Books About Caring · 56 titles considered

The Best Caring Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Kindness Books, featuring 13 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about caring? 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 Caring

Great Joy
Sale price
$1140
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2007

Great Joy

By Kate DiCamillo, Bagram Ibatoulline (Illustrator)

A girl finds unexpected inspiration from a mysterious organ grinder at Christmas.

32 pages· 714 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,474 ratings
$12.00Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: As Christmas nears, young Frances is captivated by an organ grinder and his monkey outside her window. Their presence haunts her thoughts, especially during the Christmas pageant. When it's her turn to speak, she struggles with the organ grinder's sad eyes in her mind. Just as hope seems lost, a door opens, revealing the perfect words she needs. Discover how a simple encounter transforms Frances's holiday in this heartwarming tale of compassion and unexpected connections.
Manjhi Moves a Mountain
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

Manjhi Moves a Mountain

By Nancy Churnin, Danny Popovici (Illustrator)

A man carves a mountain path, transforming his village's future.

32 pages· 805 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 371 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Dashrath Manjhi, armed with only a hammer and chisel, spends twenty years carving a path through a mountain. His village, isolated from essential services, depends on his determination. Can one man's resolve bridge the gap between despair and hope? Discover how a single heart can change the fate of many.
A Sick Day for Amos McGee
Sale price
$1049
Board Book · Ages 2–6 · 2010

A Sick Day for Amos McGee

By Philip C. Stead, Erin E. Stead (Illustrator)

When Amos falls ill, his zoo friends bring the fun to him.

Caldecott Medal (2011)The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2010)Charlotte Zolotow Honor (2011)
34 pages· 441 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 22,008 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Board book
Summary: Amos McGee cherishes his daily visits with his zoo friends, from racing a tortoise to comforting a shy penguin. But when Amos is too sick to visit, the animals embark on a heartwarming journey to return his kindness. Will their surprise cheer him up? Discover the power of friendship in unexpected forms.
Words and Your Heart
Sale price
$1139
Board Book · Ages 2–6 · 2015

Words and Your Heart

By Kate Jane Neal

Words can heal or harm. Choose wisely.

32 pages
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 476 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Board book
Summary: Discover the power of words in shaping emotions and lives. This heartfelt journey explores how the words we hear and speak can uplift or wound, urging us to choose kindness and love. Will you use your words to heal or hurt? Dive into a world where every word counts and see how they can transform hearts and the world around us.
The Perfectly Perfect Wish
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

The Perfectly Perfect Wish

By Lisa Mantchev, Jessica Courtney-Tickle (Illustrator)

A girl discovers a magical wish and seeks the perfect selfless choice.

32 pages· 484 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.7/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 263 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: A young girl stumbles upon a magical object granting her a single wish. As she consults those around her, she grapples with the challenge of choosing a wish that embodies empathy and kindness. What will her perfect wish be? This enchanting tale explores the power of selflessness and the impact of considering others' needs.
Flicka, Ricka, Dicka Bake a Cake
Sale price
$958
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1955

Flicka, Ricka, Dicka Bake a Cake

By Maj Lindman · Flicka, Ricka, Dicka series

Three sisters bake a cake for Mother's birthday. Will they remember it before it burns?

32 pages
4.3 Goodreads · 208 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Flicka, Ricka, and Dicka want to surprise their mother with a homemade cake for her birthday. Guided by Aunt Betty, they embark on their first baking adventure. But when the cake goes into the oven, playtime distracts them. As the clock ticks, will they remember their creation before it's too late? Discover the outcome of their sweet endeavor and the lessons learned along the way.
The Rescuer of Tiny Creatures
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

The Rescuer of Tiny Creatures

By Curtis Manley, Lucy Ruth Cummins (Illustrator)

Roberta must save her classroom from a tiny creature invasion.

48 pages
4.3 Goodreads · 278 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Roberta, often seen as odd for rescuing tiny creatures, faces her biggest challenge when a swarm of baby spiders invades her classroom. With only her cat and little brother by her side, she must use her unique skills to show her classmates that these creatures aren't frightening—they just need understanding and friendship. Can Roberta turn skeptics into allies and prove that even the smallest beings deserve care? This quirky tale of bravery and compassion will leave you cheering for the underdog and questioning what it means to be a hero.
Be a Bridge
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–9 · 2022

Be a Bridge

By Irene Latham, Charles Waters, Nabila Adani (Illustrator)

Discover how to 'be a bridge' and foster inclusivity and respect.

