Children's Books About... Kindness

These books are on the shelves of the Dorothy Henry Branch in Vernon, NJ. It will be updated as frequently as possible to ensure that the titles offered are either still on the shelves, or in some cases, up to date.

Updated December 12, 2025
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Sing a song of kindness
Paper Book
Kindness, compassion, sharing, friendship...these are themes to be treasured in this beautifully illustrated board book that reimagines classic nursery rhymes for young children with a modern flair. 2023 National Parenting Product Award (NAPPA) winne​r ...
Faith takes the train
Augustine, Kesi
Paper Book
Follow Faith on a joyful journey on a New York City train, where she learns a delicious lesson about courage and being kind. A perfect pick for fans of Milo Imagines the World, Last Stop on Market Street, and Saturday at the Food Pantry. Faith takes the train with her mother...
Lila Greer, teacher of the year /
Beaty, Andrea.
Paper Book
This moving picture book about an anxious girl's arrival at a new school celebrates kindness, learning to face your fears, and the profound difference one brilliant teacher can make in a child's life. Celebrate the teachers you love on Teacher Appreciation Day, at...
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...
The friendly bookshelf /
Brickley, Caroline,
Paper Book
Meet Bibli, a brave little library bookshelf in search of a story about someone like him . . . Once upon a time, in a library like any other, there lived a little bookshelf named Bibli who carried a BIG question on his shelves: "Could there be a story somewhere about a bookshelf like me?" Bibli is...
Pinduli /
Cannon, Janell,
Paper Book
Pinduli's mama has always told her that she's the most beautiful hyena ever. But Dog, Lion, and Zebra don't think so. Why else would they make her feel so rotten about her big ears, her fuzzy mane, and her wiggly stripes? Poor Pinduli just wants to disappear--and she tries everything she can think...
Maisy's big book of kindness /
Cousins, Lucy.
Paper Book
Discover how kindness makes Maisy's world go around--and pick up a few ideas for spreading some joy. Join Maisy and her pals as they explore everyday acts of kindness--from sharing toys to making cards or gifts, nurturing animals to caring for the environment, looking out for one...
Andy and the lion :
Daugherty, James Henry,
Paper Book
Miss Molly's school of kindness /
Davidson, Susanna.
Paper Book
At Miss Molly's School of Kindness, three naughty fox cubs find out how to be kind to others, kind to themselves, and the importance of being kind to the planet. A perfect way to start conversations with children about kindness, with humor, a fun story, and a cast of lively animal characters.
Pete the cat's groovy guide to kindness :
Dean, Kim,
Paper Book
Kindness is cool! Pete the Cat shares some groovy words on kindness in this fun collection of his favorite famous quotes about sharing, lending a helping hand, and having compassion for others. Cool cat Pete adds his own spin on well-known classic quotes from...
The baddies
Donaldson, Julia
Paper Book
From the creators of Room on the Broom and The Gruffalo, a perfect read-aloud tale of spooky, silly fun! Oh no! The Baddies are coming! They're the meanest and nastiest ghost, witch, and troll in all the land, and they just love being bad. When a little girl moves into...
Room on the broom
Donaldson, Julia.
Paper Book
THE #1 BESTSELLING PHENOMENON WITH OVER 4 MILLION COPIES SOLD ACROSS ALL EDITIONS! From the acclaimed creators of The Gruffalo comes an enchanting, family-friendly board book full of quick wits, friendship, and adventure that is perfect for celebrating the Halloween season.
Room on the broom /
Donaldson, Julia.
Paper Book
THE #1 BESTSELLING PHENOMENON WITH OVER 4 MILLION COPIES SOLD ACROSS ALL EDITIONS! From the acclaimed creators of The Gruffalo comes an enchanting, family-friendly tale full of quick wits, friendship, and adventure that is perfect for celebrating the Halloween season. ...
The spiffiest giant in town /
Donaldson, Julia.
