{"id":9782,"date":"2023-11-30T05:00:18","date_gmt":"2023-11-30T10:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.readbrightly.com\/?p=9782"},"modified":"2023-12-01T10:40:30","modified_gmt":"2023-12-01T15:40:30","slug":"childrens-books-show-kids-goodness-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.readbrightly.com\/childrens-books-show-kids-goodness-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Children\u2019s Books That Show Kids the Goodness in the World"},"content":{"rendered":"

You can be forgiven if, in recent times, it\u2019s gotten harder for you to show and tell your kids stories that reflect goodness and a spirit of community. My boys, now teens, are old enough to absorb not just negative news stories, but my reactions to them. So I find myself casting about for the good stories to counterbalance the bad. We got lucky last winter when, while walking through a local park, we saw a bird in a pond, struggling helplessly, its wing tethered to a tree by a length of fishing line. My husband \u2014 a more intrepid person than I (this was winter, <\/em>remember) \u2014 waded chest-deep into the mucky pond to free the bird. My husband\u2019s a good guy, but he\u2019s hardly alone. Just a few weeks ago at a beach in Florida, scores of beachgoers formed a human chain in the surf, saving a family that was in danger of being swept out to sea in a rough riptide.<\/p>\n

But you don\u2019t have to wait for heroic avian saves or heartwarming news tidbits, especially if you have little ones. Tons of books provide opportunities to bring to life inspiring stories of the innate goodness of our fellow humans. Start with these eight\u00a0simple tales.<\/p>\n

no no 9781580897099 The One Day House<\/i> http:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/535279\/the-one-day-house-by-julia-durango-author-bianca-diaz-illustrator\/9781580897099\/ by Julia Durango, illustrated by Bianca Diaz <\/p>\n

How many times have we looked into a hazy future and promised ourselves that \u201cone day\u201d we will do something to pay our good fortune forward or build something lasting or make a measurable difference in someone\u2019s life? For young Wilson, that \u201cone day\u201d comes when he looks at his friend Gigi\u2019s house, which is in obvious need of repair, and realizes there is <\/em>something he can do. On that \u201cone day,\u201d a community comes together to rebuild the house \u2014 and restore everyone\u2019s faith in themselves and each other. The book also includes information about nonprofits Labor of Love, United Way, and Habitat for Humanity, in case it\u2019ll soon be your <\/em>\u201cone day.\u201d<\/p>\n

9781524715472 Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of Kunkush\u2019s Incredible Journey<\/i> http:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/549344\/lost-and-found-cat-by-doug-kuntz-and-amy-shrodes-illustrated-by-sue-cornelison\/9781524715472\/ by Doug Kuntz and Amy Shrodes, illustrated by Sue Cornelison <\/p>\n

Unfortunately, there\u2019s no shortage of heartbreaking stories in the news about refugee families desperately searching for new homes in a world turned upside down by conflict. But sometimes harrowing tales have happy endings and many involve simple but indelible acts of kindness and grace. This book tells the true story of an Iraqi refugee family whose beloved cat, Kunkush, travels with them as far as Greece, hidden away for safety. But he\u2019s lost at some point in the journey, and the heartbroken family must go on. Amazingly, Kunkush resurfaces, a worldwide community of kindhearted folks scour the scattered refugee world via the Internet, and \u2026 well. No spoilers!<\/p>\n

9781524769550 I Walk with Vanessa: A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/558076\/i-walk-with-vanessa-a-story-about-a-simple-act-of-kindness-by-kerascoet\/9781524769550 by Kerasco\u00ebt <\/p>\n

Inspired by true events, this wordless picture book tells the story of a young girl who is deeply troubled when she sees Vanessa being bullied after school. The next day she knocks on Vanessa\u2019s door to walk with her to school, a small yet effective gesture that saves Vanessa from further mistreatment. I Walk with Vanessa<\/i> is a simple story with a powerful message for little ones about caring for one another. <\/p>\n

