In fact, research has shown that reading fiction promotes empathy and helpful behavior towards others, especially people who are unlike themselves. Reading these picture books will provide a valuable starting point for conversations with young children about what it means to have empathy, and not just sympathy, for others.

So, the next time you are choosing read aloud books, be sure to include a few of these titles and start a conversation with your child about empathy. Be sure to also check out our list of chapter books and novels to teach empathy.

Note: this list contains Amazon and Bookshop affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may earn a commission for this blog. Bookshop also supports independent bookstores.

You Go First by Ariel Bernstein, illustrated by Marc Rosenthal

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In this delightful book, Duck is very excited about trying out the new twisty playground slide. Yet, her friend, Cat, continues to come up with excuses why they shouldn't venture down the slide. It's clear to the reader that Cat's protestations are a result of anxiety, even as Duck continues to express enthusiasm for the slide. Eventually, it appears that Cat has succeeded in dissuaded Duck from trying out the slide and now Cat feels bad. The resolution reveals that both friends harbor deep empathy for one another. Ages 3 and up.

The Boy and the Whale by Mordicai Gerstein

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A boy and his father are out fishing when they come across a whale trapped in a net. The father is very concerned about the net and wants them to leave the whale, arguing that a rescue attempt would be too difficult. The boy, however, does not want to abandon the creature and is determined, despite the emotional and physical effort, to rescue the whale. An important story about the determination to do the right thing by others, even if it's difficult (and even if they are animals). Ages 4 and up.

I Walk with Vanessa by Kerascoët

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This lovely title is a wordless book about the power of kindness and its role in creating friendships. New girl, Vanessa, is being bullied by a schoolmate. Another girl sees this happen and after some thought decides to walk with Vanessa to school. Soon they are joined by others and the bully retreats. I love how this simple book can start an important conversation about how being the first person to do the right thing can help others to find the courage to follow. Ages 4 and up.

MORE: Children's books about kindness

A Rainy Day Story by Ruth Calderon, illustrated by Noa Kelner

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This Talmudic story teaches the universal value of considering the needs of others as well as oneself. Rabbi Hanina is walking home in the rain. Illustrations depict an unhappy man, but birds, frogs and other creatures enjoying the pleasures of the rain. The Rabbi asks God why it must rain and cause him so much discomfort and displeasure. When God stops the rain at his request, Rabbi Hanina notices that while he may be content, the rest of the world now suffers. Children will want to discuss the Rabbi's choices and his change of heart. An endnote includes the original Babylonian Talmud text (Taanit 24b) in both Hebrew and English. Ages 4 and up.

Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Meddour, illustrated by Daniel Egnéus

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Lubna and her father are refugees. They live temporarily at the "World of Tents". Lubna has no toys so she picks up a pebble, gives it a face, and turns it into her friend. This book is surprisingly emotional, highlighting Lubna's creativity and resiliency. In the midst of an unstable situation, Pebble provides comfort. When Lubna meets Amir, a boy refugee on his own, the two become friends and play with Pebble. When Lubna and her father then get word they will travel to a new country, Lubna finds courage and gives Pebble to Amir. Ages 5 and up.

The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld

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Taylor (the child's gender is ambiguous) is building a block tower when a bird comes and knocks it over. Taylor is very upset and several animals come over to try and fix the situation. They go about it all wrong, however. They shout, vow revenge or try to dismiss Taylor's grief. It's not exactly comforting. The rabbit, however, listens, allowing Taylor to experience an entire range of emotions over the loss of thier tower. I absolutely adored this book and parents will learn a good lesson for themselves when reading it, too! Ages 3 and up. Also read Doorrfeld's book, Beneath.

MORE: Children's books to build emotional intelligence

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis

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New girl, Maya, finds herself alone at school. Her obvious poverty sets her apart and the other children reject her overtures of friendship, giving into their own biases. Another girl, Chloe, narrates the action and the way the other children reject Maya, including her own admission, “She’s not my friend.” One day, their teacher drops a stone into a bowl of water to demonstrate how powerful the ripples from a single act of kindness can be. “Even small things count,” she says. Chloe decides that the next day she will be kind to Maya, but Maya never returns to school and Chloe regrets that she never grabbed her chance to do the right thing, an important lesson. This book could so easily sink into the depressing and didactic, but Woodson’s beautiful text elevates the story into a moving reminder to show kindness every chance we get. Ages 5 and up.

The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story by Aya Khalil, illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan

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The Arabic Quilt is an essential addition to your diverse, anti-bias bookshelf. Kanzi and her family recently immigrated from Egypt and Kanji is nervous about being different from her classmates. However, a class project involving a paper collage quilt of students’ names written in Arabic provides a catalyst for all the students to learn about the importance of valuing diversity and different languages. Lovely, heartwarming and uplifting. Ages 5 and up.

MORE: Children's picture books about refugees

Mae's First Day of School by Kate Berube

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Mae is very nervous about going to school! She has particular anxieties about missing her mother, not being able to perform certain tasks. When she gets to school she climbs a tree, as does another little girl who has first day jitters. An empathetic teacher, Ms. Pearl joins them and explains her nerves, too! Ages 4 and up.

I Am Human: A Book of Empathy by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

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A child (not specified as a boy, but will read that way to most people) details all the things that makes them human. In the opening pages, they declare, "I was born. A miracle! One of billions but unique!” After that, in straightforward terms, the child explains how they have feelings, how they see the world, the choices they can make and how those choices can affect others. The book ends on a positive note, "I will keep trying to be the best version of me." Ages 3 and up.

Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchevby, illustrated by Taeeun Yoo

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In this popular picture book about the rewards of standing up for one's friends, a boy brings his elephant to a Pet Club. When he arrives, he finds out that his pet friend is not welcome. However, he refuses to go along with the exclusionary group and remains loyal to his pet. Instead forms an alternative club with other children whose unusual pet friends have been similarly rejected. Ages 3 and up.

MORE: Children's Books about Standing Up for Others

Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts, illustrated by Noah Z. Jones

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Jeremy wants the latest pair of trendy shoes. All his friends have them but his grandmother can't afford to buy him a pair. Jeremy finds a pair at a thrift store and buys them even though they are too small. When he makes friend with a kid at school who needs them more than he does, he gives them to him. I love how this book is honest about the struggles Jeremy has about giving the shoes away. He really wants to keep them for himself but in the end does the right thing on his own. Jeremy feels embarrassed about the shoes he does have to wear and that doesn't disappear, making the act of kindness even more powerful. Ages 5 and up.

MORE: 42 Books about Strong and Gentle Boys

I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott, illustrated by Sydney Smith

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A boy who stutters describes what it feels like to be unable to get out the words that flow through his mind and how his father has taught him that he "talks like a river." The boy and his dad head down to the river after a bad day and the water offers comfort while his dad describes how his speech is sometimes choppy, sometimes smooth, sometimes churning, just like the river. A gorgeous, compassionate picture book not to be missed. Ages 4 and up.

Look Up! by Jung Jin-Ho

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A girl in a wheelchair gazes over her balcony onto the sidewalk below. She calls to passersbys to “Look up!,” but they ignore her until one young boy looks up and then lies down in order to look up at her. This is such an unusual and interesting book. Kids will love talking about both the perspective of the girl and the people on the sidewalk, as well as how being aware of our surroundings will help us see how to be generous to others. Ages 4 and up.

MORE: Disability in children's picture books

Will It Be Okay? by Crescent Dragonwagon, illustrated by Jessica Love

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Will It Be Okay? not only provides kids with the reassurance they need when they ask important and scary questions, it sneakily gives parents a roadmap for how to talk to their children! The narration is written as a dialogue between mother and child, with the child asking questions that are sometimes simple, such as "What if it snows?" and other times emotionally complex, like "What if I'm mad at everyone?" The parent gives straightforward answers that acknowledge but do not diminish the child's fears, but also provide suggestions for how to handle their anxieties. A must-read book. Ages 3-103.

MORE: Books that Offer Hope and Reassurance

The Spiffiest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

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George is a very scruffy giant! He decides to get a haircut and a new set of clothes and… voilà! He becomes the spiffiest giant in town. However, as he travels through the area singing a little ditty about his spiffy-ness he encounters others who need his help. He makes a present of his tie to a giraffe with a cold neck, offers his sock to a fox who needs a sleeping bag, and before you know it, he's gifted away all his new clothes. His kindness does not go unnoticed and soon he receives a gift more precious than the clothes he gave away. Ages 3 and up.

Say Hello by Jack Foreman

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

With only a few words per double page spread, we see a lonely dog looking for a friend. Soon he is accepted by a group of children playing soccer and a similar tale begins with a lonely boy. The boy voices his thoughts about what it is like to feel left out. When the dog's ball rolls over to him, the group of children, "say hello!" A deceptively simple book with a big message. Ages 3 and up

Addy's Cup of Sugar by Jon J. Muth

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

As with his other books, Muth draws upon Buddhism to help kids understand big emotions and tough subjects. After Addy's kitten is killed by a car, she turns to Stillwater the Panda to help her through her grief. Stillwater tells her he can help her, but only after he gets a cup of sugar from a household that has never experienced death. Addy sees that her feelings are shared by many and learns that her kitten will be treasured through memories. As always, Muth's illustrations are majestic and moving. Ages 4 and up.

