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.
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...
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 world. Whether planting a garden or visiting a sick friend, picking up litter or playing...
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...
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.
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,...
Thank you, Omu!
Mora, Oge
Paper Book
A generous woman is rewarded by her community in this remarkable author-illustrator debut that's perfect for the Thanksgiving season, perfect for fans of Last Stop on Market Street. Everyone in the neighborhood dreams of a taste of Omu's delicious stew! One by one...
Try a little kindness.
Cole, Henry, 1955-
Paper Book
"It's fun to be kind! Our funny animal friends show us how to be kind to each other. Be a great ally. Hold the door for a friend. Try a little kindness today, and you will feel so much, much better!"--Jacket.
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,...

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