Children’s books about kindness, empathy and love
Children’s books about kindness, empathy and love Here’s our selection of great books to read with children, share with a class, discuss in circle time or PSHE or talk about in the classroom on the subjects of kindness, empathy and love. We’ve put together an uplifting and diverse selection of recommendations for preschool, primary-aged and secondary children and teens including stories, picture books and poetry by Joanna Nadin, Laura Dockrill, Kerry Drewery, Malcolm Duffy, Dan Smith, Alice Oseman, Jess McGeachin, Michael Rosen, Catherine Rayner, Satoshi Kitamura, Suma Subramaniam, Benjamin Dean, R J Palacio and more.
Children’s books about kindness, empathy and love – our recommendations
Kindness love and empathy books for children aged 3-6
The Boy, the Troll and the Chalk by Anne Booth and David Litchfield
The Boy, the Troll and the Chalk, stunningly illustrated by David Litchfield, tells the story of a child who befriends a troll through shared chalk drawings. As they complete each other’s art, the boy discovers the troll is, in fact, another boy looking for friendship. Highlighting the themes of kindness, empathy, and the therapeutic power of art, this book is perfect for teaching and reading with 5-8 year olds. Highly recommended.
I Love You to the Moon and Back: All Year Long by Amelia Hepworth
In this delightful sequel to the beloved I Love You to the Moon and Back, Amelia Hepworth and illustrator Tim Warnes invite young readers into a charming exploration of the changing seasons and the enduring love between parent and child. As Bear and Little Bear navigate spring’s new growth, summer’s sunny play days, the crunch of fall leaves, and the enchantment of winter snowflakes, their bond remains unbreakable. The beautifully illustrated journey captures the joy of shared moments throughout the year. With a rhythmic cadence, the verses express the various activities that the bears cherish together, creating a perfect bedtime read that reinforces the warmth of love in every season.
Hello!: A Counting Book of Kindnesses by Hollis Kurman
A simple counting format is blended with a powerful message of hope as young readers follow a family escaping danger on a small boat and with the help of others, finding safety and security. Hello is an empathetic, humane and kind antidote to xenophobic rhetoric, suited both to ‘people who help us’ topics with younger children and discussions about refugees, migration and tolerance in KS2.
High Top: Sole Mates by Tom Lacey
In his second adventure, the enthusiastic sneaker High Top finds new and creative ways to show his friends just how much he loves them. Suitable for 3-6 year olds, this story promotes kindness and offers valuable opportunities to discuss empathy and the value of friendships. The bold illustrations and exuberant typography make this an excellent picture book to read to classes in EYFS.
Under the Same Sky by Britta Teckentrup.
Kind by Alison Green.
The Boy Who Loved Everyone by Jane Porter. The Kiss by Eoin McLaughlin and Polly Dunbar
This clever picture book tells the stories of Tiger and Crocodile as they search high and low for the perfect goodnight kiss. One half of the book follows Tiger, and the other, flipped over, follows Crocodile. A delightful and heartwarming ending blends both stories and families in the middle. It’s a joy to read to younger children.
Kindness Grows by Britta Teckentrup.
We’re All Wonders by R.J. Palacio.
Two by Kathryn OtoshiFive Bears by Catherine Rayner
When Bear encounters another bear while out walking, the two bears bond and concentrate on what they have in common. By the end of the story, there are five bears, each one unique and celebrated for their inclusiveness and warm-heartedness. This text, which is cleverly written to be positive and gender-neutral, will be useful to explore in circle time and PSHE when discussing friendships and how to relate to people who are different from us. We particularly liked ‘Other Bear,’ with his wild hair, and the recurring and vibrant watercolour collaged leaves. Our picture book of the month for July 2022.
Detective Catz and the Missing Nut by Marjoke Henrichs
As Detective Catz struggles to crack his first case he doesn’t realise how much he has achieved. But his friends encourage him, and readers will learn the value of perseverance and kindness. This uplifting picture book story promotes empathy, determination and self-confidence, making it ideal to read and share with nursery and EYFS children. Free resources.
My Beautiful Voice by Joseph Coelho & Alison Colpoys.
Every Child A Song by Nicola Davies & Marc Martin.
The Invisible by Tom Percival.Namaste Is a Greeting by Suma Subramaniam, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat
A young girl discovers a gift for the elderly lady who lives next door while exploring the lively and vibrant city. However, the gift of a greeting is just as valuable as the gift in her hand. Namaste is a Greeting is an upbeat and moving picture book that exudes positivity, warmth, and kindness. Our picture book of the month for December 2022.
The Smile Shop by Satoshi Kitamura
When a young boy goes shopping for the first time, he loses his pocket money just before deciding to buy something. Disaster! But then he comes across a ‘Smile Shop’ and enters. A modern fable that is ideal for sharing, reading aloud, and discussing with students.
Kind by Jess McGeachin
Be kind to ‘those who flutter’, ‘those who weave’, ‘those with shells’ and ‘those who glitter’ says this evocative hardback picture book that celebrates the value of life in every form. Exploring themes of protecting the environment, tolerance and the world around us, this is a beautiful book to share with younger children or use as an impetus for writing rhyming poetry in KS2. Kind is the perfect book to read, discuss, and celebrate on the 13th of November – World Kindness Day – and as the cover strapline says, it’s ‘a call to care for every creature.’