MORE: Best Children's books about death and grief

The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade by Justin Roberts, illustrated by Christian Robinson

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Sally may be small but she is the most observant kid in the class. She notices everything, especially when someone else is being bullied or teased. Sally decides the right thing to do is to stand up for others, and teach her peers about kindness. I liked this book a lot and how it emphasized that you can be kind no matter what your stature—physically or socially. Ages 3 and up.

MORE: Picture Books that Teach Meaningful Values

A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Mika Song

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Henry looks about his classroom, he notices all the details about the objects and his fellow classmates. He is looking for a friend and wonders how he will fit in. As he tries to find a child to be his friend, there are some misunderstandings and set-backs, and a bit of sensory overload at times. All children will recognize the challenges and rewards that come with learning how to be a friend. Ages 3 and up.

What Is Given from the Heart by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by April Harrison

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A pastor announces to the congregation that they will be making "love boxes" for those in need, for “what is given from the heart reaches the heart.” At first, James Otis, a boy with very little himself, has trouble seeing what he can possibly give a family that lost everything in a fire. His mama turns their tablecloth into an apron and James Otis searches his heart and discovers there is always something you can give someone else. This is McKissack's final picture book. Read it! Ages 4 and up.

Rude Cakes by Rowboat Watkins

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Kids will love this quirky book about a cake with no manners. The cake in question never says please, never shares, never waits its turn -- you get the idea. One day a giant cyclops comes along and turns the rude cake into a cute hat. (I said it was a quirky book!) This is the important catalyst that turns Rude Cake around, and they learn that perhaps they should think about others before themself. Ages 3 and up.

Sam and the Lucky Money by Karen Chinn, illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu

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Sam is excited to be able to spend his lucky Lunar New Year money. He has four dollars and his mom has told him he can buy anything he wants. On their trip through the neighborhood Sam notices a homeless man with bare feet. As he contemplates how to spend his money he gets frustrated that the four dollars is never enough to buy what he wants. His mother reminds him to appreciate what he has. During a second encounter with the homeless man, Sam understands how he can best spend his money. Ages 5 and up.

A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams

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Familial love is a great motivator. The narrator, a young girl, describes how her family lost everything in a fire. They found a new home and their neighbors donated furniture but what they lacked was a comfortable chair for her mother to rest in after her days of work as a waitress. The family saves their change in a jar and when the coins finally reach the top, they set off to buy the perfect chair. The story is quietly appealing and shares a valuable lesson not just about perseverance and love, but about recognizing that for many families, having a good chair is a luxury. Ages 4 and up.

Sparkle Boy by Lesléa Newman, illustrated by Maria Mola

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Casey loves all things that sparkle. Yes, he loves to play with trucks and blocks, but when he sees sparkly skirts and jewelry he wants those too. The grownups are all accepting and let Casey be himself, but his sister Jesse is skeptical and insists that sparkly stuff is not for boys. However, one day at the library when another child teases him, Jesse stands up for her brother. Sometimes it takes a while for a child to find their voice, but this book shows that it's never too late. Ages 4 and up.

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña

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A boy and his grandma catch the bus. We don't yet know where they are headed, but along the way the boy asks questions about why they don't have certain luxuries. He wants to know why they don't have a car or an iPod. The grandma has a ready answer about the advantages of what they do have and encourages him to think of positive aspects of lacking material goods. Ages 4 and up.

MORE: Children's books about generosity

Tight Times by Barbara Shook Hazen, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

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A boy wants a dog, but his parents tell him "times are tight." One day his father loses his job and the boy heads out to the stoop while his parents talk. Outside he finds a cat. It's not a dog, but his parents let him keep it. The book offers no tidy solutions. Their troubles are not solved, the father does not miraculously get a new job. Instead, life goes on and readers are left with a realistic picture that not everything a swift resolution. Ages 4 and up.

MORE: Children's books that address poverty, hunger and homelessness

A Blue Kind of Day by Rachel Tomlinson, illustrated by Tori-Jay Mordey

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Author Tomlinson tackles a child's feelings of depression and the confusing emotions that it can produce. An Indigenous Australian boy, takes to his bed during a difficult day. He doesn't understand how to handle is "tangled" feelings. His parents show him patience and compassion, assuring him that his feelings are nothing to be ashamed of. Ages 4 and up.

The post 28 Children's Books about Empathy (Picture Books) appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

WILL IT BE OKAY? by Crescent Dragonwagon, illustrated by Jessica Love

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Will It Be Okay? not only provides kids with the reassurance they need when they ask important and scary questions, it sneakily gives parents a roadmap for how to talk to their children! The narration is written as a dialogue between mother and child, with the child asking questions that are sometimes simple, such as "What if it snows?" and other times emotionally complex, like "What if I'm mad at everyone?" The parent gives straightforward answers that acknowledge but do not diminish the child's fears, but also provide suggestions for how to handle their anxieties. A must-read book. Ages 3-103.

MORE: Warm and Cozy Picture Books

THE COQUÍES STILL SING by Karina Nicole González, illustrated by Krystal Quiles

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In 2017 Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, and to many children in the area it must have seemed like there was no hope to get back to normal after such a scary event. González and Quiles' lovely book tells the story of Elena, whose family endured the storm's devastation. Elena observes the destruction, noting how the coquí frogs  have gone silent in the aftermath. What follows is the comforting words of family members, the work to rebuild and finally, the return of the song of the coquíes. Ages 5 and up.  

LIFE DOESN'T FRIGHTEN ME by Maya Angelou, illustrations by Jean-Michel Basquiat

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Editor, Sara Jane Boyers, has created a marvelous book by pairing Angelou's poem with the neo-expressionist paintings of Basquiat. Angelou's poem invites the reader to defy the frightening things one might encounter in life, drawing upon one's inner strength and a determination to succeed. The succinct and direct text is also a great introduction to poetry. Includes author's notes about the work of Angelou and Basquiat. Ages 3 and up.

MORE: Children's Books about Having a Positive Attitude

I AM EVERY GOOD THING by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James

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Children hear messages from every corner as they grow up. Some may be full of praise, others are sadly critical, or even derogatory and meant to belittle. Caring adults must counteract these negative messages with hope. The reassurance that you are "every good thing" is a powerful and hopeful message for a child. Barnes' text sings loudly to children of their worth, the validity of their dreams and their right to define themselves as they wish. Moving. Ages 3 and up.

COME WITH ME by Holly M. McGhee, illustrated by Pascal Lemaître

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A young girl is feeling anxious about the anger, hatred and tension she sees in the news. As a way to reassure his daughter about the goodness still in the world, a parent takes her for a walk, saying, "Come with me." On their journey, they see acts of kindness. Later on, the girl takes the dog for a walk and invites a neighbor boy to come along with her. A great book to help you talk to your kids about how to manage their anxiety in a complex world. Ages 3 and up.

MORE: Children's Books to Foster Community

MOST PEOPLE by Michael Leannah, illustrated by Jennifer E. Morris

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The simple message of this book is that "most people are very good people." This is not a complex book but it is uplifting and I love the wide variety of families, neighbors and other communities depicted in the cheerful illustrations. Ages 3 and up.

FELIX AFTER THE RAIN by Dunja Jogan

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Felix After the Rain, translated from the Slovenian, helps children understand the importance of confronting their sadness instead of burying it. Felix feels burdened by a dark and foreboding suitcase he carries around with him after the death of his grandmother. The suitcase makes him unhappy but he can't seem to get rid of it. He drags it up a hill. At the top of this hill, a small boy opens it while Felix sleeps, releasing all of Felix's fears and grief in a storm. Descending the hill, Felix now feels joy and is relieved of his cares. What prevents the ending from being too simple are the hugs he receives and gives at the end.

MORE: Children's Books about Death and Grief

I CAN HELP Reem Faruqi, illustrated by Mikela Prevost

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Even grown-ups can wonder if there is hope after you make a mistake, especially a mistake they may have caused hurt feelings in another. Children can easily be overwhelmed by feelings of remorse. Faruqi's books shows children that acts of kindness and compassion can give us hope that we can right our wrongs, and correct our mistakes. Zahra volunteers to help Kyle, a fellow classmate, and is proud to be a "super helper." However, when the other children tease her for being kind to the "weird" kid, she brushes Kyle off. Kyle voices his feelings and tells her she is no longer kind. Zahra doesn't actually get to apologize to Kyle because she moves to a new school. But she does act to change her behavior and become the kind of person she can be proud of. Aged 4 and up.

MORE: Picture Books about Kindness

PEACE IS AN OFFERING by Annette LeBox, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin

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This rhyming story takes kids on a journey to discover how simple experiences can offer individuals peace and hope. Peace can be an offering, or gratitude, or friendship, for example. Each idea is expanded upon and encourages children to find peace and hope even during life's disappointments and sorrows. Ages 3 and up.

