Books About Compassion · 67 titles considered

The Best Compassion Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about compassion? 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.

I Am Human
Series
Be a Bridge
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Compassion

Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

Fix That Clock

By Kurt Cyrus

Can a crew fix a clock without displacing its animal residents?

40 pages· 448 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 313 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: A construction crew faces a unique challenge: restoring a dilapidated clock tower without evicting its wild animal inhabitants. As they transform zigzags into squares, the team must balance progress with compassion. Will they find a way to keep the clock ticking and the animals safe? Discover a tale of cooperation and creativity where every creature finds a place.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

I Am Human

A young person navigates the complexities of being human.

32 pages· 249 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
5.4/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,295 ratings
$14.99
Hardcover
Summary: A child embarks on a journey of self-discovery, navigating the joys and challenges of being human. From learning and dreaming to facing fears and sadness, they explore the power of choices and the impact of kindness. As they give flowers to a friend they hurt, they learn about empathy and connection. This story celebrates the imperfect yet hopeful nature of humanity, encouraging young readers to embrace their unique place in the world and strive to be their best selves. Discover the beauty of being human and the strength found in compassion and understanding.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

The Rescuer of Tiny Creatures

Roberta must save her classroom from a tiny creature invasion.

48 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 275 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.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2014

365 Days of Wonder

Discover life lessons and inspiration from a beloved teacher's precepts.

480 pages· 14,569 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 12,454 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Step back into the world of Wonder with Mr. Browne, the inspiring teacher who shares a year's worth of precepts. Through heartfelt conversations with Auggie and friends, explore life lessons that celebrate kindness and resilience. Each day offers wisdom from diverse voices, including historical figures and readers of Wonder. What truths will you uncover in this journey of hope and humanity?
Picture Book · Ages 4–9 · 2022

Be a Bridge

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

32 pages· 266 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.3/5 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?
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2020

Kindness is My Superpower

A young hero discovers the true power of kindness through everyday acts and heartfelt apologies.

40 pages· 633 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,082 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Join Lucas, a young superhero, as he navigates the world of kindness, learning that even small acts can make a big difference. Through mistakes and apologies, Lucas discovers the strength in being caring and generous. This vibrant tale, filled with rhymes and colorful illustrations, teaches children the importance of empathy and understanding in a diverse world. As Lucas learns to be kind at home, school, and beyond, young readers are inspired to practice kindness and embrace diversity. Will Lucas's journey inspire your child to become a kindness superhero too?
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2016

Champ

By Ellen Miles · Book #43 in the The Puppy Place series

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.

96 pages· 11,229 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.5/5 Goodreads · 190 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Charles Peterson never expected to find a new foster puppy at his dad's softball game. But when he meets Champ, a German shepherd with a big heart, he knows he must help. As the Peterson family opens their home to this talented pup, they face the challenge of finding him the perfect forever home. Will they succeed in giving Champ the loving family he deserves, or will unexpected twists change everything? Discover the heartwarming journey of love, care, and the quest for a forever home at the Puppy Place.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2016

Bonita

By Ellen Miles · Book #42 in the The Puppy Place series

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

96 pages· 10,534 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 213 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Lizzie Peterson is determined to help Bonita, a street puppy with a hurt leg brought home by Aunt Amanda. With her friends, Lizzie must raise money for Bonita's operation. Can they overcome the challenges and find Bonita a loving home? Discover the heartwarming journey of compassion and determination at the Puppy Place.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Listening with My Heart

By Gabi Garcia, Ying Hui Tan (Illustrator)

A heart-shaped rock challenges Esperanza to practice self-kindness when things go awry.

34 pages· 733 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
4.4/5 Goodreads · 640 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Esperanza discovers a heart-shaped rock, symbolizing kindness and love. But when her school play falters, she must learn to extend that compassion to herself. Will she embrace self-acceptance amidst disappointment? 'Listening with My Heart' explores friendship, empathy, and the journey to self-love, offering young readers a heartfelt lesson in self-compassion. With engaging illustrations and practical exercises, this story invites children to befriend themselves in times of challenge.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

Madeline Finn and the Shelter Dog

A young girl discovers how small acts can make a big difference for shelter dogs.

32 pages· 986 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
4.4/5 Goodreads · 571 ratings
$17.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Madeline Finn finally gets her puppy, Star, but her journey doesn't end there. After learning about animal shelters, she wonders who cares for the dogs waiting for homes. Her questions spark a mission to bring joy and comfort to these animals. With her community's help, Madeline finds creative ways to make a difference. Can one girl's curiosity and compassion change the lives of shelter dogs? This heartwarming tale explores the power of kindness and community service, inspiring young readers to take action and help those in need.
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Compassion Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Yo! Yes?

Ages 2–4 · 1993

Two strangers meet on a street, sparking an unexpected friendship.

The Prince Who Was Just Himself

Ages 3–6 · 2011

A prince's compassion disarms a feared enemy, revealing his unique strength.

I Am Kind

Ages 0–4 · 2021

Introduce your child to compassion and empathy through yoga's gentle teachings.

View all compassion board books
Browse by age

Compassion Picture Books

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

Maybe Tomorrow?

Ages 4–8 · 2019

Can a joyful friend help lift the weight of sadness and lead to healing?

The Lion and the Bird

Ages 4–+ · 2013

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

Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1899

Stormy

Ages 3–7 · 2019

A woman and a stray dog form an unexpected bond during a storm.

Let's Get a Pup! Said Kate

Ages 3–7 · 2001

Choosing one dog from the shelter proves heartwarming and challenging for a family.

Friends

Ages 4–7 · 2011

Discover the truth behind unlikely animal friendships that defy expectations.

Wonder Horse

2010

A horse defies expectations, changing how a nation views animals.

Pandora

Ages 4–7 · 2017

In a world of broken things, a lonely soul finds hope through an unexpected friendship.

Nothing in Common

Ages 4–7 · 2020

Two neighbors unite over a missing dog, discovering unexpected connections.

How to Heal a Broken Wing

Ages 4–7 · 2008

A boy finds hope in healing an injured bird amidst a bustling city.

The Most Perfect Snowman

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A snowman must choose between his dreams and true perfection during a blizzard.

Rosie Sprout's Time to Shine

Ages 3–7 · 2011

Rosie learns the true meaning of being the best through a classroom plant-growing contest.

Latkes and Applesauce

Ages 3–7 · 1990

A blizzard threatens Hanukkah, but a cat and dog bring a miracle.

Browse by age

Compassion Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about compassion for developing and independent readers.

Bringing Me Back

Ages 8–12 · 2018

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

Sale price
$499

Sophia the Snow Swan Fairy

Ages 7–10 · 2009

Two girls must find magical animals before chaos ensues.

Dark Day in the Deep Sea

Ages 7–9 · 2008

Two siblings travel back in time to the 19th century and find themselves on a ship in the middle of the ocean, where they encounter a giant octopus and learn a valuable lesson about compassion and understanding.

Thanks to the Animals

Ages 6–8 · 2005

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

The Rescued Kitten

Ages 6–9 · 2018

A girl finds an injured kitten and fears more may be in danger.

Empathy Is Your Superpower

Ages 5–7 · 2021

Discover empathy through real-life examples and superhero role models for kids aged 5 to 7.

Shai & Emmie Star in To The Rescue!

Ages 6–10

The Homeless Kitten

Ages 6–9 · 2017

A girl must part with rescued kittens she loves.

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