My Friend Andy by Emma Chinnery
Fluffy the dog sees fellow canine Andy every day with Mum and Lily as they walk through the city – but there’s never an opportunity to play. But one day, Fluffy gets lost, and only Andy can help resolve the situation. This thought-provoking picture book tackles themes of homelessness, empathy and character perspective. With sensitive and evocative artwork, My Friend Andy is both a positive story to read with infants and an excellent prompt for discussions about how everyone’s life is different with KS1 and KS2 pupils.
Kindness, empathy and love books for children aged 7-9
The Last Bear by Hannah Gold.
Michael Rosen’s Sticky McStickstick: The Friend Who Helped Me Walk Again by Michael Rosen and Tony Ross. Our picture book of the month for November 2021.
Two Sides by Polly Ho-YenHere We Are by Oliver Jeffers
Oliver Jeffers’ heartwarming gift of words to his young son, now available in paperback, seeks to explain our world, the universe, and how people and families all fit into it. The breathtaking illustrations make this a joy to read and share. A contemporary classic.
Nen and the Lonely Fisherman by Ian Eagleton.
Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love.
Hey, Little Ant by Phillip and Hannah HooseStories of Peace and Kindness For a Better World by Elizabeth Laird
This diverse collection of folk tales, which includes traditional stories from Ethiopia, China, and Afghanistan, is also suitable for primary school assembly storytelling or reading to whole classes in KS2 PSHE. Stories of Peace and Kindness is a wonderful storybook proponent of the maxim “be kind,” with enchanting illustrations by Mehrdokht Amini and lyrical text by Elizabeth Laird.
Kindness, empathy and love books for children aged 10-12
Junonia by Kevin Henkes.
Sona Sharma – A Friend Indeed by Chitra Soundar.
Echo Mountain by Lauren WolkThe Secret Sunshine Project by Benjamin Dean
When a family tragedy turns Bea’s life upside down, her big sister Riley is determined to restore their joy and pride. So, with the assistance of friends, the Secret Sunshine Club is formed. But will their rays of sunshine be enough to overcome a small-minded village? With a stunningly colourful cover, exuberant diversity, and a rainbow printed fore-edge, this book will stand out in any library display and beg to be explored. Our fiction book of the month for April 2022.
When Life Gives You Mangoes by Kereen Getten.
In Her Element by Jamila Gavin.
The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh by Helen RutterKindness, empathy and love books for young adults and teens aged 12+
No Man’s Land by Joanna Nadin.
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman.
The Deepest Breath by Meg GrehanNisha’s War by Dan Smith
This story follows Nisha and her mother as they flee Malaya in 1942 to live with relatives in England. Life on a cold windswept clifftop house in the north is very different. Nisha initially finds the clash between her culture and English life difficult to comprehend, until she meets a mysterious boy who is not what he appears to be. This atmospheric story is ideal to teach as a class reader in years five or six. Nisha’s War, full of evocative descriptions and well-drawn characters, is also a good novel to spark creative writing ideas, as well as a great story to compare and contrast with Nina Bawden’s Carrie’s War. Our fiction book of the month for February 2022.
Read Between the Lies by Malcolm Duffy.
Evolution by Zelda Conway.
The Last Paper Crane by Kerry DreweryThe Dream House by Laura Dockrill
This young adult novella takes readers on a visual and illustrated journey through Rex’s thoughts, fears, recollections, and dreams. The reader learns from Rex’s scrapbook and first-person narrative that after his father died, he went to live with his godfather. Rex’s once-cherished safe haven in the garden now feels different, and he must confront his emotions in order to feel happy again. The Dream House is an excellent choice for KS3 book group discussions and is sure to spark creative writing ideas in English classes. A refreshing read that will be remembered for a long time. Our fiction book of the month for September 2021.
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Kindness, empathy and love topic resources
- World Kindness Day is held each year on November 13th – a great way to develop a culture of empathy, kindness and understanding throughout your whole school.
- UNESCO has created a great set of free resources designed to help teachers instil kindness and empathy in the classroom.
- BBC Teach features a raft of free video and classroom resources to help deliver Empathy Day – held annually in June – in primary and secondary schools.
- The Kindness Curriculum offers a full set of resources for primary and secondary-aged students, underpinned by research-based teaching and practice.
- Scholastic’s “Building a culture of kindness” articles include ideas for educational administrators and free resources for teachers of 6-12-year-olds.
- The Red Cross has procured an interesting and engaging set of free resources for teachers of children and teenagers aged 5-18 covering kindness, loneliness, well-being and much more.
- The National Improvement Hub in Scotland has a comprehensive upper primary resource that’s free to download and would form an excellent basis for building a new PHSE programme or study around kindness and empathy.
- Harvard University Graduate School of Education recommends “Making Caring Common“, a free and complete curriculum for primary-aged children. It’s an excellent resource for whole staff insets.
