Books About Being Nice

The Best Being Nice Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about being nice? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Being Nice

The Hundred Dresses
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 1944

The Hundred Dresses

By Eleanor Estes, Louis Slobodkin (Illustrator)

A girl claims to own a hundred dresses, but classmates' ridicule leads to regret and a vow for change.

Newbery Honor (1945)
80 pages· 7,306 words· Est. 57 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 42,997 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Wanda Petronski, a Polish girl in a Connecticut school, is mocked for wearing the same dress daily. She insists she owns a hundred dresses, but no one believes her. When Wanda leaves school, her classmates, especially Maddie, are left with guilt and a powerful lesson. Maddie vows to never remain silent in the face of injustice again. This poignant tale explores the impact of bullying and the courage to stand up for what's right, leaving readers to ponder the cost of silence and the power of empathy.
Fish in a Tree
Sale price
$1797
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2015

Fish in a Tree

By Lynda Mullaly Hunt · Fish in a Tree series

A girl hides her reading struggles until a teacher helps her embrace her unique mind.

Schneider Family Book Award (2016)
288 pages· 48,663 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 88,236 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Ally, a clever girl who hides her reading struggles with distractions, fears being labeled 'dumb.' Her new teacher, Mr. Daniels, sees her potential and helps her embrace her dyslexia. As Ally's confidence grows, she learns that labels don't define her and discovers the power of her unique mind. Will she find the courage to be herself and unlock new possibilities?
Horton Hears a Who!
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1954

Horton Hears a Who!

By Dr. Seuss · Classic Seuss series

An elephant discovers a tiny world of creatures living on a speck of dust and decides to protect them from harm.

64 pages· 2,018 words· Est. 16 min read-aloud
5.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 115,254 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In the Jungle of Nool, Horton the elephant hears a faint cry from a speck of dust. Inside lies Who-ville, a tiny world in peril. As others doubt its existence, Horton must rally to protect the unseen Whos. With the fate of an entire city hanging in the balance, can Horton convince others to believe in the invisible? This tale of courage and compassion shows that even the smallest voice can make a difference. Will Horton’s determination be enough to save Who-ville from destruction?
The Storm Dragon
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2015

The Storm Dragon

By Paula Harrison, Sophy Williams (Illustrator) · The Secret Rescuers series

A young girl helps a baby dragon escape from the castle and return to its family, while also discovering a magical stone that allows her to communicate with magical creatures.

128 pages· 10,952 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
5.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 395 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Sophy discovers a lost dragon, Cloudy, and realizes he's in grave danger from a cruel queen's forces. With courage and a touch of magic, she must protect him. But as more creatures face peril, Sophy will need allies for her secret rescues. Can she and her friends outsmart the queen and save the magical beings?
Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2018

Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse

By Marcy Campbell, Corinna Luyken (Illustrator)

A girl learns the truth about a classmate's horse.

34 pages· 644 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
6.6/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,227 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Adrian insists he owns a magnificent horse, but Chloe is doubtful. Living in a small house with worn shoes, how could he possibly have a horse? Chloe's frustration grows, leading her to confront Adrian at school. Yet, instead of the satisfaction she seeks, Chloe discovers a lesson in empathy and the true value of friendship. This tender tale explores the power of imagination and the rewards of kindness, challenging assumptions and opening hearts.
To the Sea
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2015

To the Sea

By Cale Atkinson

A boy befriends a lost blue whale and embarks on a journey to return him home.

CBC Children's Choice Award Finalist (2016)
32 pages· 389 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
6.4/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 901 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Tim feels unnoticed at school until he meets Sam, a blue whale who needs help finding his way back to the ocean. As Tim takes on the challenge of guiding Sam home, he discovers the true meaning of friendship and courage. Will Tim succeed in his mission, and what adventures await them along the way? Dive into this heartwarming tale of an extraordinary bond and the lengths one will go to for a friend.
The Nice Book
Sale price
$759
Board Book · Ages 0–3 · 2008

The Nice Book

By David Ezra Stein

Discover playful animals teaching kindness and manners in delightful ways.

