Every year on November 13, people all around the world celebrate World Kindness Day! It is important to
remember that children, and adults, need constant reminders about what kindness looks like and sounds like. An easy way to bring kindness to the forefront is through picture books in homes and classrooms. 

Picture books provide the opportunity for children to be entertained, learn new concepts and help build a strong social emotional foundation. Picture books can be windows, mirrors and sliding glass doors: a window into the lives of others, a mirror to see your own family, community and culture beautifully showcased and a sliding glass door to walk between the two with more empathy, understanding and kindness.

As a mother and a second grade teacher, I want my children and students to be many things…but most importantly I want them to be kind. As a teacher, I read hundreds of picture books during a school year to my class. As the author of The Kindness Machine, I am able to share the importance of kindness in homes and classrooms around the world. This book reminds us to not only be kind to others, but also to be kind to ourselves. 

There are many picture books on kindness that can start or continue a kindness conversation. Here is a small list of books to start with: 

Kindness Wins by Marguerite Locke 
The Kindness Machine by Christina Dankert 
Kindness Is by Kaitlin Johnstone 
Recess Magic by Bonny Dieterich 
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig 
Mike Nero and the SuperHero School by Natasha Melissa Carlow 
A Little Spot of Kindness by Diane Alber 
Nella’s Kindness Kicks by NelliRose Farella  
The Jelly Donut Difference: Sharing Kindness with the World by Maria Dismondy 

As adults, we can promote kindness to the children in our lives by starting small with a simple picture book and conversation. We can model kindness since little ones are always watching us. We can then pick up another picture book and repeat the cycle. Kindness matters. Pass it on.