Check out our commonkind list of favourite books about kindness for primary school-aged children. All books are ruthlessly reviewed by our panel of real child judges! Although they are still learning kindess they don’t hold back on the important subject of books!
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CRUMBS
by Phil Cummings (AUSTRALIAN AUTHOR) & Shane Devries
Why we like it
A tale that demonstrates that no matter what your age, if your eyes are open to the things, people and places that surround you, there is always an opportunity to show kindess. Drawing parallels between a bird seeking crumbs and a homeless man asking for help, it is Ella who opens our eyes to the suffering of others when everyone else is either too absorbed in their phones, ignores pleas for help or are actively hostile. Accompanied by divine illustrations, this book highlights the importance of kindness.
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From the Publisher
On a wintry city street, a one-legged bird dances for crumbs to eat . . . but Ella has nothing to give. Then her father shows how a simple act of human kindness can spread joy to all.
A captivating and universal story to warm the hearts of readers everywhere, from the award-winning creators of Boy and Ride, Ricardo, Ride.
THE STONE LION
by Margaret Wild & Ritva Voutila (AUSTRALIAN AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR)
Why we like it
A Stone Lion dreams of being alive even for a short time to truly feel what it is like to move. Under the wise counsel of his gargoyle friend he realises his dream can come true if he has a generous heart. When faced with two homeless children seeking refuge he realises his purpose is more than just to be free but rather to save their lives. With images reminiscent of the famous New York Public Library the illustrations bring this story to life and show how just one act of compassion benefits not only the receiver but also the giver.
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From the Publisher
Sometimes statues are granted a chance to become warm, breathing creatures. The stone lion has only one dream – to run, pounce and leap in the park across from where he sits. But one snowy night, when a baby is abandoned at his paws, he is compelled to think differently.
THE HAPPINESS BOX: a wartime book of hope
by Mark Greenwood & Andrew McLean (AUSTRALIAN AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR)
Why we like it
This book is a wonderful accompaniment to the original “The Happiness Box” written by Sir David Griffin CBE and illustrated by Captain Leslie Greener in World War II. This book provides the remarkable story about the prisoners of war who, despite their dire situation, thought of a practical way to bring joy to the incarcerated women and children. This book also provides a gentle introduction into the history of WWII from an Australian perspective. The images are graphic but not too gruesome but may raise questions with younger readers.
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From the Publisher
In 1942, Sergeant “Griff” Griffin was a prisoner of war. With Christmas approaching, he decided to make a book for the children cooped up in nearby Changi Prison. The book was said to contain the secrets to happiness. But the enemy was suspicious.
With this picture book, award winners Mark Greenwood and Andrew McLean bring to life the inspirational true story of a book that became a National Treasure.
HUMAN KIND: KINDNESS
by Zanni Louise & Missy Turner (AUSTRALIAN AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR)
Why we like it
This book provides many relatable examples of ways to be kind. It also extends the topic by also touching on empathy and compassion. One of the few books that acknowledges the reality that being kind takes effort and courage (especially in the face of peer pressure) but that being kind feels good. Importantly the book also raises the need to show self-compassion and provides a small example of how to do this. The book includes discussion questions to foster further conversation as well as some excellent notes and tips for nurturing kindness by Child Clinical Psychologist Dr Ameika Johnson.
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From the Publisher
Kindness is being generous with our words, our actions and our heart. Acts of kindness can be big or small. We can be kind to others, and to ourselves too. It feels good to be kind, and kindness makes others feel good too. There are many ways to be kind …
I’M ALMOST ALWAYS KIND
by Anna Milbourne & Asa Gilland
Why we like it
The title gives a hint of how this book focuses on the fact that we aren’t always perfect humans with a knack for kindness. This book avoids being sugary sweet and unrealistic and instead highlights the value of self-reflection and empathy and how our words and actions may sometimes be misinterpreted but we can make amends and do better. The illustrations are detailed and accented with lovely laser cut-outs which make the book even more exciting to read.
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From the Publisher
A gently humorous story of how one little boy learns how to be kind.
