Best Books for Kids about Kindness (2026): 5 Picks

A parent or teacher looking for a read-aloud that teaches more than the alphabet needs the best books for kids about kindness: stories where kind choices drive the plot. This list is for toddlers through early elementary readers, and we compared five picture books and board books by reading age, page count, format and series, using only what each listing publishes.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Each Kindness by Woodson	9.7/10	Buy
2	I Am Human by Verde	9.7/10	Buy
3	Kindness Makes Us Strong by Beer	9.6/10	Buy
4	A Little SPOT of Kindness by Alber	9.6/10	Buy
5	ABCs of Kindness by Hegarty	9.5/10	Buy

1

Each Kindness by Woodson

Jacqueline Woodson·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A picture book about a missed chance to be kind, suited to early elementary readers ready for a serious story.

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Pros

• The listing states it won a Coretta Scott King Honor and the Jane Addams Peace Award
• Reading age 6 - 10 years and grade level Kindergarten - 3 are both stated
• 32-page illustrated picture book from Nancy Paulsen Books

Cons

• The description centers on a girl excluded by classmates; preview for sensitive readers
• Reading age is marked as from customers, not the publisher
• 2012 publication date is the oldest stated here

2

I Am Human by Verde

Susan Verde·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

An empathy picture book with a guided meditation, suited to young children learning about feelings and good choices.

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Pros

• Includes a guided meditation, per the description
• Reading age 3 - 7 years and grade level Preschool - 3 are both stated
• 32-page illustrated book from Harry N. Abrams

Cons

• Feelings of fear and sadness appear in the description; preview for very young readers
• Reading age is marked as from customers, not the publisher
• Part of the I Am series, so young readers may ask for the companion books

3

Kindness Makes Us Strong by Beer

Sophie Beer·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A board book of small kind acts, suited to toddlers and preschool read-alouds.

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Pros

• Board book format suits the stated reading age of 1 - 3 years
• 26 illustrated pages of everyday kind acts
• Published by Dial Books in 2019

Cons

• Reading age is marked as from customers, not the publisher
• No grade level is stated
• 26 pages is the shortest of the main picks

4

A Little SPOT of Kindness by Alber

Diane Alber·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A story about choosing kindness at school and home, suited to preschool and early elementary readers.

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Pros

• Reading age 3 - 6 years is stated
• 32-page story about kind choices at school and home
• Part of a SPOT book series

Cons

• Reading age is marked as from customers, not the publisher
• No grade level is stated
• No publisher is stated in the listing data

5

ABCs of Kindness by Hegarty

Patricia Hegarty·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

An alphabet board book about kindness, suited to babies and toddlers.

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Pros

• Alphabet format teaches letters alongside kindness
• 22-page board book built for the youngest readers
• Part of the Books of Kindness series

Cons

• Reading age of Baby - 2 years is marked as from customers, not the publisher
• 22 pages is the shortest book here
• No grade level is stated

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More picks to compare

• Be Kind by MillerFor ages 3 to 6, explores what kindness means.Check on Amazon
• The Kindness Book by ParrPlayful intro to kindness, ages 2 to 7.Check on Amazon
• We're Better Together by SpinelliTeamwork and friendship, ages 2 to 5.Check on Amazon
• What Does It Mean to Be Kind by DiOrioKindness as a daily choice, ages 4 to 8.Check on Amazon
• Friendship Is Forever by HegartyFriendship board book, baby to 3 years.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 17 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or grade level where one is given. Four of the five picks state a reading age (all marked as from customers) and two state a grade level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best books for kids about kindness

Match the reading age, not the shelf

Reading ages here run from Baby – 2 years (ABCs of Kindness) to 6 – 10 years (Each Kindness), and every one is marked as from customers, not the publisher. Treat the listing’s age as a starting point and check the grade level too: Each Kindness lists Kindergarten – 3 and I Am Human lists Preschool – 3. For older readers, browse our middle grade books lists.

Board book or picture book

The two board books, Kindness Makes Us Strong (26 pages) and ABCs of Kindness (22 pages), suit babies and toddlers. The three picture books run 32 pages each. Each Kindness carries the heaviest theme, a missed chance at friendship, so preview it first. If kindness clicks, our books about making friends list continues the theme.

Before you buy

• Check the edition and publication date on the listing; illustrated editions and page counts vary.
• Match the reading age and grade level against your reader; every reading age here is marked as from customers.
• For series books (the I Am books, A Little SPOT, Books of Kindness), check which book comes first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which book suits a 7 year old?

Each Kindness lists a reading age of 6 – 10 years and grade level Kindergarten – 3, the best fit here for a 7 year old. I Am Human lists 3 – 7 years.

Which of these are board books?

Kindness Makes Us Strong (26 pages) and ABCs of Kindness (22 pages). The other three are 32-page picture books.

Do any of these mention difficult themes?

Each Kindness centers on a girl excluded by classmates, and I Am Human names feelings of fear and sadness. Preview both for sensitive readers.

Still deciding? Our top pickEach Kindness by Woodson

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Related lists

See every picture books list and all kids and teens books lists.

More lists: books about making friends, books about sharing, books about manners.