When I was a kid I loved the Berenstain Bears, anything by Dr. Seuss, Miss Nelson is Missing, and Imogene’s Antlers (among many others). There were great books out there for me to read, that helped me imagine, that helped me learn.
But something I’ve noticed now that I have my own children is that there are many more books out there that teach understanding and compassion than there were when I was a kid. I was volunteering for my kids’ book fair last year and I loved what I was seeing! So many books about loving others, accepting them for who they are, and understanding different cultures and points of view.
Here is a list of eight books (a couple of which I found at that book fair, and some of which I’ve found since then) that teach kids understanding and compassion for others
The day you begin
Written by Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrated by Rafael Lopez
This beautiful story by Jacqueline Woodson begins with the uncertainty that many children may feel when they see something different in themselves, whether it be color, hairstyle, language, or many other differences. This book is a reminder to children that we all have beauty within us, and that sharing that beauty and those differences is what can lead to friendship and connection.
BLue Sky White Stars
Written by Sarvinder Naberhaus
Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
This book is a beautiful homage to the beauty, hope, and diversity of the United States of America. The multiple plays on words refer to different things that have important meaning across different races and ethnicities that are found in this country. This book is gorgeous and heartwarming and I love that it was a collaboration between an Indian American (the author), and an African American (the illustrator).
Big Words For Little People
Written by Jamie Lee Curtis
Illustrated by Laura Cornell
You didn’t know Jamie Lee Curtis wasn’t just an actress? I didn’t either until a few years ago when I read this book. It talks about big words with big meanings and follows a family of multicultural siblings as they learn about words like PATIENCE, RESPECT, and COOPERATE. The pictures by illustrator Laura Cornell are bright and fun and full of life.
You Hold Me Up
Written by Monique Gray Smith
Illustrated by Danielle Daniel
This is a simple book about respecting, helping, and loving other humans. The pictures are beautiful and depict individuals and families of Native American heritage. The author is of Cree and Lakota heritage herself, and at the end of the book, she writes that this story came from her desire to teach little people about the importance of love, building relationships, and fostering empathy.
Stick And Stone
Written by Beth Ferry
Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
This is a super cute book about a stick and a stone who are friends. When someone is mean to stone, Stick “sticks” up for him. When Stick is lost, Stone finds him. Simple and heartwarming with adorable pictures, any little kid is sure to love this one and learn from its message.
Spork
Written by Kyo Maclear
Illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault
Ok, this might seem funny, but I totally identified with Spork in this book! Not fully one thing, not fully the other, not fully accepted by or comfortable with either. Spork tries to be what he isn’t and it just doesn’t work out! But the day he becomes the perfect thing for the perfect little person, he realizes his value. I love the zany pictures, and the message underneath it all. We are all different and we all have worth BECAUSE of our differences. And when we can accept our own differences and recognize our own worth, it’s easier to accept others.
The Rabbit Listened
Written and Illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld
Sometimes people just need a listening ear, and this book shows that! Something sad happened to Taylor and each animal tried to help him in a different way. One tried to talk to him, one tried to get him to laugh, one tried to get him to move forward. But what he needs before he can do that is for someone to listen. I would say this is a great resource for adults, too, on how to respond to people going through hard things!
Thank You, Omu
Written and Illustrated by Oge Mora
This book teaches selflessness and sharing. Omu makes a delicious stew for her own dinner, but one by one, she shares with other people who smell her stew and hope that she’ll share. When it’s time for her to eat dinner, there’s no more stew! But she learns that when you do good, it all comes back to you in the end. Fantastic message and beautiful illustrations.
Eight books is so few in the huge collection of picture books out there that could fit in this category! What are some of your favorites?