Picture books have a magical way of opening hearts and minds. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or caregiver, these stories help children explore emotions, build empathy, and understand the power of kindness.
This collection supports social-emotional learning (SEL) through engaging narratives and beautiful, age-appropriate illustrations.
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Before you jump into picking a book, take a look at this super popular kindness resource to complement your book selection!
Kindness Bookmarks Challenge
An Excitement-Driven Secret Mission to Spread Joy!
Every child loves a fun bookmark, but these are so much more than placeholders. This printable set turns coloring time into a kindness mission, inviting students to reflect on meaningful messages as they take a mindful moment of creativity.
What makes this activity unforgettable is the secret challenge: once their bookmarks are complete, students sneak off on a covert mission to hide them in the school library for others to discover. It’s a playful way to spread kindness that feels special, a little cheeky, and very rewarding.
Teachers tell us it’s one of those activities kids beg to repeat. It’s a beautiful way to build connection, empathy, and joy in your classroom.
Books about Kindness & Generosity
These stories celebrate the joy of giving, sharing, and helping others.
Perfect for building a classroom culture of care and compassion.
What Does It Mean to Be Kind?: An Empowering Kids Book About Kindness (What Does It Mean to Be series) Books about Feelings & Emotions
Big feelings can be tricky! These titles help kids name, understand, and express emotions in healthy, empowering ways.
Talking About Feelings: Assist adults in helping children unpack, understand and manage their feelings and emotions
How Big Are Your Worries Little Bear?: Help children manage and overcome anxiety, stress and fearful situations
Resilience: Encourage resilience, persistence, and to help children bounce back from challenges and adversity
What to Do When You Feel Like Hitting: A No Hitting Book for Toddlers (Big Feelings Books for Toddlers) Books about Empathy & Compassion
Help children walk in someone else’s shoes. These books foster emotional awareness and respectful curiosity about others’ experiences.
Be the Difference: 40+ ideas for kids to create positive change using empathy, kindness, equality and environmental awareness Books about Bullying, Respect & Honesty
These books offer gentle guidance on recognizing bullying, speaking up, and supporting peers with courage and empathy.
Enemy Pie : (Reading Rainbow Book, Children s Book about Kindness, Kids Books about Learning)
The Not-So-Friendly Friend: How To Set Boundaries for Healthy Friendships (Capable Kiddos) Books about Friendship, Fairness & Inclusion
Celebrate connection, belonging, and the beauty of diverse friendships. These stories encourage kindness, cooperation, and acceptance.
The Scarecrow: A Heartwarming Picture Book for Autumn and Halloween About Unexpected Friendship
Enemy Pie : (Reading Rainbow Book, Children s Book about Kindness, Kids Books about Learning)
What to Do When It's Not Fair: A Kid's Guide to Handling Envy and Jealousy (What-to-Do Guides for Kids)
Included: A book for all children about inclusion, diversity, disability, equality and empathy Self-Awareness & Mindfulness Books
Books that help kids build calm, confidence, and awareness of how their thoughts and actions can make a difference in the world.
The Gratitude Goggles: A Children's Book About Positivity and Appreciation of Life (Wholesome Children: Self Awareness)
Breathe Like a Bear: 30 Mindful Moments for Kids to Feel Calm and Focused Anytime, Anywhere (Mindfulness Moments for Kids)
Find Your Calm: A Mindful Approach To Relieve Anxiety And Grow Your Bravery (Growing Heart & Minds)
Breathing is My Superpower: Mindfulness Book for Kids to Feel Calm and Peaceful (My Superpower Books)
Mindful Affirmations and Activities: A Kid s guide with 50 Positive Mantras and Activities to Manage Emotions, Grow Mindful, Strong and Confident (Hey Girl!) Body Safety Books
These empowering stories help children understand personal boundaries, body autonomy, and the importance of speaking up. They support conversations about safety, trust, and respect.
Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept: Protect children from unsafe touch by teaching them to always speak up Character Building Books for Teens, Adults & Teachers
These books offer inspiration and insight for older readers—perfect for modeling kindness, resilience, and emotional intelligence in everyday life.
The Five Side Effects of Kindness: This Book Will Make You Feel Better, Be Happier & Live Longer
Why Woo-Woo Works: The Surprising Science Behind Meditation, Reiki, Crystals, and Other Alternative Practices
The Power of Kindness: The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Compassionate Life--Tenth Anniversary Edition
The Way of Mindful Education: Cultivating Well-Being in Teachers and Students (Norton Books in Education)