9780763698416 How to Heal a Broken Wing<\/i> http:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/70266\/how-to-heal-a-broken-wing-by-bob-graham\/ by Bob Graham <\/p>\n

My husband isn\u2019t the only bird whisperer out there. Young Will, on a city street streaming with oblivious people, notices a pigeon struggling on the sidewalk. With the help of his parents, Will carefully takes the injured bird home and nurses it back to health. It\u2019s a simply told tale, but one that reflects the expression of kindness children are drawn to \u2014 noticing the suffering of something even smaller than they are, and having a desire to help. <\/p>\n

9781524740917 Love <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/557383\/love-by-matt-de-la-pena-illustrated-by-loren-long\/ by Matt de la Pena, illustrated by Loren Long <\/p>\n

Matt de la Pe\u00f1a and Loren Long\u2019s lyrical meditation on love will have you and your family, as the Wall Street Journal<\/i> writes, “brimming with feeling.” The gentle and heartfelt prose poem makes love tactile \u2014 it starts with parents\u2019 voices when you\u2019re new to this world and grows into community and universal bonds. Love is everywhere, especially in us. <\/p>\n

9781536207590 The First Day of Peace<\/i> by Todd Shuster and Maya Soetoro-Ng, illustrated by Tatiana Gardel <\/p>\n

After a scorching summer, the people of the valley face a severe rainstorm that results in a hazardous flood. A girl from the mountain village senses the valley people’s troubles and offers her help. The First Day of Peace<\/i> teaches children the importance of kindness, cooperation, and sharing instead of fighting over the earth’s natural resources.<\/p>\n

9780553497106 A Hat for Mrs. Goldman<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/240493\/a-hat-for-mrs-goldman-by-michelle-edwards-illustrated-by-g-brian-karas\/9780553497106 by Michelle Edwards, illustrated by G. Brian Karas <\/p>\n

This sweet book introduces young readers to the concept of a mitzvah \u2014 a good deed. Mrs. Goldman is always knitting hats and scarves for people in the neighborhood, but as winter sets in, Sophie realizes Mrs. Goldman doesn\u2019t have a hat for herself. The little girl decides to surprise her neighbor with her own handmade hat. But Sophie isn\u2019t very good at knitting, and the hat she makes has too many holes. Filled with small acts of kindness throughout, this heart-warming story of friendship is a model for creating generous and caring communities.<\/p>\n

9780385244695 People<\/i> http:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/171108\/people-by-peter-spier\/ by Peter Spier <\/p>\n

There are a great many people who share this planet \u2014 people that come in all shapes and sizes from different lifestyles, cultures, and personalities. The visually stunning, insightful illustrations in this picture book deftly capture the human experience across the globe, setting children up to be open-minded and respectful citizens of the world. People<\/i> is a celebration of the cultural diversity that makes up humanity and a reminder that what makes us different is what makes this world beautiful.<\/p>\n

9781683691136 A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/599188\/a-beautiful-day-in-the-neighborhood-by-fred-rogers-illustrated-by-luke-flowers\/ by Fred Rogers, illustrated by Luke Flowers <\/p>\n

Of course, no reading list about finding goodness in the world would be complete without the voice of beloved educator and television host, Fred Rogers. This new collection of 75 songs-turned-poems is sure to become a household favorite: earnest and comforting messages are joined by charming illustrations for an experience akin to curling up and watching an episode of Mister Rogers\u2019 Neighborhood<\/i>.<\/p>\n

9780375836152 What Is Given from the Heart <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/112100\/what-is-given-from-the-heart-by-patricia-c-mckissack-illustrated-by-april-harrison\/ by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by April Harrison <\/p>\n

Celebrated author Patricia C. McKissack left behind a legacy of poignant children\u2019s books, including her last, What Is Given from the Heart<\/i>. Though James Otis and his Mama are grieving the loss of James\u2019 father, they still want to help when a family from their church loses everything in a fire. James is worried they don\u2019t have anything good enough to give, but Mama shows him that heartfelt generosity is always enough. <\/p>\n

