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Best Children’s Stories That Teach Giving Back

Children’s values are ingrained at an early age – get started on a strong foot with these moving books!

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Children are born with a blank slate, and are constantly learning from the environment around them. Children’s books are an amazing way to spend before bedtime in a meaningful way. Talk about the amazing characters these books have, the message of the book, and develop your child’s listening and interpretation skills.

The other thing we love about these books is that they begin to move a child’s perspective away from themselves to start thinking about other people. So get reading – and bonding – over some moving stories when you choose any one of these amazing books!

#1 A Blanket Weaved of Differences by Amy Pearl

A Blanket Weaved of Differences by Amy Pearl
Elsa is a young girl living in the Maine woods. She is preparing for the long winter months ahead when she realizes she does not have enough yarn to weave her winter blanket.

Elsa ventures out into the Maine woods in search of more yarn. To her surprise, she meets six wonderful children, from all over the world, who are willing to share their yarn.

With love and generosity, Elsa is able to weave a blanket that is strong and large enough to keep them all warm during the long winter months, and it is a blanket created out of differences.

Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:

Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here

#2 If a Bear Stops by for Tea by Malorie Anne Castle

If a Bear Stops by for Tea by Malorie Anne Castle
When a very large brown bear stops by for tea, a small curly-haired girl welcomes his visit. She offers not just tea and sugary treats but her friendship and hospitality as well. With warm and whimsical illustrations, this light-hearted story of friendship is sure to become a bedtime favorite for children and adult alike.

Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:

Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here

#3 Lefty Louie the Little Leaguer by S. E. Bazarsky

Lefty Louie the Little Leaguer by S. E. Bazarsky
This heartwarming story is about 10-year-old Louie Jordan. He has dreamed about being a pitcher on a Little League Baseball team. But there is one thing that has prevented him from pursuing his dream. He was born with only one arm. He has no friends and always keeps to himself. Every day at school, he has to face the school bully and the other kids. They often make fun of him by calling him ‘Lefty Louie’. One day, a new girl in school, Brenda Summers, becomes his friend and encourages him to try out for the local Little League team. Follow Louie’s journey as he faces many obstacles during the tryouts until his dream finally comes true. When the big day comes to pitch in the Little League Season Opener, he walks to the mound and receives a thunderous standing ovation. This story is a real “Grand Slam” that will bring joy to every reader who has ever had a dream.

Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:

Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here

#4 Little Blue Truck & Little Blue Truck Leads the Way

Little Blue Truck & Little Blue Truck Leads the Way
There aren’t many young kids who don’t get excited by cars and trucks, but Little Blue is a particularly special truck. In both the original book and the sequel (Little Blog Truck Leads the Way), Blue leads by example, helping others – even if they haven’t earned Blue’s kindness. From helping an arrogant dump truck who gets stuck in the mud to a busy city limousine who’s engine dies, Blue is a helper, through and through. Through this behaviour, Little Blue sets an example for the other characters in the book, and for the young readers drawn to the rhymes, cadence, and illustrations in these wonderful stories.

Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:

Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here

#5 The Rainbow Fish, by Marcus Pfister

The Rainbow Fish, by Marcus Pfister
This is a beautiful, sparkly book about a fish with glittering scales. He wants to keep all the glittering, shiny scales to himself, but he soon learns that hoarding them only makes him miserable and lonely. Sharing them with the rest of the school brings true happiness. It’s a powerful truth, and a great book about helping, generosity, and sharing appropriate for ages 2 to 6.

Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:

Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here

#6 Kindness Starts With You- At School by Jacquelyn Stagg

Kindness Starts With You- At School by Jacquelyn Stagg
One of the first places your child will learn how to interact with others is at school, which makes Kindness Starts With You a suitable and applicable book. As you read about Maddy’s day at school, your child will learn how they can easily be kind to others, whether on the playground or in the classroom. With fun illustrations, your child will be engaged, while learning how to be a good person all in one!

Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:

Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here

#7 I Can Do That by Len Saunders MA

I Can Do That by Len Saunders MA
I wrote a children’s book entitled, I CAN DO THAT. which teaches young children about the gift of giving and helping others. The main character is a daisy named Ican who teaches the younger daisy named Ann that it is better to give than receive! In their journey, they help bugs, animals and humans with various obstacles.

Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:

Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here

#8 I am human: a book on empathy by Susan Verde

I am human: a book on empathy by Susan Verde
In this book, Susan Verde introduces the concept of being human with all of its challenges and beautiful moments. She specifically emphasizes the importance of empathy and kindness as a precondition for living happily. The book contains engaging illustrations that can help kids understand and relate to the concept of humanity and helping others.

Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:

Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here

#9 Dash’s Week by Nicole M MacDonald

Dash's Week by Nicole M MacDonald
Dash, the adorable dog, loves adventure and his amazing imagination takes him on a journey every day of the week where he is helping others. He becomes a pirate,a superhero and more. Dash teaches young readers about kindness and how every good deed, large or small can make a difference. Awesome child’s book to help kids learn about helping others.

Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:

Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here

#10 The Nice Book by David Stein

The Nice Book by David Stein
A perfect introduction to manners and playing nice, by David Ezra Stein—author of Caldecott Honor winner Interrupting Chicken, Pouch! (a Charlotte Zolotow Honor book) and Leaves (recipient of the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award).

From cuddling koalas to friendly penguins, an array of animals illustrates fun, sweet, and silly examples of “how to be nice,” showing simple ways young children can show they care for those around them. The lyrical text, funny illustrations and upbeat friendship message make this a great gift and a wonderful introduction to manners.

Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:

Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here

#11 AJ Overcomes: Cyberbullying by Diandra Walker

AJ Overcomes: Cyberbullying by Diandra Walker
AJ Overcomes: Cyberbullying encouraged children to work through problems in a way that helps themselves and others experiencing the same issue. AJ discovers that, by banding together with other victims of bullying, he can find safety, validation, and solutions instead of trying to take on a bullying culture all alone.

Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:

Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here

#12 Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss

Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss
This book is full of fun wording and illustrations, making it easy and fun for kids to read. It also teaches a very important lesson in that owning up to your mistakes and saying sorry is sometimes the best way you can both help yourself and those around you.

Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:

Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here

#13 Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud

Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud
The book Have You Filled a Bucket Today? Is the perfect book about caring for others. Through the 32 page story with beautiful illustrations, kids learn not only the value of helping others, but also that when we help others, our day becomes brighter, too.

The story describes how bucket-fillers build others up and help make the world a better place through helping, using kind words, and being appreciative.

“Filling someone’s bucket” is a metaphor that’s become commonplace in our household thanks to this book and has helped countless times with providing gentle redirection and guidance!

Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:

Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here

#14 Stella the Starfish by Shaun Rawls

Stella the Starfish by Shaun Rawls
Stella the Starfish is a gentle story that concisely imparts lessons of integrity, thoughtfulness, and truthfulness. Sometimes, when we least expect it, even a stranger can save the day.

Before buying a copy make sure to compare the price at various outlets:

Book Depository (International)Waterstones (International) Read more reviews and buy the book here

Contributors to this article
Emma from Austin Macauley Publishers

Katie Green from GreenActiveFamily

Michelle Bourbonniere from Edited by Michelle

Adina Mahalli from EnlightenedReality

Len Saunder from LenSaunders

Raj Vardhman from GoRemotely

Stefanie Lesser from Hope & Love Radio

Alexandra Watson from Wickfree Candles

Tenesha L. Curtis from Volo Press

Stacy Caprio from Deals Scoop

Leslie Kiel from FreeAdvice

Jeri Moran from Rawls Consulting

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