Kindness is a timeless and valuable trait that plays a crucial role in fostering a strong moral character and building meaningful connections. Books help children understand the power of kindness, compassion and treating others with respect. Whether it’s a story about helping someone in need or standing up for what’s right, these books teach children important lessons about how to treat others. Here are a few of our favorite books that inspire kids to be kind:

For Preschool-Age Children

1. Try a Little Kindness by Henry Cole

This adorable and funny picture book shows kids a few different ways to be kind. Each page features a cute, funny illustration of an animal exhibiting a way to be kind, like having good manners, giving someone a compliment or sharing something with someone. Its hilarious illustrations and simple text make this book a good one for preschoolers to learn the value of kindness.

2. The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland

Although the cranky bear doesn’t seem so kind, the characters Moose, Lion, Zebra, and Sheep all exhibit what it means to do something nice for someone else. When these four friends accidentally stumble into a cave where the bear was sleeping, they quickly realize why he’s cranky and work together to cheer him up and help him fall back asleep. This is a great story to teach kids the importance of helpfulness.

3. What Does it Mean to be Kind? by Stephane Jorisch

In this story, a little girl in a red hat warmly welcomes a new student to class. The kindness she showed to the new student inspires the other students to be kind to each other. Soon, this kindness spreads throughout the entire community, and everyone learns the importance of being kind to others. This book helps children understand how one act of kindness inspires another and how they can make a positive difference. 

For Elementary School Age Children

4. The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes 

This classic children’s story teaches the importance of being kind and standing up for what’s right. Peggy and Maddie soon learn how their words impact others when Wanda, a student they made fun of for her unique name, moves away because she’s tired of being teased. Although Maddie was uncomfortable with how her friends treated Wanda, she didn’t have the courage to stand up to them. This book embodies the meaning of words and having courage to stand up for what’s right.

5. Save Me a Seat by Gita Varadarajan and Sarah Weeks

A friendship is born between two lonely boys who share one thing in common at school – their bully. Joe, whose friends have all moved away, and Ravi, who just moved to America from India, work together in an unexpected friendship to stand up to their bully. This story teaches children how to find courage in each other and stand up for themselves.

For Middle School Age Children

6. When the World Turned Upside Down by K. Ibura

This is a story of coming together for a common good. A group of multicultural friends band together to help neighbors in need during an uncertain time in all of their lives. This is a beautiful story about joining forces to do good and be kind to others.

7. Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde

A teacher gives Trevor an extra credit assignment to come up with a plan to change the world. Trevor’s plan involves spreading kindness to all. As he does kind deeds for others, he asks that they do kind deeds for others in return. His plan is one that would spread kindness throughout his community and the world by simply paying it forward. At Lake Forrest Prep, we believe in nurturing not only the minds of our students but the hearts as well. We’re dedicated to helping our students grow into thoughtful and caring individuals. Whether it’s through stories of friendship, overcoming challenges or simple acts of generosity, these are our favorite books for inspiring our students to make a difference by being kind to others. Visit our website to learn more about our mission to foster the academic success and moral character of our students.