9781524739058 Come with Me<\/i> http:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/554197\/come-with-me-by-holly-m-mcghee-illustrated-by-pascal-lemaitre\/9781524739058\/ by Holly M. McGhee, illustrated by Pascal LeMaitre <\/p>\n

Sometimes what it takes to see the goodness in your surroundings is deceptively simple: Get out there, and really open your eyes. In this story, a young girl is feeling overwhelmed by stories of fear and hatred, and asks her dad what she should do. \u201cCome with me,\u201d he says, and the two of them go for a walk and greet passersby. Later, the girl takes her father\u2019s cue and goes out walking with her dog and the boy across the hall. Turns out you don\u2019t have to stray too far to find examples of basic human kindness.<\/p>\n

9780140505399 Miss Rumphius<\/i> http:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/305282\/miss-rumphius-by-barbara-cooney\/9780140505399 by Barbara Cooney <\/p>\n

The award-winning classic Miss Rumphius, <\/em>written and illustrated by Barbara Cooney, tells the timeless story of the real-life Alice Rumphius, who lived in Maine and wished to leave the world a lovelier place. The gorgeous lupine blooms that grow wild on the coast of Maine are Miss Rumphius\u2019s legacy, and the telling of her story reinforces that even simple acts have profound and lasting effects.<\/p>\n

9780399167898 Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/315617\/here-we-are-by-oliver-jeffers\/ by Oliver Jeffers <\/p>\n

This bestselling picture book provides a brief yet illuminating tour of Earth for little readers. With an emphasis on being kind, Jeffers reminds kids that our planet\u2019s diverse ecosystems and people are what make it so beautiful. In its final pages, the book reiterates that no matter what, we humans are here for one another \u2014 after all, we\u2019re \u201cnever alone on Earth.\u201d<\/p>\n

9780525579649 All Are Welcome <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/566789\/all-are-welcome-by-alexandra-penfold-illustrated-by-suzanne-kaufman\/ by Alexandra Penfold, illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman <\/p>\n

Our world is made more beautiful by diversity and inclusion, as exuberantly demonstrated in All Are Welcome<\/i>. At one urban elementary school, families of all kinds bring their children to learn and spend the days together. Whether they arrive wearing hijabs, yarmulkes, or baseball caps, the children can feel comforted by the knowledge that they\u2019re not just welcomed but celebrated, and there\u2019s more than enough room for everyone\u2019s cultural traditions. <\/p>\n

9781101935255 Three Magic Balloons<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/531000\/three-magic-balloons-by-julianna-margulies-and-paul-margulies-illustrated-by-grant-shaffer\/ by Julianna Margulies and Paul Margulies, illustrated by Grant Shaffer <\/p>\n

In Three Magic Balloons<\/i>, award-winning actress Julianna Margulies shares a sweet tale her father wrote for her and her sisters when they were children. Every Saturday, three sisters use their treat money to buy food for the animals at the zoo. A balloon man is so moved by their selflessness that he gives each girl a magic balloon. A whimsical story that demonstrates the limitlessness of kindness \u2014 and how it can appear when you least expect it.<\/p>\n

9780525516996 She Persisted Around the World<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/573478\/she-persisted-around-the-world-by-chelsea-clinton-illustrated-by-alexandra-boiger\/ by Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger <\/p>\n

One thing that can always lift me up during difficult times is the reminder that so many people are out there doing their utmost to make the world a better place. She Persisted Around the World<\/i> highlights 13 such women who changed history \u2014 including Marie Curie, Malala Yousafzai, and more \u2014 whose stories bring comfort but also valuable inspiration. <\/p>\n

Editor\u2019s note: This post was originally published in 2017<\/small><\/em> and updated in 2019.<\/small><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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