Paper Book
From the popular creators of The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom comes a fun-filled read-aloud that reminds readers that having a giant-sized heart is even more rewarding than being giantly spiffy. Full color.
Hank finds an egg /
Dudley, Rebecca,
Paper Book
Delight young children with this endearing and uniquely illustrated wordless picture book! While walking through the forest, Hank finds an egg on the forest floor. After spotting its nest high up in a tree, he uses his ingenuity to help get the egg home safe and sound, and is joyfully rewarded with...
Kind like Fred Rogers /
Esposito, Nick
Paper Book
The first book in the Good Guys Agency series! Determined to better the world by inspiring boys like themselves, Lucky, Rudy, and Red team up to form the Good Guys Agency. It's not long before trouble at Fort Crumble next door sends the trio on their first back-in-time mission to visit Fred Rogers,...
Mike the Knight and the good deed /
Gallo, Tina.
Paper Book
Mike and Evie work together to help their kingdom in this 8x8 storybook with stickers. When Mike and Evie discover that knights who perform good deeds receive beautiful scarves from the Queen, they set out to perform good deeds for everyone in the kingdom. But since they don't work...
American Girl.
Greene, Jacqueline Dembar
Paper Book
"Rebecca Rubin is growing up in the bustling city of New York in 1914. She dreams of being a star on the silver screen, but her performance this year is on the stage at school. She has to share the spotlight with her cousin Ana, though, and Rebecca fearsthe audience will laugh instead of applaud....
ABCs of kindness
Hegarty, Patricia
Paper Book
Learning the importance of kindness is as easy as A-B-C with this sweet board book that fosters social emotional development. A is for all of us be everyone's friend. B is for believing things will turn out well in the end. C is for being caring...
Friendship is forever
Hegarty, Patricia
Paper Book
Learning the importance of friendship is easy with this sweet board book that fosters social-emotional development.. The precious gift of friendship is a thing to treasure. Closeness, love, and loyalty are things that we can't measure.   ...
Flora and the penguin /
Idle, Molly Schaar.
Paper Book
Having mastered ballet in Flora and the Flamingo, Flora takes to the ice and forms an unexpected friendship with a penguin. Twirling, leaping, spinning, and gliding, on skates and flippers, the duo mirror each other's graceful dance above and below the ice. But when Flora gives the penguin...
The cool bean
John, Jory
Paper Book
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! The "too-cool-for-school" third picture book from the #1 New York Times bestselling creators of The Bad Seed and The Good Egg, Jory John and Pete Oswald Everyone knows the cool beans. They're sooooo cool. And then there's...
The good egg and the talent show /
John, Jory
Paper Book
The Good Egg discovers his true talent in this Level One I Can Read by the #1 New York Times bestselling duo Jory John and Pete Oswald! The talent show is today and the Good Egg is so excited. There's just one problem. He doesn't have an act! When the talent show...
The good egg and the talent show /
John, Jory.
Paper Book
The Good Egg discovers his true talent in this Level One I Can Read by the #1 New York Times bestselling duo Jory John and Pete Oswald! The talent show is today and the Good Egg is so excited. There's just one problem. He doesn't have an act! When the talent show...
Johnny Appleseed :
Kellogg, Steven
Paper Book
The larger-than-life story of a true American hero--John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed. This fun picture book has been a favorite for generations. Bursting with energy and perfect for reading aloud at home or in the classroom, Johnny Appleseed is an excellent choice for...
I walk with Vanessa :
Kerasco?et.
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,...
The smile shop /
Kitamura, Satoshi
Paper Book
Acclaimed author-illustrator Satoshi Kitamura (Hat Tricks) celebrates human connection and community in this hopeful story about a boy, a benevolent shopkeeper, and a shared smile. A small boy has saved all his pocket money, and today's the day he'll buy something special...