MORE: Children's Books about Peace and Peacemakers

The post Children's Books about Hope that Offer Reassurance appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

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Picture Books about Feeling Lonely

The Invisible Boy

by Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Patrice Barton

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

Sometimes when I read a book I can hear the wheels turning inside my son's head as he processes the story. That was the case with this book about a boy who feels invisible, ignored, and left out at school. Then one day a new kid comes to class and a small act of kindness turns things around. It's a gently told story which teaches empathy and kindness. There are even questions for discussion in the back of the book. Ages 4 and up.

You Are Never Alone

by Elin Kelsey

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

Lyrical text invites the reader to ponder their intimate connection with the natural world. Weaving science into the narrative, the reader learns about how everything from microorganisms to tiny plankton to clouds work together to maintain life and the environment. But in a splendid touch, Kelsey doesn't forget about the emotional life of humans, and how an animal might "soothe lonely times" or how sunshine "fills you with hope." Kim's three dimensional illustrations are a feast to behold. Ages 5 and up.

MORE: Children's Books about Hope

Nobody Hugs a Cactus

by Carter Goodrich

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I adore this book. Hank the cactus is a little grumpy. He wants to be left alone and as tumbleweeds and animals pass by, Hank on his ledge, shoos them all away in his surly way. When a cowboy suggests he needs a hug, Hank is repulsed by the idea. At first. But the idea grows on him and he sets out to convince someone to hug him. I don't want to give away the ending, but it is perfect. Ages 3 and up.

Say Hello

by Jack Foreman

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

With only a few words per double page spread, we see a lonely dog looking for a friend. Soon he is accepted by a group of children playing soccer and a similar tale begins with a lonely boy. The boy voices his thoughts about what it is like to feel left out. When the dog's ball rolls over to him, the group of children, "say hello!" A deceptively simple book with a big message. Ages 3 and up.

The Red Tree

by Shaun Tan

Find it: Amazon

Tan's spare text and highly imaginative paintings address the darker side of loneliness. A lonely girl wakes up, feeling the sometimes surreal sensation of being alone, waiting for something to happen, wandering in a confusing and vast world. When she returns to her room, she finds a red leaf springing up from the middle of the floor and turning into a tall red tree, it lifts the girl's spirits. Sure to spark some interesting conversations! Ages 5 and up.

The Visitor

by Antje Damm

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Elise lives alone. She never goes outside because she is scared of everything. One day a paper airplane flies into her house. The next thing she knows, a strange boy is at the door and asks if he can come in. She invites him in and the two have a pleasant time. Elise reads to him and they have a snack. When he leaves, Elise starts to fold her own paper airplane. I love the message that when we allow ourselves to connect with others, it brings joy into our lives. Damm's unique illustrations consist of photographs of dioramas. A lovely, calming book. Ages 3 and up.

Caspian Finds a Friend

by Jacqueline Veissid, illustrated by Merrilees Brown

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Caspian lives in a lighthouse. He is lonely and wishes for a friend. In the gorgeous, dreamy illustrations we watch as Caspian writes a message and places it in a bottle. After he receives a one word reply, he and his new friend meet and share wonderful adventures. The calming, poetic text is a joy to read aloud. Ages 3 and up.

The Storm Whale 

by Benji Davies

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This book tells the story of a boy who brings home a baby whale he finds on the beach. He tries to keep it hidden in the bathtub, but his father eventually finds out. This is a gentle tale that focuses on the relationship between a boy and his working father, what it feels like to be lonely and how to make a connection with those we love. The illustrations are lovely. Ages 3 and up.

Herman and Rosie 

by Gus Gordon

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Herman and Rosies was one of my favorite books way back in 2013. Herman and Rosie are two musicians, but they are lonely, just waiting to meet someone they can call a friend. There is a lot of delectable detail in the book, both in the descriptions of the characters, and also in the drawings. It’s truly a love story – of the city, of music, of life. Ages 4 and up.

Nothing Rhymes with Orange

by Adam Rex

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

It doesn't seem fair, does it? I mean all the other fruits have lots of rhyming words, but Orange feels lonely and left out of the fun! Here's another silly take on the pleasures of rhyme and your kids won't be able to resist trying so very, very hard to think of a word that rhymes with orange. And in among the word play silliness, there is a touching story about Apple looking out for his friend, Orange. Ages 3 and up.

More book lists:

• Picture books to support emotional intelligence
• Picture books about happiness
• Picture books about death and grief

The post Children's Books that Address Loneliness appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

These picture books all approach death and sadness in different ways, so be sure to preview them to find one you are comfortable with. I've included suggested age recommendations.

Note: this post contains affiliate links that may earn commission. If you shop online you can still support your local, independent bookseller through Bookshop. Find this comforting picture book list on Bookshop here.

Picture Books about Death

For more books that help children with sadness and other feelings, visit my list of picture books that teach emotional intelligence.

Addy's Cup of Sugar

by Jon J. Muth

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

As with his other books, Muth draws upon Buddhism to help kids understand big emotions and tough subjects. After Addy's kitten is killed by a car, she turns to Stillwater the Panda to help her through her grief. Stillwater tells her he can help her, but only after he gets a cup of sugar from a household that has never experienced death. Addy sees that her feelings are shared by many and learns that her kitten will be treasured through memories. As always, Muth's illustrations are majestic and moving. Ages 4 and up.

The Scar

by Charlotte Moundlic, illustrated by Oliver Tallec

Find it: Amazon

The Scar begins, "Mom died this morning" and we know that here's a book that will directly address what it feels like to lose a parent. Moundlic's text is honest about the range of emotions kids will feel like anger and resentment, as well as grief and concern for his father. After he scrapes his knee he imagines him mother comforting him and his grandfather reassures him that his mother is still in his heart. Superb. Ages 5 and up.

Bon Voyage, Mister Rodriguez

by Christiane Duchesne, illustrated by François Thisdale

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

The enigmatic Mister Rodriguez takes a walk every day at 4 o'clock. With each stroll he is accompanied by a different animal. A group of curious children observe his walks, and witness his mysterious levitation, until one day he plays a piano hovering in the air. Duchesne's story is a surreal allegory of death. It's not a substitute for any of the other books on this list, but rather a companion read, and is sure to provoke some imaginative questions. (Translated from French.) Ages 5 and up.

The Cloud Lasso

by Stephanie Schlaifer, illustrated by Melodie Stacey

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Clouds are often used as metaphors for grief and sadness. Here, Delilah remembers life moments with her grandfather on the farm. She takes up his lasso and begins to try and lasso the clouds. As the clouds become representative of her fears and scary emotions, she keeps trying until she succeeds. Ages 6 and up.

Cry Heart, but Never Break

by Glenn Ringtved, illustrated by Charlotte Pardi

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

You'll notice more than a few picture books in translation on this list. I've found that European children's book author tend to recognize that children don't need to be shielded from death and that the best way to process grief is to address it head on. Death enters the house of a grandmother and four children. The children question why he must come and he comforts them with a parable about the marriage of sisters, Joy and Delight, to the brothers, Grief and Sorrow. Ages 6 and up.

The Memory Tree

by Britta Teckentrup

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This is a tender story that will help children process grief over a lost loved one. Fox is very tired and lays down to "fall asleep forever." One by one his friends gather to say goodbye and share their memories of Fox's life and friendship. As they talk, they smile and their hearts start to recover. Meanwhile, a small tree, the same color as Fox, begins to grow, higher and higher, giving shelter to the new animals who start to live amongst its branches. Ages 4 and up.

Death is Stupid

by Anastasia Higginbotham

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

The title is direct and reminds us that children appreciate direct answers. Higgenbotham's book recognizes that sympathetic looks and condolences are not enough to allay the grief kids feel when someone they love dies. Death is Stupid tells the honest truth to children and validates their complicated feelings in this important book. Higgenbotham's collage illustrations are also wonderful. Ages 6 and up.

Where Do They Go?

by Julia Alvarez, illustrated by Sabra Field

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

After losing a loved one, most children will have questions about where they go after death. Alvarez's book reads like a poem, "“Who can I ask? Does anyone know?" "Do they go where the wind goes when it blows?" "Do they wink back at me when I wish on a star?" Many of the ideas connect the loved ones back to the natural world. Each thought is expressed by a different child, with their deceased loved one is depicted as a silhouette. Ages 3 and up.

The Tenth Good Thing About Barney

by Judith Viorst, illustrated by Erik Blegvad

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

A boy narrates a tale of his experience after the death of his cat, Barney. He describes his sadness and the funeral his family has for Barney. His mother tells him to think of ten good things about Barney to say at the funeral. At the funeral he only comes up with nine. After discussing Barney and life after death with his various family members, he finally comes up with the tenth good thing about Barney. Ages 5 and up.

Ida, Always

by Caron Levis, illustrated by Charles Santoso

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Gus and Ida are two polar bears in a city zoo. They spend their days playing and Ida teaches Gus to listen to the heartbeat of the city. But then Ida falls ill. Gus is distraught, he pleads with Ida not to leave him. During her final days, their friendship deepens and when Ida does pass away, Gus takes comfort in her memory. Ages 4 and up.

