By Lauren Walsh, Capacity Building Americorps Member
Today, November 13th, is World Kindness Day. This is a worldwide holiday that began over 20 years ago as a way to bring the people of the world together. It was started by the World Kindness Movement in Tokyo and today spans 28 countries. This day serves as a reminder that everything we do to make this world a better place counts. At a time when the world is so divided, this is a day to remind us to be kind to everyone and begin bridging those gaps. Try to be more aware of how you treat others today, and try bringing that into your everyday routine. For those that have little ones at home, here is a list of children’s books that teach some important lessons about kindness. Check out your local library for these titles, and include them in your story time today!
How Kind! By Mary Murphy (Ages 2-5): Hen gives an egg to Pig, which starts a domino effect of kindness that spreads.
The Nice Book by David Ezra Stein (Ages 0-3): This book teaches kids what it means to be nice.
A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C Stead (Ages 2-6): Amos takes care of the animals at the zoo, they return the favor when he gets sick.
K is for Kindness by Jodie Shepherd (Ages 3-7): Elmo is trying to earn his Monster Scout “K is for Kindness” badge.
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig (Ages 6-9): Brian feels left out until he sees a friend in a new classmate. This book teaches how a small act of kindness can change someone’s life.
Kindness is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler by Margery Cuyler (Ages 5-10): Mrs. Ruler starts a kindness campaign in her class and it creates a chain reaction of kindness.
I Walk With Vanessa: A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness by Kevascoeet (Ages 4-8): A classmate tries to help Vanessa when she sees her crying after being bullied in this wordless story book.
Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts (Ages 5-8): A young man looks past his own desire to fit in and helps someone in need.
Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell (Ages 4-8): Molly Lou is quite the target for bullies, but she knows how to be kind to herself and others.
Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson (Ages 4-8): Even ordinary kids can make amazing things happen, which Mary proves when her one act of kindness leads to incredible events.
Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids by Carol McCloud (Ages 3-5): Everyone has an invisible bucket that can be filled through kindness. Filling other people’s buckets also fills yours!
The Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena (Ages 3-5): A grandmother teaches her grandson to look on the bright side of life and lift up those around him.
We hope you and your family are able to share these stories today with each other, and that they help us all learn how to brighten another human’s day.
