and friendship
Muhammad, Ibtihaj
Paper Book
The sequel to the acclaimed New York Times bestseller The Proudest Blue shows the power of friendship and kindness, from Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad. It's picture day and Faizah can't wait to wear her special red dress with matching hair...
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...
Listening with my heart : a story of kindness and self-compassion
Garcia, Gabi
Paper Book
When Esperanza finds a heart-shaped rock, she sees it as a reminder to spread kindness and love in the world. But when the school play doesn't go the way she'd imagined, will she remember to give it to herself? Listening with My Heart reminds us of the importance of being friends to...
Love
Dodd, Emma
Paper Book
"Always a hit." -- Everyday Family Join little rabbit and her parent as they spend a glorious sunny day together in the meadow. Little rabbit finds love everywhere, but knows that a parent's love is always the best love of all.
The loving library
Kochar, Amandeep S.
Paper Book
Jeet and his puppy Fudge love to read books and wish they could make more friends, who also like to read. Inspired by another Sikh boy practicing his seva (his selfless act of kindness) by donating books to people in need, Jeet and Fudge set out with their Mom and Dad to also give back to their...
Mermaid and pirate
Baptiste, Tracey
Paper Book
A mermaid and a pirate build a friendship through kindness, empathy, and shared adventure in this heartwarming picture book by New York Times bestselling author Tracey Baptiste, with bright, bold illustrations by Leisl Adams.   Glub glub... ...
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...
Try a little kindness
Cole, Henry
Paper Book
Bestselling illustrator Henry Cole puts animals in sweet and humorous situations to demonstrate the importance of being kind!In this funny picture book, bestselling illustrator Henry Cole shows kids different ways to be kind with his hysterical cartoon animal characters.Each page features a...
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...

Library staff! You can create and contribute to lists. Contact your catalog administrator or log in here.