Duck, Death and the Tulip

by Wolf Erlbruch

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This is a unique tale, translated from the German, and perhaps my favorite on the list. One day Duck notices that Death is following her around. Duck confronts Death but Death acknowledges that his is always nearby "just in case." Duck and Death maintain a kind of strange friendship, their conversations centering around existential questions about life and death, but still quite accessible from a child's point of view. One day, Duck is tired and asks Death to warm her. The reader knows what is coming and understands the final line, "'But that's life,' thought Death." Ages 6 and up.

Felix After the Rain

by Dunja Jogan

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Felix After the Rain, translated from the Slovenian, helps children understand the importance of confronting their sadness instead of burying it. Felix feels burdened by a dark and foreboding suitcase he carries around with him after the death of his grandmother. The suitcase makes him unhappy but he can't seem to get rid of it. He drags it up a hill and a small boy opens it while Felix sleeps, releasing all of Felix's fears and grief in a storm. Descending the hill, Felix now feels joy and is relieved of his cares. What prevents the ending from being too easy are the hugs he receives and gives at the end. Ages 3 and up.

Grandpa's Stories

by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Allison Colpoys

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

In this touching story, a girl describes a year of special moments and events spent with her grandfather. Now she must process the grief and loneliness she feels over the loss of his companionship. She narrates her wishes for his presence and takes comfort in the last gift he gave her, a notebook, in which she can now record her memories. Ages 4 and up.

Saturdays are for Stella

by Candy Wellins, illustrated by Charlie Eve Ryan

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

This gorgeous and moving book follows a George, a young boy, as he describes how he loves spending Saturdays with his grandmother, Stella. I love their close relationship and how they enjoy both going out and staying in. When Stella passes away, George is devastated. He misses his grandmother and has a hard time coming to terms with the new, empty Saturdays. But when George gets a new sister and learns her name he discovers that his grandmother's memories can be a blessing even as he makes new memories on Saturdays with the new Stella.

More book lists about feelings:

• Picture books about anger
• Picture books about happiness
• Picture books about fear and courage

The post Picture Books to Help Children Understand Death appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

You only get one guess. (I bet you guessed right.)

Research has repeatedly demonstrated that reading aloud to your children helps them develop empathy and compassion. Picture books offer your children insight into the perspective of others as well as encouraging them to examine their own emotions and feelings.  Today I am sharing a book list of some of the best picture books that support the development of emotional intelligence in children (and perhaps their adult readers, too!). Many believe that emotional intelligence is a stronger prediction of future success in life than academic achievement. Lucky for us, reading aloud nurtures both!

While curating this list I aim to go beyond a typical list of picture books about feelings so I chose books that not only demonstrate a complex understanding both of how children experience emotions, but also offer insight as to how they can self-regulate their overwhelming emotions. I worked hard to select titles for a wide variety of experiences that shape our emotional intelligence, from sadness, relationships with others, ethics, as well as big, scary emotions. You can read these books to preschoolers on up.

So go ahead and spend a little extra time with your child and a stack of books. You are doing a good thing!

(Note: book covers and titles are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Grief and Sadness

The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld is a wonderful reminder to listen to the needs of those around you. Taylor (depicted as gender neutral so any child can identify with Taylor) is building a block tower when a bird comes and knocks it over. Taylor is very upset and several animals come over to try and fix the situation. They go about it all wrong, however. They shout, vow revenge or try to dismiss Taylor's grief. The rabbit, however, listens and allows Taylor to experience an entire range of emotions over the loss of his tower. I absolutely adored this book and parents will learn a good lesson for themselves when reading it, too!

When Sadness is at Your Door by Eva Eland. This is a lovely book that teaches kids that accepting sadness is part of life. Sadness, represented by the blue-green form comes into a child's home and stays for a while, accompanying the child in all their daily activities. The overall message is not to be afraid of sadness, but to acknowledge it, name it and experience it. A wonderful, gentle book that every child should read.

MORE: Picture books to help children understand death and grief

Relationships with Others

The Remember Balloons by Jessie Oliveros. All of grandpa's balloons represent memories. James loves those the memories and stories but one day some of the balloons start to drift away. The balloons act as a metaphor for grandpa's memory loss and dementia, although it is never named as such. As grandpa's balloons fade, James begins to hold more balloons and he sees that it is now his privilege to hold on to memories and share them with others. I was so impressed with the compassion in this book. Children don't necessarily need to have a loved one experiencing memory loss to appreciate the story. 

The Fox on the Swing by Evelina Daciutè. Translated from the Lithuanian, this is a wonderfully whimsical tale of hope, friendship and happiness. Paul and his family live in a tree in a park and one day when Paul is on his way home from the bakery he meets a fox on a swing. Thus begins a rather interesting series of encounters with the philosophizing fox who creates just the right conditions for Paul to consider the nature of happiness and friendship. I love this book for encouraging emotional intelligence because the complex nature of the dialogue really challenges kids to consider the themes touched on in the story.

Wallpaper by Thao Lam. In this mostly wordless tale, a girl moves into a new home. She spies a trio of friends in a treehouse and watches them with interest. But when they see her, she hides, unable to make the leap necessary to join them. Instead, she peels back a piece of the wallpaper and steps into an imaginary world. Her adventure inside this world helps her find the courage to make friends in the real world. Making new friends can be incredibly tough for some children, but even if it is easy for your kids, learning to develop empathy for those who struggle is an important step towards building a depth of emotional intelligence.

MORE: Children's Books about Hope

Knowing Yourself

My Heart Is a Compass by Deborah Marcero. Rose is looking for something unique to bring to show and tell. She doesn’t know where to look so she uses her imagination and starts to draw maps to help her search for a treasure. She draws all kinds of maps, still thinking she can’t find something to share with her friends. So she takes her maps into show and tell and they turn out to be the treasure she was looking for. I’d say this picture book, with its marvelous illustrations, is the treasure you and your kids have been looking for!

My Heart by Corrina Luyken. Beautiful, lilting rhymes describe the myriad of ways our hearts feel and how they change. Hearts can be open or closed, they can feel bright or shadowed. Luyken’s evocative charcoal illustrations add detail and charm. This book will resonate with all children (and parents, alike). Not to be missed.

Overwhelming Emotions

Nina in That Makes Me Mad by Hilary Knight is a graphic novel from the Toon Book series, which is great for beginning readers but also satisfying to read aloud. A lot of things make Nina mad and she tells everyone exactly how she feels: mad. I liked the way this book refrained from moralizing. It was perfectly acceptable for Nina to express her feelings and my younger son really responded to this book for that very reason. For each thing that makes Nina mad, such as "when you don't let me help," or "when I try and it doesn't work" there is a short vignette showing an example from Nina's life. The solution to big feelings is wonderfully simple; Nina explains that she feels better when she is allowed to tell her parents when she is mad.

Grumpy Bird by Jeremy Tankard is so, so funny (and accurate!). When Grumpy Bird wakes up, he is grumpy! Grumpy, grumpy, grumpy. Too grumpy to do anything, even fly, so he walks along in his grumpy mood. As he passes each of his friends, he snaps at them but they join him anyway and the grumpy walk turns into a sort of follow the leader game and Grumpy Bird can't help but let friendship and fun turn his frown upside down.

Benji, the Bad Day, and Me by Sally J. Pla. Every kid (and grown-up) has to deal with a bad day, or lots of bad days, really. Sammy has a really, really bad day. It seems like everything is going wrong and not only that, but his autistic brother, Benji is also experiencing a rough day. Sammy notices that Benji has a special place just for him when he starts feeling overwhelmed but Sammy doesn't have a spot like that. Benji notices Sammy's sadness and helps his brother out with the aid of a blue blanket. This heartwarming book teaches kids how having a go-to spot can help them self-regulate and the positive power of connection with others (especially family).

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall. I love young Jabari! Having a growth mindset means facing your fears, even if it takes a little extra time, and a bit of loving encouragement. Jabari thinks he is ready for the diving board, but it is such a big step! His dad lets him know that it's okay to feel scared and Jabari takes the time he needs and he finally does it! Part of breaking out a fixed mindset is accepting that some things might be scary but they are still worth doing.

Honesty and Ethics

The Lying King by Alex Beard. This picture book about a ruler who lies and lies and lies is quite the timely tale. When children lie (and they all do, eventually) they must deal with the emotions of guilt and regret, only then can they move forward. The Lying King's story is told in clever rhymes and depicts how lies snowball and ultimately catch their creator in a trap of his own making. The fate of the lying warthog will give your kids lots to think about. This picture book is a timeless story is important to share with your children and use as a springboard to discuss the value of truth.

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen. You may wonder why I have have this quirky, dark book on a list about books that teach emotional intelligence. Well, the sly narrative requires kids to engage their brains and debate ethical questions. Why does the story end the way it does? Is that right or wrong? Plus, encouraging kids to approach all kinds of narratives, both visual and linguistic, forthright or subtextual builds reading comprehension and an expansive view of the world.

Gaining Perspective

They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel. This is such an interesting and extraordinary book that will get your children talking and thinking critically about what it means to have perspective and how perspective might influence our opinions and actions. The text is very simple, identifying who "saw a cat" and the illustration of the cat changes based on the viewer. How a child, a dog, a fish, etc. sees a cat is all different. This is a great  picture book for teaching empathy and perspective, important factors in developing a strong emotional intelligence.