32 pages· 266 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.3 Goodreads · 288 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a vibrant classroom, young students learn to 'be a bridge' through simple acts of kindness and respect. From welcoming new friends to standing up against bullying, each page offers a lesson in building connections. With cheerful illustrations and rhyming verses, this book invites children to embrace diversity and inclusivity. Will they take the pledge to make their school a better place?
Jenny Mei Is Sad
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

Jenny Mei Is Sad

By Tracy Subisak

A friend supports Jenny Mei, who hides her sadness behind smiles.

30 pages· 162 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
4.3 Goodreads · 454 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Jenny Mei seems happy, but her friend knows the truth—she's sad. Through laughter and blue Popsicles, her friend stands by her side, offering support in every moment. Discover how true friendship embraces both joy and sorrow, teaching kids the importance of being there for one another, no matter what. Can friendship help Jenny Mei find her smile again?
Ojiichan's Gift
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

Ojiichan's Gift

By Chieri Uegaki, Genevieve Simms (Illustrator)

A girl must preserve her grandfather's stone garden as he moves away.

32 pages· 868 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 505 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Mayumi cherishes summers in Japan, tending a unique stone garden with her grandfather. But when he can no longer care for it, she faces the challenge of keeping their cherished memories alive. Can Mayumi find a way to honor their bond and the garden's legacy? This touching tale explores family ties, change, and the enduring power of love.
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Caring Picture Books

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

A Map into the World
Sale price
$1799

A Map into the World

Ages 5–9 · 2019

A young girl navigates change, collecting treasures in a world of birth and death.

The Lion and the Bird
Sale price
$1795

The Lion and the Bird

Ages 4–+ · 2013

A lion befriends a wounded bird. Can their bond survive the changing seasons?

Let it Snow
Series
Sale price
$899

Let it Snow

Ages 4–8 · 2007

Can Toot and Puddle find the perfect Christmas gift for each other?

ABCs of Kindness
Series
Sale price
$1299

ABCs of Kindness

Ages 2–5 · 2020

Discover how small acts of kindness can change the world, from A to Z.

Finding Christmas
Sale price
$1699

Finding Christmas

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Animal friends discover the true spirit of Christmas by helping a sick swallow.

The Sea Lion
#7 in Series
Sale price
$1799

The Sea Lion

Ages 6–10 · 2017

A lighthouse family finds a baby sea lion in their kitchen. What happens next?

Because Amelia Smiled
Sale price
$1799

Because Amelia Smiled

Ages 3–7 · 2012

A smile sparks a global chain of kindness, transforming lives worldwide.

Wombat Said Come In
Sale price
$1899

Wombat Said Come In

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A wombat's burrow becomes a refuge for animals fleeing bushfires.

Bird House
Sale price
$1799

Bird House

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A child and grandmother nurse an injured bird, facing the bittersweet moment of letting it go.

View all caring picture books
Browse by age

Caring Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about caring for developing and independent readers.

Champ
#43 in Series
Sale price
$499

Champ

Ages 7–10 · 2016

A young boy helps his family care for a foster dog that was rescued from a hoarding situation and may have a future as a police dog.

Bonita
#42 in Series
Sale price
$599

Bonita

Ages 7–10 · 2016

A young girl helps her aunt care for a new puppy and organizes a fundraising event to help pay for the puppy's surgery.

Paws for a Cause
#3 in Series
Sale price
$699

Paws for a Cause

Ages 5–7 · 2020

A young pug named Bub helps his owner Bella care for a lost kitten and then organizes a pet wash to raise money for the local animal shelter

Bringing Me Back
Sale price
$1999

Bringing Me Back

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A boy's quest to save a trapped bear may lead to his own redemption.

Lety Out Loud
Series
Sale price
$799

Lety Out Loud

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Lety must win a secret contest to adopt her favorite shelter dog before it's too late.

Thanks to the Animals
Sale price
$1795

Thanks to the Animals

Ages 6–8 · 2005

A lost child in the woods is protected by forest animals until rescue.

Clifford Cares
Sale price
$699

Clifford Cares

2011

A big red dog shows how caring can change a community.

View all caring chapter books
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