10 Books to Teach Children Gratitude and Kindness This Holiday Season
Introduce your children to stories that will shape their perspective of the holiday season and their understanding of the world.
As holidays such as Thanksgiving in the US approach, children are more exposed to themes of gratitude and kindness. While this time of the year focuses on giving back and being kind to others, introducing these stories to your children can be beneficial at any time, as they can relate to their experiences and learn to apply these values to their interactions with others in their day-to-day life.
Stories that teach children about kindness and helping others provide them reference for when social situations happen in their everyday life. These stories allow them to better understand the world around them both during the holiday season and other times of year! A better understanding of gratitude and kindness can also shape their understanding of the holidays their families celebrate.
Here are 10 books to teach children gratitude and kindness this holiday season – all available for free on BookSmart.
*If a book link doesn’t work, simply open BookSmart on your device and search for the title.
Thanku: Poems of Gratitude
Published by Lerner Publishing Group
Ages 6-8
This anthology brings together a diverse group of poets who express gratitude for everything from a puppy to hot cocoa to the sky itself. Each writer uses a different poetic form, and readers will encounter a concrete poem, a sonnet, a pantoum, a sijo, and much more.
► Explore the poetic perspectives of gratitude here
Papa Gave Me a Stick by Janice Levy
Published by Star Bright Books
Ages 6-8
When Antonio first hears the members of the Mariachi band play, he wants nothing more than a guitar of his own. But guitars cost money, explains his father, who hands Antonio a stick instead. Confused and upset, Antonio resentfully accepts his father’s gift. He heads off, unknowingly starting a chain of exchanges that may, miraculously, earn him what he wants most. Filled with plenty of Spanish vocabulary for young readers, “Papa Gave Me a Stick” is a vibrant story about the virtues and rewards of kindness.
► Follow Antonio’s kindness journey here
Love (Big Words for Little People) by Helen Mortimer
Published by Oxford University Press
Ages 0-5
How do you put that special feeling called love into words? This book will help children discover the words they need to talk about their feelings and fill our world with love.
► Help your child put their love into words with this book
Kindness, A Very Special Word by Zorana Rafailovic
Published by Worldreader and My Special Word
Ages 6-8
Penny is sad. No one wants to play with her. She goes to Benny to help her figure out why. And then she discovers the word “kindness.” Will this word brighten her day and make her feel happy again?
► Discover the word “kindness” here
Powered Up! By Mema Daisy
Published by Worldreader and My Special Word
Ages 6-8
Oh no, a snowstorm has hit the city and the power is out. How can Ranya and Logan play their favorite games? They are sooooo bored… Luckily, Mom knows the way to power-up the kids again. No electricity or fancy gadgets needed, just special words, art, and lots of positivity!
► See how Ranya and Logan learn gratitude here
Be A Bridge by Irene Latham and Charles Waters
Published by Lerner Publishing Group
Ages 3-5
This rhyming book teaches you how you can “be a bridge” through examples of kindness and respect.
► Teach your child to be a bridge here
Do Good, Get Good by Ravi Ranjan Goswami
Published by Pratham Books
Ages 3-5
Join our young hero on a wordless adventure as he bravely saves a furry friend from the river. Watch the magical connection unfold as the universe responds with gratitude. A heartwarming tale that speaks volumes without saying a word!
► Join the adventure here
Kindness Saves The Day by Ahlan Simsim
Published by Ahlan Simsim (Sesame Workshop)
Ages 3-5
Did you know that we all have a superpower? It’s the power to be kind! Let’s see how the Sesame friends use their kindness superpower.
► Help your child discover their kindness superpower here
Virtues: Generosity (Moral Excellence) by Dolphin Press
Published by Dolphin Press
Ages 3-5, 6-8
This book helps children learn and absorb the basic values that are needed to live happy, fulfilled and successful lives.
► Explore the meaning of generosity here
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