Pink shirt day: 5 books that foster kindness in our kids

We know that in Canada and around the world, bullying is a major problem in our schools, workplaces, homes, and online. Pink Shirt Day's mission is to "raise awareness of these issues, as well as raise funds to support programs that foster children’s healthy self-esteem." 

With one in every five students experiencing bullying, it is important for parents, family members and friends to keep an eye on and support our little ones where we can. The volunteers at Kind Reads love to curate and select books that your children will love AND learn valuable lessons from. 

Here are five books to help teach your little one  (ages 3-8) about kindness, friendship and working through their emotions:

  1. Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship ($3.99) - This is the inspiring true story of two great friends, a baby hippo named owen and a 130-yr-old giant tortoise named mzee (mm-zay). Here is a joyous reminder that in times of trouble, friendship is stronger than the differences that too often pull us apart.
  2. Peace, Baby! ($2.99) - Acclaimed author Linda Ashman gives new meaning to a familiar idea in this tale about intense feelings, compassion, conflict, and resolution. Gentle, clever rhymes illustrate the unpredictable emotions of childhood and show readers a smart way to deal with these feelings.
  3. When we are kind ($4.99) - When We Are Kind celebrates simple acts of everyday kindness and encourages children to explore how they feel when they initiate and receive acts of kindness in their lives. Beautifully illustrated by artist Nicole Neidhardt, this book encourages children to be kind to others and to themselves.
  4. That Neighbor Kid ($2.99) -  Daniel Miyares wordlessly creates a beautiful story of friendship through his meaningful and warm illustrations that awaken imaginations of young readers. There’s a new boy in the neighborhood, and he’s up to something very curious. She also finds herself with a new best friend.
  5. Noni Speaks Up ($3.99) - Noni always tries to do the right thing. But she doesn't know how to help her classmate Hector, who is constantly bullied for his name, his size and his giant glasses. This story is a heartwarming exploration of conquering fear and finding the courage to help others.

Reading is a beautiful way to teach your children more about kindness and anti-bullying. For more resources about bullying and Pink Shirt day, visit their website.

What are your favorite children's books about kindness and other important values?

Update: all the books in this blogpost have sold out on Kind Reads since we first published the blog. We suggest you visit Octopus Books or Indigo Canada to find additional copies.


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