Kind Reads for Kind Kids

On November 13, the Library joins the whole world in recognizing World Kindness Day! World Kindness Day is a reminder to be kind to ourselves, to others, and to the planet. Picture books are a fantastic tool to use as you introduce socio-emotional concepts to young children.

Readers of all ages may already be familiar with The Feelings Book by Todd Parr—though if you aren’t, we highly recommend it!—so here are a few newer books that celebrate kindness and help little ones to understand big feelings!

Emotions can be tricky to understand at any age, and hard to explain to little ones who might be going through something for the first time. In Tom Percival’s Ruby Finds a Worry, a young girl discovers, for the first time, a big worry that keeps on growing. What will she do to keep her worry at bay? Cori Doerrfeld’s The Rabbit Listened can help young children understand what to do when someone else is upset. In the story, that’s Taylor, who becomes upset when her block castle is destroyed. All the animals think they can help—but the rabbit is the only one who really listens.

It’s never too early to expose your littlest future reader to books about feelings! The adorable Making Faces: A First Book of Emotions features photographs by Molly Magnuson of babies with six facial expressions, and includes a mirror at the end so your child can check out their own expressions. 

Sometimes the best way to understand our feelings is by using colors. The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh, written by Supriya Kelkar and illustrated by Alea Marley, follows a young boy with a different color for every mood and occasion. He especially loves matching his patka, or turban, to his outfits. But when he moves to a new city, he doesn’t feel so sunny yellow. Will he ever feel happy again? For a book that celebrates good feelings, we suggest My Heart Fills with Happiness, by Monique Gray Smith and illustrated by the celebrated Julie Flett. This beautiful board book reminds children and adults alike to cherish the special moments that bring us joy.

Finally, sharing is one of the kindest things we can do, but sometimes it is easier said than done! Irene Dickson’s Blocks is a gentle read to share with young children who are learning how to play kindly with others. 

Happy World Kindness Day to all readers!