Life by Cynthia Rylant asks the reader to reflect on small moments of life. Brendan Wenzel's illustrations of the animals that take us on the journey are magnificent and exquisite.  "What do you love about life?" Rylant asks as she proceeds to demonstrate the beauty of seemingly ordinary moments like a bird soaring. She asks us to trust the animals, and reminds us that although life is not always easy, it is always worth waking up for.

I'll Root For You and Other Poems by Edward van de Vendel. If you've ever had a child who hates losing, you know how difficult it can be to build their resilience and teach them the emotional skills they need to be a good and fair sport. This collection of poems will encourage kids to take winning and losing at it comes, celebrate the successes, but also understand and learn from the loses. The poems cheer on athletes as they keep trying to do their very best.

Zen Socks by Jon J. Muth. Stillwater the Panda offers important lessons to his friends about the importance of kindness and empathy towards others. Stillwater tells the children three stories, about patience, sharing and compassion, helping them to learn how to be well-rounded individuals. Gentle humor and "ah ha" moments keep things from getting preachy and Muth's illustrations are marvelous as usual.

More picture books that support emotional development:

• Picture books about anger and grumpiness
• Picture books that teach empathy
• Picture books about kindness

The post Picture Books to Support Emotional Intelligence appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

With this list of picture books to teach kids mindfulness, I have taken an expansive view of how children can practice mindfulness. While most of the books focus on being thoughtful and quiet while taking notice of the details in one's surroundings, others approach the idea of mindfulness as being in the moment when sharing an experience with a loved one, learning a new ritual, or figuring out how to deal with big feelings. A few books even offer practical activities that kids can implement on their own or with a trusted grown-up. (Note: book covers and titles are affiliate links.)

And of course, reading a book, is often a lovely, peaceful moment, too.

A Handful of Quiet: Happiness in Four Pebbles by Thich Nhat Hanh, illustrated by Wietske Vriezen. A Zen master uses pebbles to teach meditation in this book which contains instructions for practical activities that children and their grown-ups can do to connect with nature and maintain a calm, mindful attitude in a busy, noisy world. Because the activities are hands-on instead of just "sitting still and listening" this book is especially useful for those kids who need to constantly move.

Now by Antoinette Portis. I loved this book, both its simplicity and its exuberance. A young girl experiences the joys of the world, enjoying all the things around her and declaring her favorites, whether they be a puddle of mud or a moment with a loved one. A great reminder about finding joy in the immediate experience.

A Morning with Grandpa by Sylvia Liu, illustrated by Christina Forshay. Mindfulness doesn't have to take place in solitude! I adore this book about how a girl connects with her grandfather over the practice of Tai Chi. Mei Mei joins her grandpa in the morning for his daily ritual but while he is smooth and graceful, Mei Mei puts her own spin on things, reminding us that mindfulness need not always be practiced in the stillness. A wonderful story.

A Boy and a Bear: A Relaxation Story introducing deep breathing to decrease stress and anger while promoting peaceful sleep. by Lori Lite. We've had this book since the boys were young. I would read it to them at bedtime and they would listen and actually relax and try to breathe like the bear in the story! As with everything with kids, encouraging peaceful bedtimes can be hit or miss, but this book definitely helped me a lot.

Grandfather Gandhi  by Arun Gandh and Bethany Hegedus, illustrated by Evan Turk. The story is narrated by then-12 year old Gandhi’s grandson, Arun. Arun goes to live with his grandfather, which was considered a great honor. One day his grandfather gets angry, a surprise to Arun. Gandhi explains to his grandson that anger is a normal human emotion, that people must work to conquer and transform so that it can be used for a good purpose. This is a marvelous, must-read book that will encourage your kids to think about the role emotions play in the choices we make towards peaceful solutions.

What Does it Mean to be Present? by Rana DiOro, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler. This book, with its simple text teaches kids that being "present" is not just being physically present, it is about being mindful of one's surroundings. Listening, seeing, using one's mind in a thoughtful manner. Great for parents, too!

The Other Way to Listen, and The Way to Start the Day by Byrd Baylor, illustrated by Peter Parnall. I wanted to put all of Baylor's books on this list because they all, in some way, address the issue of being mindful of our place in the world. However, I am limiting myself to just these two. The first is about -- you guessed it -- learning how to really listen to the sounds around us (a strong theme in this book list!). The second book is about the joys of greeting a new day and the different ways cultures start the day. And I'm not going to lie, I love the 1970s quality of the illustrations!

Charlotte and the Quiet Place by Deborah Sosin, illustrated by Sara Woolley. I liked this book because you keep expecting Charlotte to find a physical place to escape all the noise of the city. Yet, Charlotte learns she must rely on her inner self to find a quiet place.

I am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Verde is a yoga teacher and in this second collaboration with Reynolds, she takes the reader on a soothing journey of mindfulness, centeredness and compassion for the world.

One Leaf Rides the Wind by Celeste Mannis, illustrated by Susan Kathleen Hartung. A child’s love of the Japanese Garden is the inspiration behind this collection of haiku poetry which is also a counting book. And what's more meditative that being in a Japanese Garden? Cleverly, the poems follow the girl’s journey through the garden as she discovers and admires its delights. Poetry is great for promoting mindfulness. See more Haiku books for kids here.

The Happiest Tree: A Yoga Story by Uma Krishmaswam, illustrated by Ruth Jeyaveeran. Meena is working on the school play. She works on the sets but is also going to be playing a tree. She is nervous that she is too clumsy. One day she walks by a yoga studio and her aunt encourages her to sign up. Learning yoga techniques is the key to overcoming her nervousness and she becomes "the happiest tree in the whole forest."

Visiting Feelings by Lauren Rubenstein, illustrated by Shelly Hehenberger. Children are invited to notice their feelings without judgement and to give their feelings sensory descriptions such as "smooth" like ice cream or "sharp" like stones. Interestingly, the feelings are not named, allowing children to experience their emotions without preconceived ideas.

Take the Time: Mindfulness for Kids by Maud Rogiers. This French import gently guides children to slow down and teaches them the basic steps towards mindfulness, encouraging them to breath and notice the world around them.

The Lemonade Hurricane: A Story of Mindfulness and Meditation by Licia Morelli, illustrated by Jennifer E. Morris. Emma likes to sit and rest after a busy day at school, but her brother, "the lemonade hurricane," as she calls him, is exactly the opposite. Emma decides Henry could benefit from learning how to meditate. This book also includes meditation exercises the kids can do.

The Sound of Silence by Katrina Goldsaito, illustrated by Julia Kuo. In noisy Tokyo, a boy searches for his favorite sound: silence. The art in this book is detailed and reveling in the illustrations is an exercise in mindfulness itself! Yoshio searches and searches and then comes to the realization that silence is actually always with us.

The Three Questions [Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy] by Jon J. Muth. I like to recommend this book as much as possible and it is a good stepping stone for a discussion with your kids about what constitutes inner happiness.  They will ask, What is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do? and reflect on the importance of doing good deeds and paying attention to the immediate moment.

The Listening Walk by Paul Showers, illustrated by Aliki. This gentle story about a girl who takes the time to notice the sounds in the neighborhood has been teaching preschoolers mindfulness since 1961. I particularly like that she notices all kinds of sounds, both quiet and ear-splitting. The young protagonist is white, but the world she sees is somewhat diverse.

When Sophie Gets Angry, Really, Really Angry by Molly Bang. This is a classic book about feelings, and offers up a simple way for kids to face their anger. Sophie gets angry because of a perceived unfairness and she blows her top. Her solution is to run away and climb a tree, looking out into the wide world until she feels calm. The message that a peaceful space will help in times of turmoil is a useful one.

Silence by Lemniscates. You will notice that many of these books ask children to reflect on the sounds they hear. A girl listens, "in the silence" to sounds of nature, to the movement of her own body and to the seasons as she passes through them.

More lists with mindfulness books: 

• Books about peace
• Books about happiness
• Books to inspire kids to change the world
• See all my book lists here (more that 200!)

More: 3 mindful breathing exercises for children

The post Mindfulness Books for Children appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

The book list below is in three parts, and of course there is a lot of overlap.

We want to raise gracious kids but we also have to give their brains time to develop as we teach them the importance of kindness, even to their younger brother. (Ahem.) You may have already seen my list of books to teach kids about empathy and I also get a lot of requests for books about kindness and that's lucky, because I make it a point to read children's books about being kind to my kids all. the. time.

(Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn from qualifying purchases.)

Books about Kindness for Toddlers

How Kind by Mary Murphy shows how a simple act of kindness can be passed on. It begins with Hen giving Pig a present and Pig answering, “How kind!” Pig is then inspired to pass on the kindness to Rabbit, Rabbit to Cow, and on it goes. All this kindness, of course, comes full circle when the original gift hatches and Pig returns the egg-now-chick to Hen.

