Books About Selflessness

The Best Selflessness Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about selflessness? 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.

Goat's Coat
#5 in Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Selflessness

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$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1955

Christmas Day in the Morning

By Pearl S. Buck, Mark Buehner (Illustrator)

A boy seeks the perfect Christmas gift for his father without spending money.

32 pages· 1,266 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
6.5/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,405 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: On Christmas Eve, young Rob faces a dilemma: how to show his love for his father with little money. As the clock ticks, he discovers a gift that transcends material value. In this touching tale, Rob learns that the best presents come from the heart. Will his heartfelt gesture capture the true spirit of Christmas? This timeless story, enriched with vibrant illustrations, invites readers to explore the essence of giving and love during the holiday season.
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2018

Goat's Coat

By Tom Percival, Christine Pym (Illustrator)

A goat must choose between his prized coat and helping those in need.

32 pages· 579 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 335 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Alfonzo the goat is thrilled with his new coat, feeling on top of the world. But when he hears cries from creatures in distress, he's faced with a tough decision. Will Alfonzo sacrifice his beloved coat to lend a helping hand? This heartwarming tale explores the true power of kindness and friendship, challenging Alfonzo to discover what truly matters. As he prances through his day, the choice he makes could change everything. Dive into this delightful story to see if Alfonzo's heart is as big as his love for his coat.
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2002

The Spiffiest Giant in Town

A giant's new clothes lead to unexpected acts of kindness and self-discovery.

32 pages· 1,097 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 5,572 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: George the giant transforms from scruffy to spiffy with a new outfit, but his journey home is filled with animals in need. As he helps each one, he gives away his new clothes, discovering that true worth lies within. Will George find fulfillment in generosity, or will he miss his new look? This heartwarming tale explores the power of kindness and the true essence of character.
Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2020

Dragon's Merry Christmas

By Dav Pilkey · Book #5 in the Dragon series

A dragon celebrates Christmas by decorating a tree, making a candy wreath, and buying presents for himself and others.

64 pages· 731 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 845 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Join Dragon as he embarks on a festive adventure, finding a Christmas tree, crafting a wreath, and shopping for gifts. But can his holiday spirit reveal the true essence of Christmas? With humor and heart, this tale invites young readers to explore the joy of giving and the magic of the season. Discover new bonus content, including how-to-draw pages, in this delightful story that encourages reading confidence and fluency. Will Dragon's journey lead to a deeper understanding of the holiday's true meaning?
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2019

Wish

Rabbit receives three wishes and must decide how to use them.

32 pages· 536 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 422 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Rabbit is granted three magical wishes but struggles to choose. Seeking advice from friends Mouse, Fox, and Bear, he selflessly gives his wishes away. In a heartwarming twist, his friends' gratitude leads to shared joy and unexpected surprises. What will Rabbit's kindness bring him in return?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2012

Fancy Nancy: Too Many Tutus

A young girl navigates her closet full of tutus and learns to share and grow up

32 pages· 548 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 564 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Nancy's closet is bursting with tutus, but her mom insists she must part with some. At school, a swap-and-shop event challenges Nancy to decide: trade her beloved tutus or keep them? When she discovers the tutu of her dreams, will she make the ultimate trade? Join Nancy in this delightful tale of fashion, friendship, and tough choices.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1959

Magic or Not?

By Edward Eager, N. M. Bodecker (Illustrator) · Book #5 in the Tales of Magic series

A wishing well leads to unexpected adventures and mysteries. Is it magic or something else?

208 pages· 37,359 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 2,732 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Laura's new home has a mysterious wishing well. With her neighbor Lydia, she embarks on thrilling adventures, saving a house, finding a lost heir, and solving a desk's mystery. But is the well truly magical, or is there another explanation for their summer escapades? Discover the truth in this enchanting tale of friendship and curiosity.
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2016

We Found a Hat

By Jon Klassen · Book #3 in the The Hat Trilogy series

Two friends find a hat and must decide what to do with it.

48 pages· 200 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
5.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 9,290 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a desert, two turtles stumble upon a single hat that suits them both perfectly. With fairness in mind, they agree to leave it behind. But as night falls, temptation stirs, and one turtle's resolve wavers. Will friendship or desire prevail? This whimsical tale unfolds with humor and unexpected twists, capturing the essence of choice and consequence.
Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 1964

The Giving Tree

A tree and a young boy form a deep bond as the boy grows up and the tree provides for him in various ways.

64 pages· 617 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
5.0/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,260,114 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a timeless tale, a tree loves a boy unconditionally, offering her apples, branches, and trunk. As the boy grows, his demands increase, and the tree gives selflessly. This poignant story explores the depths of giving and the bittersweet nature of love, leaving readers to ponder: How much can one give, and what is the true cost of love?
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 1993

Stanley's Christmas Adventure

By Jeff Brown, Scott Nash (Illustrator) · Book #5 in the Flat Stanley series

A young girl travels to a boy's house to ask for his help in saving Christmas

80 pages· 4,774 words· Est. 54 min read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 1,522 ratings
$17.25Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Santa Claus is in a terrible mood and plans to skip delivering presents this year, believing children no longer appreciate Christmas. Sarah Claus calls on the Lambchop family for help. Can Flat Stanley prove to Santa that good children still exist and save the holiday? Join Stanley on a festive adventure to restore Christmas cheer and change Santa's mind. Will he succeed in time?
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