Children’s Books for Kindness

It’s pretty safe to say that each and every one of us has books from our childhood that have stayed with us to this day. Those stories that, when you think back, leave you feeling warm and uplifted, that you can still remember page for page, and probably inspired you in ways that you didn’t even realise.

That is the power in reading, exploring worlds and characters which capture the imagination, boosting creativity and confidence, helping children to find safe places of comfort, and providing them with time to relax and a sense of contentment. All the while, taking in important life lessons and learning.

Books help us all to gain an understanding of difficult subjects and topics, from picture books for toddlers right through to the tales we read as adults. If you look carefully at the children’s section in your local bookshop, you will see an abundance of titles dedicated to teaching children about wellbeing and emotions, teaching them the values of kindness, confidence, sharing, gratitude, and inner strength.

For Children’s Book Week (November 7th and 13th), Social Media Kindness Day (9th November), and Anti-Bullying Week (November 14th to 18th), we wanted share just a small selection of books thoughtfully written and illustrated with children’s emotions and learning in mind. Books that you can cuddle up to, read together, and laugh and talk about.

Books for children aged 2 to 8:

• My Pet Star: A gentle, magical story about the importance of kindness with a positive message about letting go. By author Corrinne Averiss for children aged 2 to 5.
• Kindness is my Superpower: A children's Book About Empathy, Kindness and Compassion by author Alicia Ortego. You’ll also find titles about ‘Confidence’, ‘Gratitude’, ‘Honesty’, ‘Breathing’, ‘Acceptance’ and ‘Patience’ in this series for children aged 3 to 6.
• Kind: this book explores all the different ways we can be kind, written by Alison Green with illustrations by Axel Scheffler and 38 international illustrators. For ages 4 to 8.
• The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse: While the suggested age for this book by Charlie Mackesy is 6 and over, we know this is a favourite amongst adults, too.
• Two Sides: a story about two friends who have an argument and learn that there are two sides to every story. By author Polly Ho-Yen for children aged 7 and over.
• The Night Bus Hero: a book about a bully who races to restore justice. By author Onjali Q. Raúf for ages 7 and over.

Books for children aged 8 to 12:

• Cloud Busting: the story of an unlikely yet extraordinary friendship, tackling the issues of bullying in school. Written by author Malorie Blackman for children aged 8 and over.
• Buried Alive: one of author Jacqueline Wilson’s many classics. This story focuses on friendship and bullying, for children aged 8 and over.
• The Girl with Space in her Heart: This moving book explores a range of sensitive issues, including anxiety, depression, bullying and family break-up. By author Lara Williamson for children aged 8 and over.
• The Boy with the Butterfly Mind: a book with a sensitive depiction of ADHD, about acceptance, openness, mental health, and the intricacy of family dynamics. By author Victoria Williamson for children aged 9 and over.
• My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece: grief, terrorism, racism, and bullying are sensitively at the forefront of this story by author Annabel Pitcher. For children aged 10 and over.
• The Soup Movement: one day, a boy gives a homeless man some soup and ends up secretly running a soup kitchen. By author Ben Davies for children aged 10 and over.

Books for children aged 12 and over:

• 7 Days: A shorter story but a strong, relevant message of anti-bullying by author Eve Ainsworth. For children aged 12 and over.
• Heartstopper: this love story, a book with an illustrative graphic novel format, is described as accessible, inclusive and completely delightful. By author Alice Oseman for children aged 12 and over.
• We Are All Made of Molecules: difficult friend and family relationships are the focus of this story by author Susin Nielson, for ages 12 and over.
• Paper Weight: Sensitive issues including eating disorders, tragedy, and family relationships are covered in this story by Meg Haston, for children aged 12 and over.
• The Perks of Being a Wallflower: Known as a modern classic for teenagers and young adults, this book covers the journey of Charlie’s self-discovery. By Stephen Chbosky for ages 14 and over.
• Echo Boy: A classic from author Matt Haig about love, loss and what makes us truly human. For children aged 12 and over.

For many, many more recommendations, the Book Trust is an excellent resource, with lists and book finder to help you in finding suitable stories for your children.

Happy reading!