The world could always use a little extra kindness, but the month of November is a really good time to add a bit of sweetness to the universe, as November 13th is World Kindness Day! We hope that you will celebrate by reading a book or two where kindness is the central theme, but you could also go to the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation website and take a look at their suggestions for easy ways to spread some positivity around!
Every Little Kindness by Marta Bartolj
PICTURE BARTOLJ
When one act of kindness sparks another, anything is possible! As a girl searches for her lost dog, a simple act of generosity ripples into a wave of good deeds. In the course of a single day, each considerate action weaves lives together and transforms a neighborhood for the better.
Sidewalk Flowers by JonArno Lawson
PICTURE LAWSON
In this wordless picture book, a little girl collects wildflowers while on a walk with her distracted father. Each flower becomes a gift, and whether the gift is noticed or ignored, both giver and recipient are transformed by their encounter.
Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora
PICTURE MORA
Everyone in the neighborhood dreams of a taste of Omu's delicious stew! One by one, they follow their noses toward the scrumptious aroma. And one by one, Omu offers a portion of her meal. Soon the pot is empty. Has she been so kind and generous that she has nothing left for herself?
The Kindest Red by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S. K. Ali
PICTURE MUHAMMAD
Kindness can be gentle, but powerful too! The second book in The Proudest Blue series, The Kindest Red follows Faizah as she helps her classmates on Picture Day, and celebrates a world that passes kindness from hand to hand.
If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson
PICTURE NELSON
With spare text and breathtaking oil paintings, If You Plant a Seed demonstrates not only the process of planting and growing for young children but also how a seed of kindness can bear sweet fruit.
The Kindness Book by Todd Parr
PICTURE PARR
With his trademark bright colors and bold lines, Todd Parr takes on a topic more important than ever: being kind to each other. No matter what, you can always choose to be kind—and what a wonderful thing to be!
Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson
PICTURE PEARSON
One ordinary day, Ordinary Mary stumbles upon some ordinary blueberries. When she decides to pick them for her neighbor, Mrs. Bishop, her thoughtful act starts a chain reaction that multiplies around the world.
This Story is For You by Greg Pizzoli
PICTURE PIZZOLI
In this sweet story by an acclaimed picture book creator, a simple "It's nice to know you" holds so much power. This Story is for You celebrates moments of kindness, from the small to the grand, in a heartwarming tale of human connection.
You Hold Me Up by Monique Gray Smith
PICTURE GRAY SMITH
This vibrant picture book encourages children to show love and support for each other and to consider each other’s well-being in their everyday actions.
Heartfelt by Elaine Vickers
PICTURE VICKERS
A child makes paper hearts to give to her teacher, to a friend, at the library, and more. As she spreads kindness around her neighborhood, she soon finds that sharing love is the best gift of all. With Samantha Cotterill’s stunning diorama illustrations, this loving story is sure to capture hearts and inspire acts of kindness.