Books About Kindness · 1,788 titles considered

The Best Kindness Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about kindness? 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.

A Boy Called Bat
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Kindness

Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2017

A Boy Called Bat

By Elana K. Arnold, Charles Santoso (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Bat series

A young boy named Bat cares for a baby skunk after its mother is killed by a car

160 pages· 21,164 words· Est. 4 hour read
6.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 9,321 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Meet Bat, a young boy on the autism spectrum, whose life is full of surprises. When his mom, a veterinarian, brings home a baby skunk, Bat is determined to keep it. With just one month to convince his mom, Bat navigates school challenges and family dynamics, all while forming an unexpected bond with the skunk. Can Bat show that this little creature is more than just a wild animal? Discover a heartwarming tale of friendship, determination, and the unexpected joys of life.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–13

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

By L. Frank Baum · Book #1 in the Oz series

A cyclone whisks Dorothy to Oz. Can she find her way home amidst magical chaos?

224 pages· 38,933 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
6.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 420,629 ratings
Summary: Dorothy's Kansas home is swept away by a cyclone, landing her in the enchanting yet perilous land of Oz. With only a pair of magical silver shoes and the guidance of the Good Witch, she must navigate the yellow brick road to seek the Wizard's help. Along the way, she encounters unexpected allies and dangerous foes. Will Dorothy's determination be enough to overcome the Wicked Witches and find her way back to her family? The journey promises wonder and danger at every turn, testing her courage and resolve.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1982

The BFG

By Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (Illustrator)

A young orphan is carried off by a dream-blowing giant, then must help him stop the man-eating ones.

207 pages· 36,978 words· Est. 5 hour read
6.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 537,753 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: Sophie, a young orphan, is whisked away by the BFG, a gentle giant unlike his fearsome kin. When she learns of a sinister plan by other giants to devour children in England, Sophie and the BFG embark on a daring mission to thwart them. Can this unlikely duo save the day, or will the giants' hunger prevail? Join Sophie and the BFG on a whimsical adventure filled with danger, courage, and unexpected friendships.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Caterpillar Summer

A summer trip reveals family secrets and tests sibling bonds.

320 pages· 55,933 words· Est. 8 hour read
6.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,558 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Cat, the glue of her family, faces a summer of unexpected challenges when a trip goes awry, leaving her and her brother Chicken with grandparents they've never met. As Cat navigates this new world, she discovers the power of healing and understanding in strained relationships. Can she find a way to be a kid again while holding her family together? This heartfelt journey explores the depths of family bonds and the courage to embrace change.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1964

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

A poor boy finds a golden ticket to visit a mysterious and magical chocolate factory

164 pages· 31,115 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
5.9/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 947,100 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: Charlie Bucket, a kind-hearted boy, wins a golden ticket to Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory. Alongside four other children, each with their own quirks, Charlie embarks on a fantastical adventure. As they explore the factory's wonders, unexpected challenges test their character. Will Charlie's honesty and bravery help him navigate the surprises within? What secrets does the factory hold, and who will emerge changed forever? Discover the magic and mystery behind the factory's doors.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Science of Breakable Things

A girl tries to win a science competition to help her mother who has become depressed and withdrawn.

320 pages· 52,518 words· Est. 7.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 4,775 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: Natalie believes winning an egg drop contest can fund a trip to see magical orchids, reviving her depressed mother. With her friends' support, she embarks on a journey of hope and discovery, learning that sometimes, talking about problems is the first step to healing. Can the power of friendship and science bring light to her mother's darkness?
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1952

Charlotte's Web

A pig befriends a spider who devises a plan to save his life from slaughter.

184 pages· 32,307 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,091,994 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Summary: In a barn filled with secrets, a pig named Wilbur faces an uncertain fate. His only hope lies in Charlotte, a clever spider weaving words into her web to save him. With the help of a self-serving rat and a girl named Fern who understands their language, they embark on a heartwarming journey of friendship and survival. As the seasons change, will Charlotte's plan succeed in sparing Wilbur's life? Discover the magic of childhood and the power of unlikely alliances in this timeless tale of love and courage.
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 Medal (1945)
80 pages· 7,306 words· Est. 57 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 42,736 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
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.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 1961

James and the Giant Peach

A young boy escapes his miserable life with his cruel aunts through a magical giant peach

176 pages· 25,925 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 525,702 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: Young James, trapped with cruel aunts, discovers magic crystals that transform a peach into a colossal escape. Inside, he finds unlikely allies like Grasshopper and Centipede. As the peach rolls away, James embarks on an extraordinary journey. Will this adventure lead him to freedom and friendship, or will new challenges arise? Dive into a world where the impossible becomes reality, and every twist holds a new surprise.
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1989

Number the Stars

A young girl helps hide her friend from Nazi forces in occupied Denmark.