Baby Be Kind by Jane Cowen Fletcher. In very simple text and sweet illustrations, Fletcher shows babies and toddlers all the simple ways they can be kind, from helping friends, to sharing toys and giving hugs.

Books about Kindness for Preschoolers

Something, Someday by Amanda Gorman, illustrated by Christian Robinson. National Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman's book tells children they have the power to make a difference. There may be problems in the world but you can find a friend who thinks like you and fix it together. Robinson is one of my favorite illustrators and his collages sit on a white background, putting the focus on the spare text and powerful message.

The Giant of Jum by Elli Woollard, illustrated by Benji Davies. This is a joyous rhyming story, and a fun twist on Jack and the Beanstalk that preschoolers will love to hear as they join in the refrain of "Fee!" he says, and "Fi!" he says, and "Fo!" he says and "Fum!". A hungry giant is in search of a tasty child named Jack to snack on. During his search, he meets several children who ask for his help—rescuing cats in trees, etc. that sort of thing that giants are especially good at—so that by the time he finds Jack, the children reward his kindness with a cake and the giant realizes that chocolate is tastier than children anyway.

One Good Deed by Terri Fields, illustrated by Deborah Melmon. Jake performs an act of kindness for his neighbor by picking mulberries. That good deed sets off a domino chain of good deeds throughout the neighborhood. The book has a gentle message about the Jewish responsibility of mitzvah (mitzvah is not mentioned until the end of the book). However, this is a book for all children, no matter what their religious background and I particularly appreciated the multicultural aspect of Jake's neighborhood.

Because of You by B.G. Hennessy, illustrated by Hiroe Nakatais. This book is out of print by look for it at your library. It relays the wonderful message that each child is born with the potential to change the world with his or her acts of kindness, and that seemingly small kindnesses are actually large. This book is particularly suited for preschoolers and depicts a diverse group of children.

What Does it Mean to Be Kind? by Rana DiOrio, illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch. There is not much of a story here; the light narrative is based on a girl finding the courage to meet students in a new class. Throughout the story, the listener is asked to consider whether or not certain actions are kind. This is a good book as a precursor to a conversation. It is a bit didactic for my taste, but it still has a lot of value. This book is part of a utilitarian series; the other books focus on patience, safety and other social issues.

Brunhilda's Backwards Day by Shawna Tenney. Brunhilda the witch delights in being ugly, wearing unfashionable clothes, eating spider gruel and being mean to small children. But one day she wakes up to find all her warts gone, a frilly pink dress in her closet, healthy oatmeal on the table and—horrors!—all her spells cause kindness! However, Brunhilda sort of like the high fives and applause that doing good deeds brings. Brunhilda learns that kindness to others brings her more joy than being a bully.

The Hide and Scare Bear by Ivan Bates. In jaunty rhyme, this book tells the story of a bear who revels in scaring all the other woodland creatures. Rabbit, however, takes it upon himself to teach bear the value of kindess and how much more fun it is to be nice than to scare. There is nothing mind-blowing here but this is a cute book that stresses the importance of social manners and kindness to others. Worth checking out at the library for a cuddly story time.

Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson, illustrated by Fumi Kosaka. This is another "chain reaction" of kindness book. Mary picks blueberries for her neighbor, who bakes them into muffins, shares them with friends, inspiring more and more kind deeds. This is a good story to start a conversation about the long term effects of our actions.

Books about Kindness for Kindergarteners on Up

A Hat for Mrs. Goldman: A Story About Knitting and Love by Michelle Edwards, illustrated by G. Brian Karas. This is such and incredibly sweet and inspiring story! Mrs. Goldman makes hats for others. Sophie likes to help her by making the pom poms that top each one. When winter arrives Sophie notices that Mrs. Goldman doesn't have a hat of her own and although knitting is challenging for Sophie, she sets about making a hat for her friend. When she is done with the hat, her lack of knitting skills means the hat has a few holes. However, since Sophie knows Mrs. Goldman loves her pom poms, Sophie covers up the holes in a creative way. Mrs. Goldman, of course, loves the hat and the kindness shown to her.

If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson. A rabbit and his mouse pal are excited to harvest a few crops, but when the birds come to share in the spoils, rabbit and mouse have to make a decision. Will they plant seeds of selfishness or seeds of kindness? The importance of choosing kindness is clear but what really makes this book shine is Nelson's fantastic illustrations, and in particular one delightfully amusing spread of the birds on the lookout for seeds. This is an utterly charming picture book to teach about kindness.

Zen Socks. This is the latest in Jon J Muth's Zen Shorts series, and like the others, Stillwater the Panda offers important lessons to his friends about the importance of kindness and empathy towards others. Gentle humor and "ah ha" moments keep things from getting preachy and Muth's illustrations are marvelous as usual.

Last Stop on Market Street.  A boy and his grandma catch the bus. We don't yet know where they are headed, but along the way the boy asks questions about why they don't have certain luxuries. He wants to know why they don't have a car or an iPod. The grandma has a ready answer about the advantages of what they do have and encourages him to think of positive aspects of lacking material goods. When they reach their destination... well... it will be even more inspiring.

The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade by by Justin Roberts, illustrated by Christian Robinson. Sally may be small but she is the most observant kid in the class. She notices everything, especially when someone else is being bullied or teased. Sally decides the right thing to do is to stand up for others, and teach her peers about kindness. I liked this book a lot and how it emphasized that you can be kind no matter what your stature—physically or socially.

One Green Apple. During a class trip to an apple orchard, Farah, a Muslim girl who has not yet learned English is nervous about her new classmates. In her first person narrative she reveals that she knows there are tensions between her former home and her new country and she is uncertain if her classmates will welcome her. Eventually, however, one other student befriends her and the connection is made. That show of kindness spills over into the rest of the kids.

Lend a Hand: Poems about Giving by John Frank, illustrated by London Ladd. Fourteen free verse poems inspire kids to reflect upon what a powerful act of kindness it is to give to others. I especially appreciated how many of the poems showed kids crossing boundaries to help others who were very different from themselves. A lot of kindness books focus on being nice to friends and neighbors, but here the focus is on the greater community and learning about others through kindness and generosity.

The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Patrice Barton. Sometimes when I read a book I can hear the wheels turning inside my son's head as he processes the story. That was the case with this book about a boy who feels invisible, ignored, and left out at school. Then one day a new kid comes to class and a small act of kindness turns things around. It's a gently told story which teaches empathy and kindness. There are even questions for discussion in the back of the book.

Step Right Up: How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World about Kindness by Donna Janell Bowman, illustrated by Daniel Minter. My kids and I were fascinated by this biographical account of a man and his horse. In the 19th century, William "Doc" Key, a man who was born a slave, became a successful businessman after the Civil War. He loved horses and in a time when it was not uncommon to be cruel to animals, Doc Key understood the value of kindness. Using kindness, Doc taught one of his horses to read, write and perform sums. Doc and Jim toured the country, showing off Jim's skills. Along the way Doc stood up to racism and the skepticism of others, teaching that it was kindness that inspired Jim to learn. This is a truly fascinating historical story and the illustrations are spectacular.

Fly Free by Roseanne Thong, illustrated by Eujin Kim Neilan. Mai longs to free the birds she feeds. She also know that "when you do a good deed it comes back to you." When she befriends Thu, Mai helps her and good deed karma is set in motion throughout the village. The catchy poem "Fly Free, Fly Free when you do a good deed it comes back to you," will resonate with kids and stick in their minds, reminding them of the book's message.

Maddi's Fridge by Lois Brandt, illustrated by Vin Vogel. Sofia and Maddi play after school but when the girls go to Maddi's apartment and the hungry Sofia looks for a snack she is surprised to find an almost empty fridge. Maddi makes Sofia promise not to tell anyone that her mom does not have enough money for the grocery store. Sofia worries about what to do, and ultimately makes the right decision. I like how this book emphasizes community, as well as kindness towards individuals.

More book lists that encourage kindness:

• Picture books that teach empathy
• Chapter books that teach empathy
• Picture books about acts of kindness (a guest post I did for Coffee Cups and Crayons)
• Books to inspire kids to change the world
• Books that celebrate being different

The post Thoughtful Children's Books about Kindness appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

With this list I aimed to include picture books that deal with a variety of issues that might make children feel different from others. The books look at different types of families, developmental differences, cultural and ethnic diversity, defying expectations, how self-esteem is linked to a feeling of being different, and more.  Teach your kids that being yourself is something to celebrate!

(Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn from qualifying purchases.)

It's Okay to be Different by Todd Parr. You can always count on author Todd Parr to have a book related to an issue about feeling good about yourself. If you are looking for children's books about being different, this is a great book to start with. With his trademark colorful illustrations, he shows that it's not just okay, but it' awesome to be different.

Good Little Wolf by Nadia Shireen. Rolf, the little wolf is very good; he lives with Mrs. Boggins and the two of them spend their time doing nice things. But does that make him a real wolf? Not according to the Big Bad Wolf, who convinces Rolf he must perform mean tasks in order to prove his wolf-ness. Rolf doesn't do very well and the surprise ending when the bully gets his comeuppance demonstrates it's better to be nice, especially if that means being different.

