There is a concept that I love called paying it forward where you do something nice for someone and in return they pay it forward by doing something nice for someone else. Many people feel like this concept is what life is all about and I would have to agree. Here is a list of some picture books that talk about being kind and paying it forward.
Written by Marcy Campbell
Illustrated by Francesca Sanna
Alfred A. Knopf, 2022. Picture Book.
A story about a family that loves each other and teaches the importance of being patient with each other, giving lots of hugs, and caring for one another. A grandmother teaches her grandson how to show kindness and love by example. They plant a seed together and tend it, watching it grow into an oak tree. The knowledge and love the grandmother taught her grandson is passed down to other generations by the boy. This is a beautiful story that shows that love should be nurtured and passed on along with wisdom and traditions. The people in our lives should be nurtured and shown kindness. This story reminded me a little of the giving tree and how the legacy of love can be passed down through generations.
Written by Refiloe Moahloli
Illustrated by Zinelda McDonald
Amazon Crossing Kids, 2022. Picture Book.
This book is written about a south African belief call ubuntu which is the idea that we are all connected. We may look different, come from different places but we are all one. This is a beautiful concept and the book demonstrates this idea through simple text and charming illustrations. Ubuntu is about love, celebrating friendship and showing kindness to others. A message of acceptance and showing compassion and kindness to everyone.
Written and Illustrated by Pearl Auyeung
Page Street Kids, 2022. Picture Book.
A young girl in Hong Kong is promised a mooncake with a double-yolk center and she is so excited to have and enjoy this special treat. However, before she can eat her mooncake a stranger stumbles into town. He is tired and hungry and he falls to his knees begging for some food. The young girl feels sorry for the stranger and decides to give her precious mooncake to him. Her kindness inspires others to help the stranger. This simple act of kindness was an inspiration to others and reminded them of their own hardships. A wonderful story about the impact kindness and generosity can have on others.
Written by Stephen Briseno
Illustrated by Magdalena Mora
Random House Studio, 2022. Picture Book.
An emotional story about a family who leaves their home in Mexico to come to the United States. When they arrive at the border they learn they must wait for asylum. As they are waiting, this young girl and her mother are shown empathy and kindness by other refugees who are also waiting. A kind woman known as "The Notebook Keeper" records names and dates of people who are waiting to enter the US and she shows compassion to the girl and her mother. Every day she offers encouragement and hope to them. When the notebook keeper is called and allowed to enter the US she must pass the notebook on. The little girl and her mother are eventually chosen to be the new notebook keeper because of the kindness and compassion they have shown others. A beautiful story about kindness, hope and community.
Written by Rina Horiuchi
Illustrated by Risa Horiuchi
Penguin Random House LLC, 2022. Picture Book.
Adorable animals tell the story of kindness as they go through the alphabet. There are many different kinds of kindness and the story shows kindness through the endearing illustrations and short verses. This sweet story incorporates the alphabet while teaching young children how to be kind. A picture book for younger readers that teaches them how to care for others.
Comments