The best books for raising kind kids

List by Naomi Shulman

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a little bit obsessed with children’s books. I have an extensive personal library of books from my own childhood as well as my kids'. I’m also a person who has become increasingly, shall we say, concerned about the deepening of the culture wars in our society and the ways in which children’s libraries end up being the battleground for those wars. Children’s books matter; if they didn’t, no one would be trying to censor them. And I’d argue that children’s books about ethics and morality might matter even more than most. The five books I’ve recommended here are, in my opinion, truly among the best.

The books I picked & why

Do Unto Otters: A Book about Manners

By Laurie Keller ,

Why I love this book

This is a nuts-and-bolts book about the Golden Rule—do unto others as you have them do unto you. But unlike many other books with that same message, this one is lighthearted and approachable.

I also like the subtext—good manners are important, but we’re not talking about how to set a table here; the focus is on making sure everyone feels heard and respected, which is one of the fundamentals of kindness.

Do Unto Otters: A Book about Manners

By Laurie Keller ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Do Unto Otters as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

"Do not do to others that which would anger you if others did it to you."—Socrates (the Greek philosopher), circa 470-399 B.C.

Mr. Rabbit's new neighbors are Otters. OTTERS! But he doesn't know anything about Otters. Will they get along? Will they be friends? Just treat otters the same way you'd like them to treat you, advises wise Mr. Owl. And so begins Mr. Rabbit's reflection on good manners.

In her smart, quirky style Laurie Keller highlights how to be a good friend and neighbor—just follow the Golden Rule! This title has Common Core connections.

A Junior Library Guild Selection…

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The Rabbit Listened

By Cori Doerrfeld ,

Why I love this book

One of the key elements of being kind, maybe the key element, is simply being present in hard moments.

That’s what this book is about. When the child in this book is going through something difficult, the other animals do their best to help him feel better, but only Rabbit gets it right—and all Rabbit does is listen. It’s a profound message, one that grownups need as much as kids.

The Rabbit Listened

By Cori Doerrfeld ,

Why should I read it?

9 authors picked The Rabbit Listened as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

With its spare, poignant text and irresistibly sweet illustrations, The Rabbit Listened is a tender meditation on loss. When something terrible happens, Taylor doesn't know where to turn. All the animals are sure they have the answer. The chicken wants to talk it out, but Taylor doesn't feel like chatting. The bear thinks Taylor should get angry, but that's not quite right either. One by one, the animals try to tell Taylor how to process this loss, and one by one they fail. Then the rabbit arrives. All the rabbit does is listen, which is just what Taylor needs. Whether…

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A Sick Day for Amos McGee

By Philip C. Stead , Erin E. Stead (illustrator) ,

Why I love this book

Another cornerstone of kindness is being in community. This is something I try to highlight in my own books. At its heart, this is about a community—one comprised of animals of various sorts, including a human.

Zookeeper Amos McGee spends so much time taking care of his animal friends every day. When he gets a cold, his friends know they need to step up and show him the same kind of care attention he shows to them. We’re all in this together.

A Sick Day for Amos McGee

By Philip C. Stead , Erin E. Stead (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked A Sick Day for Amos McGee as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 2, 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

Every day Amos McGee spends a little bit of time with each of his friends at the zoo, running races with the tortoise, keeping the shy penguin company, and even reading bedtime stories to the owl. But when Amos is too sick to make it to the zoo, his animal friends decide it's time they returned the favour.

A delightful picture book about true friendship.

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Maddi's Fridge

By Lois Brandt , Vin Vogel (illustrator) ,

Why I love this book

I love this story in part because it deals with some messy realities. Maddi is ashamed that her family doesn’t have enough food to eat. When she reveals this to Sofia, she makes her promise to keep it a secret.

Sofia is now caught between trying to help Maddi and keeping her promise. This sort of ethical dilemma is all too real for many children. Sofia has to figure out what the truly kind act is in this situation.

Maddi's Fridge

By Lois Brandt , Vin Vogel (illustrator) ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Maddi's Fridge as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

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Oh No, George!

By Chris Haughton ,

Why I love this book

I have to admit that books about kindness can often be a tad preachy. This is emphatically not one of those books. In fact, it’s hilarious—but sneakily profound at the same time.

George the Dog has to reckon with the impact of his impulsive behavior, and he learns how to make amends and set intentions to do better in the future. These are the first steps any of us have to take in learning how to be kind and ethical people. Good job, George!

Oh No, George!

By Chris Haughton ,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Oh No, George! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 2, 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

It's hard work being good all the time - and it's especially hard for a dog like George! A laugh-out-loud, visual romp from the acclaimed author-illustrator of A Bit Lost, Shh! We Have a Plan, Goodnight Everyone, Don't Worry Little Crab and Maybe.

A board book edition of the hilarious read-aloud romp by the multiple award-winning author-illustrator Chris Haughton, this is the story of George the dog. His owner, Harris, is off to do some shopping. "Will you be good, George?" he asks his dog. George hopes he can. He really wants to ... but chocolate cake is just so…

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