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Five Faves: Picture Books About Being Kind

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 As children are learning to act on their big feelings it is good to teach worthwhile skills of kindness. Just like any other talent or skill, being kind to others is something that can be learned, practiced, and improved --and picture books are a fun way to teach such important lessons! Here are five of my favorite picture books that beautifully teach the importance of being kind.

A Little More Beautiful
Written by Sarah Mackenzie
Illustrated by Breezy Brookshire
Spokane, WA: Waxwing Books, 2023. Picture Book.

Lou Alice is an elderly lady who decides that every day she wants to make the world a more beautiful place than the day before. She decides to plant flowers in secret around the town to brighten peoples' days. One day Lou Alice has to move to a retirement home and her days are not filled with as much joy as it seems that everyone has forgotten her. But a little girl had noticed that she was gone and decided to take up her duties of upkeeping the gardens. She brings some of the garden’s flowers to Lou Alice to make her day more beautiful.

Something: One Small Thing Can Make a Difference
Written by Natalee Creech
Illustrated by Pablo Pino
New York: WorthyKids, 2023. Picture Book.

A modern take on the Christian principle of service. Encouraging the reader to look for any opportunity to serve those around them. Being kind and serving others doesn’t require you to be a certain age, to have money, or to make a huge gesture. We can always find opportunities to show kindness if we are looking for them.

Mermaid and Pirate
Written by Tracey Baptiste
Illustrated by Leisl Adams
Chapel Hill, North Carolina: Algonquin Young Readers, 2023. Picture Book.

A storm arises at sea and the pirate's ship is hit with lightning, sending part of the mast into the sea. A mermaid swims to fetch it, but the pirate throws in a net to bring it back at the same time and he accidentally traps the mermaid instead. This is an inconvenient situation for both of them, but the pirate and the mermaid face a couple more obstacles together in the sea and protect one another. An unlikely friendship arises from mutual kindness.

How Do Dinosaurs Learn to Be Kind?
Written by Jane Yolen
Illustrated by Mark Teague
New York: Scholastic Press, 2023. Picture Book.

It is not always easy for a dinosaur to be kind, but it is still important that they learn. With a little recognition and practice, they can learn to be kind just like we can. This book is full beautiful illustrations, rhymes, and life lessons. Part of the popular series by Jane Yolen.

When I Smile: a Book of Kindness
Written by Jo Witek
Illustrated by Christine Roussey
New York: Abrams Appleseed, 2023. Picture Book.

A sweet book about the good behind smiling. Smiles light up peoples' hearts, they spread kindness, they give courage and comfort. Smiles also help us to make new friends and show love to those who we already have relationships with. A good reminder about the power some kindness has.


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