The bakery dragon /
Kurtz, Devin Elle,
Paper Book
NATIONAL BESTSELLER . The heroic tale of a tiny dragon with a heart of gold and a taste for treats! A scrumptious picture book for fans of funny fairytales and fantastic beasts. Ember has always been different from the other dragons. His fearsome roar sounds more like a polite...
Dictionary for a better world :
Latham, Irene.
Paper Book
How can we make the world a better place? This inspiring resource for middle-grade readers is organized as a dictionary; each entry presents a word related to creating a better world, such as ally, empathy, or respect. For each word, there is a poem, a quote from an inspiring person, a...
A great day for a hug /
Mack,
Paper Book
"Solid outlines, flat colors, and uncluttered pages make this feel-good story accessible to the youngest lap sitters, who will no doubt want to give their reader a hug" - School Library Journal A new day at the farm! The chickens are laying eggs. The cows are giving milk. And Chick?...
The wonderful things you will be /
Martin, Emily Winfield.
Paper Book
The New York Times bestseller that celebrates the dreams, acceptance, and love that parents have for their children . . . now and forever. This is the perfect heartfelt gift for kids of all ages, plus a great choice for baby showers, birthdays, graduations, and other new beginnings! <...
Esther the kindness fairy /
Meadows, Daisy.
Paper Book
Best friends forever! Rachel and Kirsty know a thing or two about how to be a good friend. So do the Friendship Fairies. But there's one resident of Fairyland who definitely doesn't: Jack Frost! The icy villain has stolen Esther's magic...
The invisible bear
Metzger, Cécile
Paper Book
A simple act of kindness brings two unlikely friends together in this profound picture book about the transformative power of friendship. A bear sits in his quiet, colorless home in a forgotten place. He feels invisible; no one comes to see him, and he spends his days alone.
Give thank you a try /
Patterson, James,
Paper Book
Find the kindness and joy in everyday life with New York Times bestselling author James Patterson's sweetly illustrated picture book about manners for kids. In Give Please a Chance, bestselling author James Patterson showed little ones the magic of the word "please....
Tucky Jo and Little Heart
Polacco, Patricia
Paper Book
Friendship, loyalty, and kindness stand the test of time in this heartwarming World War II-era picture book based on a true story from the beloved author-illustrator of Pink and Say and The Keeping Quilt. Tucky Jo was known as the "kid from Kentucky" when he...
You are my friend :
Reid, Aimee.
Paper Book
A heartwarming picture book that celebrates the work of Mister Rogers and carries on his legacy of kindness Mister Rogers is one of the most beloved television personalities, but before he was the man who brought us Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, he was just little Freddie Rogers. Though he was often...
A star for Christmas /
Romance, Trisha,
Paper Book
A gentle old carpenter who has spent his whole life in the service of others has finally begun to build his own home in a quiet meadow, with nothing but a small reindeer to keep him company. Finishing by winter seems like an impossible task, but the carpenter reaps the years of kindness he has sown,...
Starwhal /
Rose, Matilda,
Paper Book
When You Adopt a Starwhal is a fun-filled story about kindness and sharing, starring a magical narwhal! Everyone in Fairyland knows that Mrs. Paws is the perfect pet matchmaker. She has flying piglets, baby griffins, and even pugicorns. She has a knack of...
The carpenter's gift :
Rubel, David
Paper Book
This modern classic Christmas story teaches children the spirit of the season by bringing together two great New York City traditions: the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and the neighbor-helping-neighbor program of Habitat for Humanity.         ...
Unico : awakening
Sattin, Samuel
Paper Book
An adventure across space and time awaits! "A spellbinding masterpiece." -- Dav Pilkey, #1 bestselling creator of Dog Man UNICO tells the incredible story of a young unicorn who, after enraging the evil goddess Venus, is banished from the heavens and forgets all he...
Unico. 2, Hunted
Sattin, Samuel
Paper Book
Still hunted by Venus, Unico befriends a sickly girl imprisoned by an evil robotic machine. Lost in space and time, Unico awakens in an abandoned factory town. Saved by the resourceful mouse, Garapachi, Unico befriends Chiko, a human girl. But he soon learns that a sinister force is...