Being kind is super important, but it isn’t always easy. Using a goodhearted, enthusiastic little boy’s perspective, a lot of sensitivity and a little gentle humour, this story explores the potential pitfalls of trying to be kind, and what being kind really means. To be truly kind, it turns out, you have to try to look at things from other people’s points of view. Delicate laser cut holes accumulate as the pages are turned to show how kindness feels and how it can spread from person to person.
YOU, ME AND EMPATHY
by Jayneen Sanders & Sofia Cardoso
Why we like it
This books uses relatable scenarios to explain the power of empathy and its’s role in developing kindness and expressing compassion. The simple but joyful illustrations of diverse characters combined with the rhyming text hold the interest of even the youngest reader. Throughout the book, each situation has questions to prompt further discussion in a natural and relatable way that don’t feel forced. At the end of the book are further discussion questions as well as a list of activities to promote empathy, kindness and compassion.
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From the Publisher
One of the most important social skills a child can learn is empathy. Being able to understand how another person is feeling and recognizing their needs helps people to connect to one another across race, culture and the diversity that is ever-present and so important to our world.
This charming story uses verse, beautiful illustrations and a little person called Quinn to model the meaning of empathy. Throughout the story, Quinn shows an abundance of understanding, compassion and kindness towards others. Showing empathy towards others is a learnt trait, and one to nurture and cherish with the children in our care.
Also included are Discussion Questions for parents, caregivers and educators, and suggested activities to promote empathy and kindness.
IT’S GREAT TO BE KIND
by Jordan Collins & Stuart Lynch
Why we like it
This book uses simple words to tell the story of a boy who does unkind things but then changes after he realises none of his classmates want to play with him. He then “rights” his wrongs, his friends like him again and he feels happier about himself. Question prompts are included for discussion.
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From the Publisher
Learn how to be kind with the children from Miss Clayton’s class!
Part of the Let’s Get Along! series, this fabulous picture book is designed to teach children about appropriate behavior while enjoying a fun, heartwarming story.Explore appropriate behaviors with the children from Miss Clayton’s class! What does it mean to be kind, to share, to stay calm, and to use teamwork? With stories written in clear, simple text, and with Stuart Lynch’s charming illustrations, these books will keep children engaged and entertained. Each book features a spread of information for parents and educators, which provides an opportunity to build on the issues presented in the book.
I CAN BE A GOOD FRIEND
by Meredith Rusu & Alexandra Colombo
Why we like it
This book shows the reciprocal nature of being kind using a theme of “Friendship Grows”. The examples are relatable for school children and specifically highlight some of the attributes of being a good friend including compassion, patience and loyalty. At the end of the book are some discussion prompts for the reader to consider how they have been a good friend and how they might react in a difficult scenario.
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From the Publisher
Learn all about positive behavior and meet your best self!
“Today, our class is going to the zoo! We each have a buddy. My buddy has a broken leg, so it’s my job to help him.”
This is Hikaru, and he wants to share with you what it means for him to be a good friend. You will see that, when he chooses being a good friend, friendship grows!
ABOUT THE SERIES:
Learning social skills is a key element of early childhood development and in helping kids develop a healthy identity. These relatable stories in familiar settings explore some of the most important social/emotional needs of young children, encouraging them to recognize, understand, express, and navigate various emotions and situations they might experience every day at school and at home. From being brave, honest, and kind, to being good friends, these books will help readers meet their best self!
I CAN BE KIND
by Meredith Rusu & Alexandra Colombo
Why we like it
Allina sees how kindness spreads through small actions at home, school and after school care. One action spurs a reciprocal action. This book includes “Choosing Kindness” activities to help children identify kind/unkind behaviours and also includes suggestions for simple activities that children can do to practice kindness.
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From the Publisher
Learn all about positive behavior and meet your best self!
“I can be kind by saying ‘Thank you’ for breakfast. I can be kind by asking someone who is alone if they’d like to sit with me at lunch.”
This is Alina, and she wants to share with you what it means for her to be kind. You will see that, when she chooses kindness, it spreads everywhere!
ABOUT THE SERIES:
Learning social skills is a key element of early childhood development and in helping kids develop a healthy identity. These relatable stories in familiar settings explore some of the most important social/emotional needs of young children, encouraging them to recognize, understand, express, and navigate various emotions and situations they might experience every day at school and at home. From being brave, honest, and kind, to being good friends, these books will help readers meet their best self!
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