Not All Princesses Dress in Pink is one of my favorites on the list. The rhyming text and colorful illustrations depict a variety of girls engaged in all sorts of activities, from farming to ball-playing, from fighting evil sorcerers to skipping in the mud. The one thing they all have in common is that they don't wear pink, but they do wear sparkly crowns. It's a great message: that there is nothing incongruous about girls engaging in rough-and-tumble activities while still loving a bit of sparkle. I also appreciated the diverse ethnicities portrayed in the book.

The Color of Us by Karen Katz shows the world through the eyes of one girl as she looks at the people around her. She notices all the different skin shades of her family, friends and neighbors. All the skin colors are compared to food (peanut butter, honey, cinnamon, etc.), a common practice, but one I've always felt is awkward. (I'm probably in the minority.) Katz is mostly known for her baby and toddler books but she does well with this book for elementary aged kids.

Amazing Grace. Grace's favorite thing to do is act out her favorite stories (and aren't all children natural actors during pretend play?). She wants to play the role of Peter Pan in the school production, but her friends tell her she can't because Peter is a boy, and not black. Her grandmother, however, shows Grace that she can be anything she wants, if she puts her mind to it. It so happens that Grace makes a delightful Peter Pan.

Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer. Stella doesn't feel different than the other kids, but she realizes her parents are different from a lot of the other families she knows. Her school class is planning a Mother's Day celebration, so Stella comes up with a way to include her two dads. The lovely way the book communicates that Stella's dads can do all the things a mom can do sends a positive message that families may look different, but the love is the same.

Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match / Marisol McDonald no combina. Red-headed half-Scottish half-Peruvian Marisol bounces off the page with great enthusiasm and loves her mismatched life. When her friend, Ollie, challenges her to “match”, Marisol finds she is unhappy with life as a conformist. This is a great story that emphasizes the importance of embracing and accepting one’s uniqueness. (Text is in both English and Spanish.)

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes is a classic you may well have read to your kids already. Chrysanthemum loves her name -- until she hears her friends make fun of it. Then she worries about how different it is from the other "normal" names. A loving teacher helps both her and her friends embrace the beauty of all kinds of names.

Not Your Typical Dragon by Dan Bar-el. Crispin does not breath fire. He breathes things like whipped cream, bubbles and band-aids. (Which sounds way better to me, by the way.) Crispin thinks his differences make him a failure so he runs away. He meets a knight named (what else?) St. George, who is trying to live up to the standard ideal of what a knight should be. The two become friends and of course realize that it's their differences that make them unique and awesome.

Leo the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus is a classic book about a charming tiger who doesn't quite develop at the speed of his peers. But that's okay, it doesn't worry his mom. She know that he has his own unique tiger-ness and will eventually get there.

Same Same but Different by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw is about two kids, one in America and one in India, who are pen pals. The two boys like to do lots of the same activities, even though their countries have very different cultures. This is a great book for teachers and parents to use to talk to their kids about universal experiences and values.

As Lita Judge is one of my must-read children's author/illustrators, and Flight School does not disappoint. A young penguin may not have exactly the right body for flight, but he has the "soul of an eagle." Eager to enroll in flight school and learn what it takes to soar despite his differences, he is not discouraged. Fortunately, the other birds are so taken with his determination they do what it takes to make his dreams come true. Utterly delightful.

Ballerino Nate. After seeing a ballet, Nate begs his mom to sign him up for ballet class. Nate's his brother teases him and Nate starts to doubt himself a bit. Nate's mother remains supportive of his interest and encourages him along and Nate sticks with it, especially after meeting a professional male ballet dancer, a "ballerino". There is a darling illustration spread showing all the positions of ballet lined up against similarly numbered positions in other sports.

Calvin Can't Fly by Jennifer Berne. Instead of learning how to fly like his siblings, Calvin is a bookworm. He much prefers reading, but it does make migration a wee bit difficult. His siblings decide to help him, but they run into trouble on the way. But Calvin saves the day with his book learning. If your kids fall in love with Calvin (and I'm sure they will), be sure to read Calvin, Look Out! Side note: there are a surprising number of children's books about being different that feature birds!

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf. I'm sure you know the story of Ferdinand! It is a winner that never gets old and so clearly demonstrates how beneficial being different truly is.

William's Doll by Charlotte Zolotow. William wants a doll to take care of but no one seems sympathetic! His friends tease him and even his father continues to buy him stereotypical boy's toys in the hopes of squashing William's request. The only adult who understands William is his grandmother who buys William a doll so William can "practice being a good father."

A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza is a great book for discussion adoption with your kids. Choco is looking for a mom. Mrs. Bear looks very different from what Choco would expect his mom to look like, but then after meeting Mrs. Bear's other children it becomes clear that differences are a wonderful thing.

Spoon by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. Spoon is sad. He doesn't think he is nearly as exciting as the other cutlery, especially those amazing and exotic chopsticks! Well, it just so happens that the others are jealous of spoon. I mean, what could be better than dishing up ice cream? Spoon is a darling and hilarious look at discovering one's uniqueness.

Even though I just recommended Spoon by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, I can't help but also suggest Exclamation Mark. This funny take on one punctuation symbol trying to make his mark (pun!) can't be beat. Exclamation Mark's attempts to transform into something different fail, but when he finds his voice, he learns to embrace his uniqueness and the difference that sets him apart from others.

Nerdy Birdy by Aaron Reynolds. Nerdy Birdy doesn't fit in with the cool crowd: Cardinal, Eagle and Robin. He's different from them. He likes reading, and video games. Soon he finds a crowd just like him and it feels good to fit in. But when Vulture comes along, should he accept the new guy despite his differences? Well, what do you think?

The Pirate of Kindergarten by George Ella Lyon. Ginny loves books, and reading circle. But she has difficulty reading because she sees everything double. After the nurse discovers her condition during the school's vision screening day, the doctor prescribes an eye patch and Ginny embraces her new role as the pirate of kindergarten. While this is a story about a temporary special need, it will help kids look at how differences come in all varieties and to embrace the uniqueness of all children.

I'm Not by Pam Smallcomb. One girl describes all the amazing things her friend Evelyn can do, and how stellar she thinks Evelyn is. She feels a bit down because she doesn't see herself in the same way. She doesn't think she lives up to Evelyn's awesomeness. But in the end, it is Evelyn who shows her how unique and wonderful she truly is.

More book lists you will love:

• Books that challenge gender stereotypes
• Books featuring children with special needs
• Picture books about happiness
• Picture books that teach empathy
• Picture books about fear and courage
• Picture books about frustration and crankiness

The post Boost Self-Esteem with Children's Books about Being Different appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

That's the question that your kids will contemplate while reading these picture books about the human emotion of happiness.

Here's a list of books sure to put a smile on your face. This latest addition to my series of picture books about emotions will bring you joy. Children's books about happiness may not get as much attention as books about more difficult emotions like anger, fear, and anxiety but they are just as necessary for a good home library.

I selected a variety of children's books about joy. There are board books for babies and toddlers, books for preschoolers, stories that will help older kids contemplate what inner happiness means, quirky tales that will make you laugh and several that will encourage everyone to break into song.

(Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn from qualifying purchases.)

Happy reading!

The Happy Owls by Celestino Piatti. This might be my favorite book on the list, and when you read it you will get a clear sense of the types of books that make me laugh out loud. Because laugh out loud at the ending is what I did. The book was first published in 1964 but I read it for the first time only recently. The story begins with a gaggle of unhappy barnyard animals who don't know what to do except bicker with one another. The owls, however, lead a happy and content existence. When the others ask the owls to reveal their secret, they are astounded! But that's all I can say without giving it away. Piatti's illustrations are absolutely marvelous. The owls' red eyes convey a wonderful humor and truth!

MORE: If you like to laugh, read our favorite funny picture books.

Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud. Most likely you have heard about this book. A friend and I recently discussed how the book, while being rather (okay, a lot) cheesy, kids can easily relate to the main metaphor. It teaches kids that happiness is not just about themselves, but is intimately connected to the well-being of others. It's a pretty decent book actually, even though I wouldn't put it on a list of "books with subtle messages."

The Three Questions [Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy] by Jon J. Muth. I like to recommend this book as much as possible and it is a good stepping stone for a discussion with your kids about what constitutes inner happiness.  They will ask, What is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do? and reflect on the importance of doing good deeds and paying attention to the immediate moment.

My Heart Fills with Happiness by Monique Gray Smith is a super sweet and wonderful board book perfect for your baby or toddler. The text celebrates finding happiness in the everyday events and joyful, colorful illustrations.

MORE: Toddler Books about Feelings

The Jar of Happiness by Alisa Burrows. Meg fills a jar with ingredients that she thinks comprise the perfect recipe for happiness. Things like chocolate, and ice cream. She totes her jar along everywhere she goes to ensure a happy mood. She even uses the jar to help her cheer up others. One day she loses the jar! But those whom she once helped cheer up show her that she doesn't need a jar to make her own happiness. This is a sweet book with a great message that is presented in a way that preschoolers and young elementary kids can relate to.