Just be yourself, Dragon! /
Schulze, Bianca,
Paper Book
The third book in Clever's popular Dragon series is now available in paperback! Dragon is nervous out her first day of school--and she'll need readers' help to soothe her anxieties and ease her nerves. Dragon is leaving the castle to attend her first day of...
Dr. Seuss's You are kind :
Seuss,
Paper Book
Say thank you to someone special with this gift book featuring art from Dr. Seuss! Includes unrhymed lines about kindness and makes an ideal choice instead of a card--the perfect back-to-school gift for students and teachers! From Horton the Elephant--who taught us that "a person...
Oskar and the eight blessings /
Simon, Richard,
Paper Book
Winner of the 2015 National Jewish Book Award for Children's Literature A young immigrant from Nazi Germany recieves small acts of kindness while exploring New York City in this heartwarming, timeless picture book, Oskar and the Eight Blessings. A...
A year of good news /
Smatana, Martin,
Paper Book
A heartwarming collection of 52 stories--one for each week of the year--to make you feel a little bit better about the world we live in, accompanied by unique illustrations made from recycled fabric.   Are you one of those people who feel that over...
Always be kind
Stephenchel, Tora
Paper Book
A simple story about being kind. This story helps readers learn the words always, be, and kind. Bright pictures provide visual cues to help the reader. Additional features include a word list, an introduction to the author, and a letter to caregivers and educators.
The worst person's Christmas /
Stevenson, James,
Paper Book
The worst person particularly dislikes Christmas until his neighbors' kindness triggers a happy accident that forces him to participate in the holiday festivities.
Nugget and Dog.
Tharp, Jason
Paper Book
Join a hot dog named Dog and a chicken nugget named Nugget in this Level 2 Ready-to-Read Graphics book about kindness, the first in a new series by Jason Tharp! Nugget is a chicken nugget. Dog is a hot dog. They are friends, and they like ketchup. Their town of Gastropolis is a...
Kafka and the doll /
Theule, Larissa.
Paper Book
Based on a true story about Franz Kafka Inspired by a true story, Kafka and the Doll recounts a remarkable gesture of kindness from one of the world's most bewildering and iconic writers. In the fall of 1923, Franz Kafka encountered a distraught little girl on a walk in...
How to change the world in 12 easy steps /
Tierney, Peggy,
Paper Book
Kids teaching kids how to make the world happier, prettier, friendlier, kinder, safer, smarter, accepting, and loving. It's easy!   Taken from the life lessons of Eva Kor, Auschwitz child survivor, this title empowers children by offering concrete, simple actions that...
Let's be kind
Trukhan, Ekaterina
Learn your very first manners in a book thats indestructible.
Spread kindness with crafts /
Van Oosbree, Ruthie,
Paper Book
Would you want to make the world a kinder place? Get crafting! Stitch cozy pet beds to donate to animal shelters. Make colorful care packages for people experiencing homelessness. Create an uplifting fidget toy for someone who is feeling stressed. These fun crafts will help you spread kindness in...
The house before falling into the sea /
Wang, Ann Suk,
Paper Book
Kirkus Best Books of the Year Jane Addams Children's Book Award Finalist 2024 Freeman Book Awards Horn Book Fanfare ***Three starred reviews*** A child and her family take in refugees during the Korean War in this poignant picture book about courage and what...
Yoko's world of kindness :
Wells, Rosemary
Paper Book
Wells combines six tales into one nicely priced volume in this indispensable book for elementary school children. Here are stories that make school a little easier: stories about learning skills and building confidence; about teasing and differences; and about making and keeping friends. A unique...
When I smile :
Witek, Jo,
Paper Book
From author Jo Witek and illustrator Christine Roussey, the bestselling creators of In My Heart, When I Smile is a picture book about all the things a smile can do. Part of the Growing Hearts series! One girl discusses the power of a...
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...

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