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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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 the 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...
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 Side and 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
#1 New York Times Bestseller A USA Today Bestseller Winner of the Newbery Medal A Caldecott Honor Book A Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of the Century
Listening with my heart : a story of kindness and self-compassion
Garcia, Gabi
Paper Book
Kindness matters Especially to ourselves. We talk to kids a lot about how to be friends to others. Not much about how to be friends to themselves. Yet, positive self-talk and self-acceptance help build emotional resilience, happiness and well-being. Along with...
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, but they wish they had more friends to share their passion for books. Inspired by another Sikh boy practicing seva--selfless acts of kindness--by donating books to those in need, Jeet, Fudge, and their family set out to 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.  And that dog...
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 Times bestselling 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,...

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