32 pages
6.1/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 422 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Board book
Summary: Join cuddly koalas and friendly penguins as they demonstrate the art of kindness. Through fun and silly examples, young readers learn simple ways to care for others. This charming tale, filled with lyrical text and humorous illustrations, offers a heartwarming introduction to manners and friendship. Will these animals inspire children to embrace niceness in their own lives?
Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2001

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon

By Patty Lovell, David Catrow (Illustrator) · Molly Lou Melon series

A young girl navigates a new school and a classmate who constantly teases her.

32 pages· 439 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 15,309 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Molly Lou Melon is small, clumsy, and has a unique voice, but her grandmother's advice to walk proud and sing loud keeps her spirits high. Facing a bully on her first day at a new school, Molly Lou must decide if her self-assuredness can withstand the challenge. Will her confidence and individuality be enough to turn the tables on her tormentor? Discover how Molly Lou's courage and charm might just change everything.
Bernice Gets Carried Away
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

Bernice Gets Carried Away

By Hannah E. Harrison

A grumpy cat's bad day turns into an unexpected adventure with balloons and new friends.

32 pages· 315 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
5.9/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 684 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Bernice the cat is having a terrible time at a birthday party, missing out on cake and drinks. Frustrated, she grabs all the balloons and floats away. As she drifts, Bernice discovers the joy of sharing and brightens the day for other animals. Will she find her way back to the party and learn the value of kindness? Join Bernice on her whimsical journey and see how a little sharing can change everything.
The Storybook Knight
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

The Storybook Knight

By Helen Docherty, Thomas Docherty (Illustrator)

A knight is sent on a quest to tame a dragon, but instead of fighting, he uses his love of reading to solve problems and make friends.

32 pages· 683 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
5.9/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,202 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Leo, a gentle knight who prefers books over battles, is sent to confront a dragon. Armed with a shield, sword, and his favorite tales, Leo faces a challenge: can the power of stories triumph over might? As he embarks on this adventure, Leo discovers that even dragons might be captivated by a good story. Will his love for reading prove to be the ultimate weapon? Dive into this enchanting tale where bravery and imagination collide, and find out if stories can indeed conquer all.
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Being Nice Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about being nice for the youngest readers and listeners.

Baby Be Kind
Sale price
$799

Baby Be Kind

Ages 0–3 · 2012

Discover simple acts of kindness that even a baby can do.

Hug Machine
Sale price
$899

Hug Machine

Ages 2–4 · 2014

A hug for everyone, anytime. Can anyone resist the Hug Machine?

Oliver's Tree
Series
Sale price
$899

Oliver's Tree

Ages 3–5 · 2014

Can an elephant find the perfect tree for hide-and-seek?

How Kind!
Sale price
$699

How Kind!

Ages 2–5 · 2002

A gift sparks a chain of kindness across the farm.

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Being Nice Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about being nice for preschool and elementary-age readers.

We're All Wonders
Sale price
$1899

We're All Wonders

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A child who feels like they don't fit in embarks on an imaginative journey to explore their identity.

Enemy Pie
Sale price
$1699

Enemy Pie

Ages 5–8 · 2000

A boy's summer changes when he uses Enemy Pie to turn a foe into a friend.

The Rabbit Listened
Sale price
$1899

The Rabbit Listened

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A child tries to build something but it doesn't go as planned.

Be Kind
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1899

Be Kind

Ages 3–6 · 2018

A young girl tries to be kind to her classmate after she spills grape juice on her new dress.

The Invisible Boy
Sale price
$1899

The Invisible Boy

Ages 6–9 · 2013

A boy struggles to be noticed by his classmates and teacher until a new student befriends him.

A Hat for Mrs. Goldman
Sale price
$1899

A Hat for Mrs. Goldman

Ages 4–8 · 2016

Sophia must knit a perfect hat for Mrs. Goldman, but her efforts unravel. Can she find a creative solution?

Nerdy Birdy
Series
Sale price
$1799

Nerdy Birdy

Ages 4–8 · 2015

A lonely bird finds his flock and discovers true friendship.

Lily and Bear
Series
Sale price
$1799

Lily and Bear

Ages 4–8 · 2015

A girl's drawing of a bear magically comes to life, sparking a unique friendship.

View all being nice picture books
Keep exploring
Books about empathyBooks about kindnessBooks about animal rescueBooks about bullyingBooks about clothingBooks about friendshipBooks about habits and behaviorBooks about helping others