If You're Happy and You Know It by Jane Cabrera. You will notice on this lists that there are several children's books about happiness that take their inspiration from popular songs. There are a few versions of "If You're Happy and You Know It." This just happen to be the version that I read. Cabrera expands upon the traditional son lyrics so children will make the sounds of various animals as they sing along.

Anna Hibiscus' Song by Atinuke is a wonderful picture book featuring one of my favorite protagonists. Anna Hibiscus also stars in her own chapter book series, which we have read and loved. Anna Hibiscus lives in modern Africa and she is feeling so much happiness she doesn't know what to do with it all! She turns to her family members for advice, and in the end Anna discovers her own personal way to express her joy -- through song.

Perfect Square by Michael Hall. A perfect square is perfectly happy. But what happens when it begins to transform into other shapes? Will it still be happy and content? This book has become a classic text about shapes, but why not use if to start a conversation about what we base our feelings of happiness on?

Happy by Emma Dodd is a delightful bedtime book for the 0-3 set. Gentle rhyming text that establishes the clear bond between love and happiness.

MORE: Our Favorite Bedtime Books

100 Things That Make Me Happy by Amy Schwartz. This is a fun book with rhyming text featuring all sorts of things that make kids smile. Bright, colorful illustrations featuring diverse children engaging in fun, free-range activities.  While reading this book with your kids, be sure to talk about all the things that make them happy, too.

MORE: Counting to 100 Activity

Augustus and His Smile by Catherine Rayner. Augustus the tiger goes looking for a smile. He sets out on a journey which takes him all around the world. Along the way he encounters beauty and wonderful sights, and at last, when he gazes into a pool of water, he finds his smile. Reflecting (pun!) on his experience he realizes that in order to be happy all he needs is to do is remember all the beautiful things in the world.

MORE: Books about Self-Confidence and Being Yourself

Taking a Bath and Other Things that Make Me Happy by Scott Menchin. When a girl can't seem to muster up her own happiness, she begins a quest to find out what makes others happy. She asks around, getting answers from her dog, a rabbit, an elderly man, and other quirky characters. The book has a charming, whimsical sense of humor as well as a lovely message about how the simple things can give us joy.

Happy! by Pharrell Williams is an illustrated version of the song I bet you are singing right now. My son sung the the text out loud with a big smile, and that's a pretty good recommendation.

Every Little Thing by Bob Marley and Cedella Marley. Another song-based book! Dynamic illustrations bring a popular song to life in picture book form with the reassuring refrain, "Everything's gonna be alright."

Double Happiness. This is a lovely, thoughtful story by poet Nancy Tupper Ling. Verse "chapters" tell a story that conveys the important connection between family history and the future. Two children, Gracie and Jack, are gearing up for a big move. They will have to leave beloved family behind but their Nai Nai (grandmother) gives them each a special happiness box to fill with important items. Gorgeous, gorgeous illustration complete the book. For more poems to make you smile, read our favorite funny poetry books.

The post 15 Smile-Inducing Children's Books about Happiness and Joy appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

These picture books about anger and getting mad will normalize such emotions and make them seem less scary. Many will even make your kids laugh and I hope you can find a way to work them into your daily reading time. Be sure to check out our other lists with picture books about feelings; links are at the bottom of this post. (Note: book covers and titles are affiliate links that earn commission from qualifying purchases.)

Tiger and Badger is actually bonus book #14. I just finished reading this brand new book from one of my must-read authors, Emily Jenkins and I had to include it as a last minute addition. Tiger and Badger are best friends but that doesn't stop them from getting into arguments, even over seemingly trivial things. (But remember, nothing is trivial to a child!) After every tiff, however, they are able to put things right, whether it be with working together to solve a problem, or with a silly face. This is one of the best books about friendship I have read and I urge you to pick up a copy!

MORE: Toddler books about feelings

Grumpy Bird is one of my favorite books on the list because it is so, so funny (and accurate!). When Grumpy Bird wakes up, he is grumpy! Grumpy, grumpy, grumpy. Too grumpy to do anything, even fly, so he walks along in his grumpy mood. As he passes each of his friends, he snaps at them but they join him anyway and the grumpy walk turns into a sort of follow the leader game and Grumpy Bird can't help but let friendship and fun turn his frown upside down.

Grandfather Gandhi is an absolutely gorgeous book and an excellent choice for older kids. The story is narrated by then-12 year old Gandhi’s grandson, Arun. Arun goes to live with his grandfather, which was considered a great honor. One day his grandfather gets angry, a surprise to Arun. Gandhi explains to his grandson that anger is a normal human emotion, that people must work to conquer and transform so that it can be used for a good purpose. This is a marvelous, must-read book that will encourage your kids to think about the role emotions play in the choices we make.

Mad at Mommy. Komako Sakai's sweet rabbit is mad at mommy for her seemingly unfair behavior. Mommy sleeps late, she watches TV, she gets mad for no reason, and -- horror! -- she says she can't marry little rabbit! The little rabbit threatens to run away but comes back after 5 minutes to make sure that mommy missed her. This book is so sweet and right on point with little rabbit's feelings. Plus, Sakai's illustrations are darling and wonderful.

Mouse Was Mad. Mouse isn't sure what he is supposed to do when he is mad. He tries to hop like Rabbit, scream like Bobcat, stomp like Bear, but nothing seems right. Finally Mouse figures out what do do with all his big feelings, and it feels just perfect. Parents everywhere will want their kids to emulate Mouse.

Sometimes I'm Bombaloo. Katie describes herself as a pretty good kid. She normally does what she is supposed to, but when her brother knocks down too many of her castles she has a hard time using her words. I like the way Katie describes how she feels out of control when she gets angry, and has a name for it, "bombaloo". After a little time to herself, to reflect, she can gain some perspective and move on. I also like the way the solution to "bombaloo" emphasizes patience, rather than punishment.

When Sophie Gets Angry, Really, Really Angry. This is a classic book about feelings, and any list of books about anger will include it! I'm guessing you have already heard of it, if not read it to your kids. Sophie gets angry because of a perceived unfairness and she blows her top. Her solution is to run away and climb a tree, looking out into the wide world until she feels calm. The message that a peaceful space will help in times of turmoil is a good one.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. It seems as if parents either love or hate this book. I love it. It's so easy to relate to Alexander's predicament, especially for those of us who have siblings. Nothing goes right for Alexander all day and it makes him grumpy. At the end of the day he comes to realize that bad days will always happen, even in Australia.

Crankenstein is a pretty hilarious take on how a cranky monster would respond to everyday observations, like Good Morning! (He would say “MEHHRRRR!!”), or Time for School! (He would say “MEHHRRRR!!”), or Who Wants Pancakes?? (He would say “MEHHRRRR!!”) Are you sensing a pattern. Nothing will turn Crankenstein's mood, until..... he meets another Crankenstein. Then, let the giggles begin. It's rather amazing how perfectly Dan Santat illustrates the facial expression of the moody monster.

Finn Throws a Fit. Finn is having a bad day. He doesn't like anything he normally like! And he throws one explosive fit. The illustrations are what really make this book. Finn's tears create a flood! His kicks create earthquakes! Eventually the fit dies down and Finn is finally ready for his peaches. I particularly like how the tantrum is bookended by love and affection. It shows fits are a normal behavior patterns. We are never really certain about what starts or ends Finn's fit, but that's part of real life, no?

Nina in That Makes Me Mad is a graphic novel from the Toon Book series, which is great for beginning readers. A lot of things make Nina mad and she tells everyone exactly how she feels: mad. I liked the way this book refrained from moralizing. It was perfectly acceptable for Nina to express her feelings and my younger son really responded to this book for that very reason. For each thing that makes Nina mad, such as "when you don't let me help," or "when I try and it doesn't work" there is a short vignette showing an example from Nina's life. The solution to big feelings is wonderfully simple; Nina explains that she feels better when she is allowed to tell her parents when she is mad.

The Most Magnificent Thing You may not immediately think of this book for a list of books about anger, but it is a great read, too! Having a can-do attitude like the protagonist is a must for any person wanting to make make her mark in the world of science and technology. With the help of her assistant dog, a “regular girl” decides she is going to invent a most MAGNIFICENT thing. She has a lot of false starts. Nothing seems to be turning out the way she wants and it’s so frustrating for her! However, she takes a walk, comes back and looks at her inventions afresh, and finally figures things out. The book is not at all preachy and Spires’s illustrations are a delight.

Grumpy Goat. Grumpy Goat lives at Sunny Acres Farm, but his disposition is anything but sunny. He is cranky, has no friends and cares about nothing but eating. But... one day he spies a single flower that makes him stop and take care of something other than himself. When the dandelion releases its seeds into the wind, Grumpy is devastated until he sees what those seeds bring. This is a fun book for helping kids to think about alternate perspectives and see that sometimes the payoff for our actions takes a little longer to reveal itself.

Llama Llama Mad At Mama. I'm pretty sure that every parent is familiar with the grocery store temper tantrum. Well, here it is. All laid out in picture book form. This Mama has a lot of patience and explains to her little one that she'd rather be doing something else too, but all is well, as fun activities lie ahead.

The post Picture Books about Anger, Frustration, and General Crankiness appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.