139 pages· 26,492 words· Est. 3 hour read
5.6/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 633,364 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: In 1943 Denmark, ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen faces a dangerous mission: protect her Jewish friend Ellen from Nazi relocation. As the Danish Resistance works to save thousands, Annemarie must find courage amidst fear. Will her bravery be enough to outsmart the enemy and ensure Ellen's safety? Discover a tale of friendship and heroism in a time of war.
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Kindness Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear

Ages 2–6 · 1984

Can Little Mouse outsmart the bear to save his strawberry?

Little Blue Truck

Ages 0–3 · 2008

A little truck helps a big dump truck get unstuck from the mud.

Kindness Rules!

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Discover the magic of manners with an elephant's fun guide.

The Nice Book

Ages 0–3 · 2008

Discover playful animals teaching kindness and manners in delightful ways.

Be Happy!

Ages 2–5 · 2007

Discover the secrets to happiness and embrace your best self.

A Sick Day for Amos McGee

Ages 2–6 · 2010

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

Words and Your Heart

Ages 2–6 · 2015

Words can heal or harm. Choose wisely.

Baby Be Kind

Ages 0–3 · 2012

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

Tiny Blessings for Giving Thanks

Ages 0–3 · 2017

Teach little ones gratitude for life's everyday wonders.

This Little Dreamer

Ages 3–5 · 2020

Discover dreamers who shaped history in this inspiring board book.

Hug Machine

Ages 2–4 · 2014

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

Here Come the Helpers

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover the heroes on wheels that keep us safe during emergencies.

View all kindness board books
Browse by age

Kindness Picture Books

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

The Fat Cat Sat on the Mat

Ages 4–6 · 1996

A witch's pets and belongings get into chaos when she is out of the house.

Mac and Cheese

Ages 4–6 · 2010

A playful cat loses his hat. Will his lazy friend help retrieve it?

Just a Teacher's Pet
Sale price
$1699

Just a Teacher's Pet

Ages 4–7 · 2015

A new student challenges Little Critter's patience, but friendship awaits.

Calling Doctor Amelia Bedelia

Ages 4–8 · 2002

A literal-minded housekeeper turns a doctor's office into a comedy of errors.

Pete the Cat: Pete's Big Lunch

Ages 4–8 · 2013

A boy named Pete prepares a large sandwich to eat for lunch.

The Fire Cat

Ages 4–6 · 1960

A cat with big paws finds his purpose at a firehouse.

Poppleton

Ages 5–7 · 1997

A new pig in town finds friendship and adventure in unexpected places.

The Cookie Fiasco

Ages 6–8 · 2016

Four friends, three cookies. Can they share without crumbling under pressure?

Horton Hears a Who!

Ages 5–8 · 1954

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

Young Cam Jansen and the Dinosaur Game

Ages 6–8 · 1996

Can a photographic memory solve a birthday party mystery?

Just Critters Who Care

Ages 4–8 · 2010

Neighbors in need inspire a group to discover the joy of helping others.

Mrs. Brice's Mice

Ages 4–7 · 1988

One mouse's unique path saves the day from a prowling cat.

Browse by age

Kindness Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about kindness for developing and independent readers.

Impulse

Ages 14–18 · 2007

Three teens face their darkest moments at a psychiatric hospital, seeking hope and redemption after failed suicide attempts.

The Secret Promise

Ages 7–10 · 2012

Four princesses work together to rescue animals in need and uncover the truth behind a series of mysterious events in the kingdom of Mistberg Forest

Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$699

Eva's Treetop Festival

Ages 6–9 · 2015

A young owl named Eva Wingdale organizes a spring festival for her school, with the help of her friends and classmates

What Stars Are Made of

Ages 10–14 · 2020

Libby makes a cosmic deal to help her sister's unborn baby.

Front Desk
Sale price
$1899

Front Desk

Ages 9–12 · 2018

A young girl juggles motel duties, hidden secrets, and dreams of writing.

The Boy on the Wooden Box
Sale price
$999

The Boy on the Wooden Box

Ages 10–15

A young boy's journey from a carefree childhood in rural Poland to surviving the Holocaust through resilience, family, and the unlikely protection of Oskar Schindler.

Fish in a Tree

Ages 10–13 · 2015

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

The Eleventh Trade

Ages 10–14 · 2018

A boy must trade up from a keychain to reclaim his grandfather's stolen instrument.

Journey of the Pale Bear

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A runaway boy must choose between his freedom and saving a captive polar bear.

Wolf Hollow

Ages 10–13 · 2016

A girl confronts escalating cruelty in her town, risking everything to defend an innocent outcast.

Voyage with the Vikings

Ages 7–10 · 2011

Two cousins travel back in time to the Viking era and meet Erik the Red and his son Leif Eriksson.

The Way Home

Ages 7–10 · 2004

A lonely owl named Owly befriends a worm and together they have many adventures.

Keep exploring
Books about helping othersBooks about standing up for othersBooks about bullyingBooks about clothingBooks about coping with deathBooks about depression and mental illnessBooks about empathyBooks about facing fears

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