Children’s Books that Teach Character, Empathy, Kindness, Respect and more!

As parents and educators, we all want to raise children who are not just academically successful but also possess strong character traits such as kindness, empathy, and integrity. Teaching character education and social-emotional learning skills to children is crucial for their overall development and success in life. One way to do this is through reading books that teach important life lessons. Here are 20 of the best children's books that teach character education and social-emotional learning skills:

1. The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld - Empathy

When something sad happens, Taylor doesn't know where to turn. All the animals are sure they have the answer. The chicken wants to talk it out, but Taylor doesn't feel like chatting. The bear thinks Taylor should get angry, but that's not quite right either. One by one, the animals try to tell Taylor how to act, and one by one they fail to offer comfort. Then the rabbit arrives. All the rabbit does is listen . . . which is just what Taylor needs. A moving and universal picture book about empathy and kindness, sure to soothe heartaches big and small—now a New York Times bestseller and a perfect gift for any special occasion

2. The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig - Kindness

This heartwarming story teaches children about the power of empathy and how it can make a difference in someone's life.

3. Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell - Self-Confidence

This book teaches children to be proud of who they are and embrace their unique qualities and strengths.

4. The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds - Growth Mindset

This inspiring book encourages children to believe in themselves and their abilities, and to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

5. I Am Yoga by Susan Verde - Mindfulness

This book teaches children the importance of mindfulness and how it can help them find peace and calmness within themselves.

6. Disappointment is a Wave by Lauren Martin - Resilience, Grit & Perseverance

A simple and effective picture book to help kids overcome disappointment, adapt to change and inspire a positive outlook, optimism and resilience. Teach optimism and how to cope with disappointment to even the youngest children (age 2+) through simple practical explanations and pictures that empower kids to choose to focus on what they can control to make the best of the situation.

7. Betty Bunny Didn’t Do It by Michael Kaplan - Honesty

When Betty Bunny breaks a lamp, she has a brand-new idea: Blame it on someone else (like the Tooth Fairy)! Then a vase gets broken and Betty Bunny really didn't do it. But now no one in her family believes her. Honest lies, white lies, crying wolf—how can one four-year-old figure out the right thing to do? From the creator of Disney’s Dog with a Blog, this funny book in the Betty Bunny series shows the value of honesty from a preschooler’s special point of view.

8. The Berenstain Bears and the Truth - Integrity, Responsibility & Accountability

This book teaches children the value of honesty and integrity, and how telling the truth can help build trust and strong relationships.

9. Say Something by Peter Reynolds

The world needs your voice. If you have a brilliant idea... say something! If you see an injustice... say something!In this empowering new picture book, beloved author Peter H. Reynolds explores the many ways that a single voice can make a difference. Each of us, each and every day, have the chance to say something: with our actions, our words, and our voices. Perfect for kid activists everywhere, this timely story reminds readers of the undeniable importance and power of their voice.

10. The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss - Citizenship & Cooperation

The Star-Belly Sneetches and the Plain-Belly Sneetches learn to overcome their differences. This allegory critiques bullying and exclusion as well as prejudice and discrimination. It is a great way to teach young kids the importance of tolerance, acceptance and how to be open-minded.

11. Doug Unplugged by Dan Yaccarino - Curiosity & Discovery

Doug is a robot. His parents want him to be smart, so each morning they plug him in and start the information download. After a morning spent learning facts about the city, Doug suspects he could learn even more about the city by going outside and exploring it. And so Doug . . . unplugs. What follows is an exciting day of adventure and discovery. Doug learns amazing things by doing and seeing and touching and listening—and above all, by interacting with a new friend. Dan Yaccarino's funny story of robot rebellion is a great reminder that sometimes the best way to learn about the world is to go out and be in it.

12. Sadness is a Dark Cloud by Lauren Martin

A simple and effective picture book to help comfort kids with sadness, depression or grief. Teach toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners and even young adults to cope with sadness and foster resilience, perspective and optimism, because "I am not sadness. Sadness is a dark cloud passing over me."

13. Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev - Compassion

In this bestselling and internationally beloved picture book about inclusion, the local Pet Club won’t admit a boy’s tiny pet elephant, so he finds a solution—one that involves all kinds of unusual animals.

14. Brave Irene by William Steig - Courage

This book teaches children about the importance of courage and determination in the face of adversity. This winning heroine will inspire every child to cheer her on as she ventures through a bitter cold snowstorm in William Steig's classic Brave Irene.

"The Thankful Book" by Todd Parr - Gratitude & Appreciation This book teaches children the importance of being grateful for the people and things in their lives.

Hello, World!

15. Patient Ninja by Mary Nhin - Delayed Gratification

Patient Ninja learns how to delay happiness for a bigger reward later. Find out what happens in this comedic book about patience and delayed gratification. Life is tough. But so are you!

16. Insecurity is a Seed by Lauren Martin - Self-Esteem

A simple and effective picture book about insecurity, confidence, self-esteem, growth mindset, identity and belonging. Teach toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners and even young adults how to transform insecurity, embarrassment and inadequacy into confidence, self-esteem, assertiveness and growth mindset.

17. Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud - Kindness and Joy

Show kindness and appreciation of others goes a long way to making this world a happier place for everyone, including ourselves. Teach young readers valuable lessons about giving, sharing, and caring every day to filler their own bucket.

18. Are You Ready to Play Outside? by Mo Willems - Adapting to Change, Optimism & Positivity

Elephant and Piggie are disappointed when rain ruins their plans to play outside until they change their perspective and make a new plan to play outside in the rain.

19. Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae - Individuality

Gerald is a giraffe who simply can't dance. Try as he may, his long, spindly legs buckle whenever he starts to boogy. Every year he dreads going to the Great Jungle Dance where he is teased by the other animals - until one night when he finds that he can dance he just had to find his own special song.

20. The Unicorn Who Sold Zero Cupcakes by Brenda Li

This book turns complex business ideas into lessons even a 5-year-old can understand. Introduces problem-solving and persistence, never give up in times of struggle, encourages creative thinking habits, and builds confidence in young readers age 2-8 with simple vocabularies. “Unicorn and Ted set a great example of how to handle early rejection and how to use creativity to propel yourself forward." - Forbes. Check it out now and watch your child strengthen their mentality.

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Why wait? Make story time matter with the best 20 children’s books that teach social emotional learning, character education, empathy, kindness, respect and more!