35 Children's Books That Teach Kids About Empathy & Kindness Gift Guides Parenting Books Kids

30Seconds Mom

August 05, 2021

In these changing times, teaching kids about empathy and kindness at a young age has become a mission for many parents. For moms and dads who are looking for resources and a little help, here's a list of books that brilliantly shine a light and demonstrate kindness, empathy, compassion, self-love, acceptance – and so much more.

What's your favorite book for kids about empathy and kindness? Tell us in the comments section!

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Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts $6

Most People by Michael Leannah $11

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña $10

The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig $10

Come With Me by Holly M. McGhee $13

Bucket Filling Fairy by Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead $15

Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle $8

Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks $6

Listening With My Heart: A Story of Kindness and Self-compassion by Gabi Garcia $12

Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller $10

Chocolate Milk, Por Favor: Celebrating Diversity With Empathy by Maria Dismondy $7

You, Me and Empathy by Jayneen Sanders and Sofia Cardoso $9

I Am Enough by Grace Byers $9

Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud $6

One by Kathryn Otoshi $14

If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson $8

Lovely by Jess Hong $16

We're All Wonders by R. J. Palacio $14

Enemy Pie by Derek Munson $12

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold $11

A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead $12

I Am Human: A Book of Empathy by Susan Verde $9

I Walk With Vanessa: A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness by Kerascoët $14

The Monster Who Lost His Mean by Tiffany Strelitz Haber $12

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson $10

The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld $14

Otis and the Scarecrow by Loren Long $14

Why Am I Me? by Paige Britt $17

How Kind! by Mary Murphy $7

The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade by Justin Roberts $14

Hey, Little Ant by Phillip M. Hoose $10

Pass It On by Sophy Henn $8

Just Feel: How to Be Stronger, Happier, Healthier and More by Mallika Chopra $10

Emma and the Whale by Julie Case $13

What's Wrong With Timmy? by Maria Shriver $16

Julie Rose

❤️this!

Elisa Schmitz

Reading books with kids is such a good way to bring life lessons to the forefront without being too "in their face." I love this list of books, especially "Bucket Filling Fairy" by our very own Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead ! One of my all-time fave books to cultivate kindness and empathy!

Ann Marie G. Halstead

Thank you, Elisa A. Schmitz 30Seconds ! How kind of you. I hope my book helps lots of kids to fill others' buckets (and fill their own at the same time!). We could use more love, empathy, and kindness in the world!

You are so right, Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead . Needed now more than ever. Thank you for all you do and share!

What a great list! Thank you. I love Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña!