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Being kind is something that is instilled and learned as we grow as individuals. Sometimes, no matter what our age is, reading how this virtue makes such a difference to those around us is all that it takes to get us back into the practice of thinking kind thoughts and acting on them by being kind.

Reading has so many benefits ... especially at a young age. With our rainbow baby, Ruby, we read 1-2 books every single night. She LOVES books. As she has grown, it has been something I have longed to have been able to share with our sweet Willow.

This complimentary "tour" simply is to read a book about kindness each night in my book nook. To have the resources to share with your "littles" that one act of kindness goes a long way.

I have compiled a list of all the books we are going to read - along with links to Amazon if you want to purchase any to have on hand to follow along on certain nights.

Because of the kindness of others, I was able to collect all 31 books donated by Be Like The Willow Movement followers. Such a WONDERFUL testament to our group and the people who support it. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

XO, Leslie Kay

Want to order a few kindness books to follow along with Leslie and make your very own Kindness Book Nook?! Here's a shortcut list below to pick and choose which books you want!

  • Order ( 01 ) The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be
  • Order ( 02 ) Kindness Makes Us Strong
  • Order ( 03 ) Different - A Great Thing to Be!
  • Order ( 04 ) Giraffes Can't Dance
  • Order ( 05 ) The Kindness Book
  • Order ( 06 ) The Sneetches
  • Order ( 07 ) How Wonderfully Odd!
  • Order ( 08 ) A Little Spot Of Kindness!
  • Order ( 09 ) I Choose Kindness
  • Order ( 10 ) Pass It On
  • Order ( 11 ) The Kindness Bear Shared
  • Order ( 12 ) Kindness Makes The World Go Round
  • Order ( 13 ) Planting Seeds of Kindness
  • Order ( 14 ) The Blessing of You
  • Order ( 15 ) Kindness Rocks
  • Order ( 16 ) The Berenstain Bears: Think of Those in Need
  • Order ( 17 ) Everyone Belongs
  • Order ( 18 ) Help Hungry Henry win the Kindness Competition
  • Order ( 19 ) The Little Book of Kindness
  • Order ( 20 ) The Giving Tree
  • Order ( 21 ) Will You Be The 'I' In Kind?
  • Order ( 22 ) Have You Filled a Bucket Today?
  • Order ( 23 ) Unicorn Day
  • Order ( 24 ) Kindness Snippet Jar
  • Order ( 25 ) It's Brave To Be Kind
  • Order ( 26 ) Kindness is My Jam
  • Order ( 27 ) Do Unto Otters
  • Order ( 28 ) Mushroom in the Rain
  • Order ( 29 ) Tiny Drops of Kindness
  • Order ( 30 ) Everything You Give Comes Back
  • Order ( 31 ) The World Needs More Purple People

The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be

October 1

In this #1 New York Times bestseller, Joanna Gaines celebrates how creativity and acceptance can come together to make for a bright and beautiful adventure. The book, illustrated by Julianna Swaney, follows a group of children as they each build their very own hot-air balloons. As the kids work together, leaning into their own skills and processes, we discover that the same is true for life—it's more beautiful and vibrant when our differences are celebrated.

Together with Joanna, you will take a journey of growth and imagination as you learn in full color to celebrate every child's one-of-a-kind strengths and differences, embrace teamwork, share our talents and abilities to make everything more beautiful, and lend a helping hand and do our best to show kindness and take care of one another. With plenty of pink, a bounty of blue, orange and green and yellow too, this vibrant hot-air balloon adventure celebrates every child and teaches kids that we are in this together.

Thank you Kimberly Barrick Miller for sponsoring this book!

Click Here To Buy This Book

Kindness Makes Us Strong

October 2

This bright book by the creator of Love Makes a Family celebrates acts of kindness big and small.

Kindness is a friendly hello. A roaring cheer. A quick boost. Kindness is what makes us strong! This joyful board book shows various children as they extend kindness in all kinds of situations: on the playground, at lunchtime, on a bike path, and on a neighborhood street. This sweet preschool read-aloud shows the way kindness helps build friendship and community.
Thank you to Constance Sowards for sponsoring this book!
Click Here To Buy This Book

Different - A Great Thing to Be!

October 3

This joyful rhyming book encourages children to value the “different” in all people, leading the way to a kinder world in which the differences in all of us are celebrated and embraced.

Macy is a girl who’s a lot like you and me, but she's also quite different, which is a great thing to be. With kindness, grace, and bravery, Macy finds her place in the world, bringing beauty and laughter wherever she goes and leading others to find delight in the unique design of every person.

Children are naturally aware of the differences they encounter at school, in their neighborhood, and in other everyday relationships. They just need to be given tools to understand and appreciate what makes us “different,” permission to ask questions about it, and eyes to see and celebrate it in themselves as well as in those around them.
Thank you to the anonymous sponsor of this book!
Click Here To Buy This Book

Giraffes Can't Dance

October 4

Gerald is a giraffe who simply can't dance. Try as he may, his long, spindly legs buckle whenever he starts to boogie. Every year he dreads going to the Great Jungle Dance - until one night when he finds his own special music...

In the vein of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Gerald's fickle "friends" quickly decide he's worthy of their attention again.

With this rhyming, poignant (in a cartoonish way) tale, Giles Andreae, author of Rumble In The Jungle, and numerous other picture books, shows insecure young readers that everyone can be wonderful, even those that march to the beat of a different cricket. The rhymes are somewhat awkward, but the bold, bright watercolors by Guy Parker-Rees will invite readers to kick up their heels and find their own internal harmony.

Thank you to Theresa Star for sponsoring this book!

Click Here To Buy This Book

The Kindness Book

October 5

Beloved and New York Times bestselling author Todd Parr uses his signature blend of playfulness and sensitivity to explore the value and joy in being kind to others.

With his trademark bright colors and bold lines, Todd Parr takes on a topic more important than ever: being kind to each other. This idea is both a perfect fit for Todd's cheerful, child-friendly positivity and incredibly close to Todd's own heart. No matter what other people choose to do, you can always choose to be kind -- and what a wonderful thing to be! Today's parents and teachers are looking for ways to instill empathy and kindness in children at a young age -- this book is the perfect introduction to a timely and timeless topic.
Thank you to Lisa Dunlap for sponsoring this book!
Click Here To Buy This Book

The Sneetches

October 6

This is a beloved classic that deserves a place in every child’s library—from the bestselling author of Horton Hears a Who!, The Lorax, and Oh, the Places You’ll Go! The Star-Belly Sneetches and the Plain-Belly Sneetches learn to overcome their differences.
 
In this timeless story, Dr. Seuss challenges the assumption that we need to look the same or behave the same to find common ground. Filled with Dr. Seuss's signature rhymes and lively humor, this classic story is a must-have for readers of all ages, and is ideal for sparking discussions about tolerance, diversity, and acceptance.

Thank you to Constance Sowards for sponsoring this book!

Click Here To Buy This Book

How Wonderfully Odd!

October 7

Join Obie and Bitsy on a high-flying adventure as they take on the challenges of a bright and unfamiliar landscape. With the help of some "wonderfully odd" new friends—including an acrobatic squirrel, a sharp-shooting frog, and a gentle giant of a badger—the little night creatures come to understand that what makes us different is also what makes us special.

They return home from their rollicking day of exploration sleepy but inspired—with new ideas about self-acceptance, friendship, and the power of kindness.

This big-hearted tale is brimming with humor and charm—and is brought to life in dazzling watercolor illustrations by award-winning artist Rory Haltmaier. A great read aloud book to share with babies, toddlers, and children of every age—parents, teachers, early readers, and advanced readers will all be swept away by this heartwarming story!

Thank you to Heather Hartman for sponsoring this book!

Click Here To Buy This Book

A Little Spot Of Kindness!

October 8

A fun story about the power to choose kindness!

From saying please to sharing toys, your child will learn how to spread kindness in everyday situations at school and at home!

Join a little SPOT on a journey as he SPOTS kindness and shows children a fun way to remember to be kind too!

Thank you the anonymous sponsor of this book!

Click Here To Buy This Book

I Choose Kindness

October 9

In this rhyming story, Olivia learns that kindness is a choice.Through colorful illustrations and rhythmic rhymes, she finds out how great it feels to share kindness. ”I Choose Kindness” is a story with social emotional learning in mind. It has been praised by teachers and therapists worldwide.

This story told from Olivia’s point of view will help open your child's mind to what it feels like to share kindness. Olivia will teach your child how being kind can affect others and, ultimately, ourselves. With Olivia in real life examples, your child will learn to develop their understanding of their own emotions. Throughout the story, Olivia will show you how it feels to be kind and how to do it.

Thank you to Lisa Dunlap for sponsoring this book!

Click Here To Buy This Book

Pass It On

October 10

Here's a fun idea: When you laugh or smile--pass it on! A story about giving, sharing, and joy. When you see something terrific, smile a smile and pass it on! If you chance upon a chuckle, hee hee hee and pass it on. Should you spot a thing of wonder, jump for joy and pass it on!

So begins Sophy Henn's ode to the excitement of sharing happiness with others. With a refrain that begs to be uttered before every turn of the page, children will eagerly read alongside their parents as they discover how wonderful--and fun!--it is to share the good things in life. After all, if you spread happiness to others, even on a gray, rainy day, when you least expect it, like a bolt out of the blue, a smile or a chuckle might be passed right back to you! This heartwarming, upbeat book is the perfect way to bring a warm ray of sunshine into every reader's life.

Thank you to Arec & Chloe Burman for sponsoring this book!

Click Here To Buy This Book

The Kindness Bear Shared

October 11

When Bear gives Sloth a snuggly new blanket, Sloth decides to bake a yummy cake for Panda. Panda shares it with Owl. . . and soon everyone finds new ways to show how much they care. Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference!

Click Here To Buy This Book

Kindness Makes The World Go Round

October 12

Journey with Elmo to find the true meaning of kindness, friendship, and compassion in this picture book for kids!

In this heartwarming Sesame Street book, Elmo wakes up to a wonderful surprise―an act of kindness from his mom―and decides to further explore what it means to be kind. Follow Elmo as he discovers how his friends Big Bird, Abby Cadabby, Grover, and more spread kindness through small gestures and teach your child about love, respect, and the joy of helping others. This kindness book for children and toddlers features a poignant message for kids to explore in their own lives, reflecting on the kindness they see and feel every day and how to be grateful for it, as well as how to be generous and kind themselves.

Thank you to Patty Williams for sponsoring this book!

Click Here To Buy This Book

Planting Seeds of Kindness

October 13

Kindness, love, and respect help make the world a better place. Share this book's message with the whole family -- to plant the idea that a little bit of kindness can go a long way. Talk about school, neighbors, friends, and family. Animal characters are used in place of people, to be any race, gender, or age.

Thank you to Lisa Dunlap for sponsoring this book!

Click Here To Buy This Book

The Blessing of You

October 14

Through engaging rhyme, pastor and bestselling author Mark Batterson and his daughter encourage young children to discover the joys of both counting their blessings and being a blessing to others.

Count your blessings two by two—
and bless the world with the blessing of YOU!

God’s blessings can be found all around us, and even young children can learn to see and appreciate these gifts—from the smell of freshly baked cookies to the joy of climbing a tree! But God doesn’t just intend for us to receive blessings; He also wants us to bless others.

With whimsical rhyme and delightful illustrations, The Blessing of You helps young children recognize signs of God’s generosity and goodness in their everyday lives and encourages them to pass on those blessings by being their own wonderful, God-created selves.
Thank you to the anonymous sponsor of this book!
Click Here To Buy This Book

Kindness Rocks

October 15

Kindness Rocks is a touching children's book about the power of kindness and how small things can inspire, motivate and uplift others in tremendous ways.

Little Clara enjoys painting cute messages on rocks and leaving them for people to read. One day a turtle feeling down and out passes by Clara's house. Upon seeing the messages on the rocks he is rejuvenated and rushes home to share the messages with his friends.

This is not your typical rock, mineral or stone picture book, but rather a heartwarming tale that seeks to teach children that no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

Thank you to Lisa Dunlap for sponsoring this book!

Click Here To Buy This Book

The Berenstain Bears: Think of Those in Need

October 16

This classic Berenstain Bears story is a perfect way to teach children about the importance of giving and generosity! 

Come for a visit in Bear Country with this classic from Stan and Jan Berenstain. From closets and drawers to the attic and the basement - Papa, Mama, Brother, and Sister realize that they have too much stuff. But what will they do with it all?
 
Thank you to Stacy Connolly for sponsoring this book!
Click Here To Buy This Book

Everyone Belongs

October 17

A joyful rhyming book that encourages children to not only value all people but to also make room for their differences in order to make a better, brighter, and more beautiful world, from the New York Times bestselling author of Different—A Great Thing to Be!
 
Macy and Tru are putting on a spectacular talent show to highlight the ways they love to perform. Other kids arrive, eager to participate but unsure if they’ll be welcomed. Since the two sisters know that everything is a lot more fun when everybody’s included, they’re determined to find a role in the show for each person. 
 
Inspiring, encouraging, and packed with joy, Everyone Belongs reminds us that it’s possible to make room for all people and all abilities—and that life is brighter when we give every person a chance to shine.
Thank you to Meranda Vinson for sponsoring this book!
Click Here To Buy This Book

Help Hungry Henry win the Kindness Competition

October 18

Hungry Henry loves to win! And now, he needs YOU to help him win the kindness competition.

Together with Hungry Henry, kids will discover many simple ways they can show kindness to others, such as:

  • Picking up trash
  • Writing postcards
  • Painting kindness rocks
  • Helping animals
  • Saying thank you 
  • Sharing 
  • and more!

Help Hungry Henry Win The Kindness Competition is an excellent, fun resource to start your journey to kindness.

Thank you to Lisa Dunlap for sponsoring this book!

Click Here To Buy This Book

The Little Book of Kindness

October 19

Kindness comes in all shapes, forms, and sizes. The Little Book of Kindness provides a gentle reminder to young readers that every kind act-no matter how small-makes a BIG difference. 

The ability to always be kind is an essential social skill that everyone should learn early in life.   This book teaches young readers a host of kindness strategies that can be used in real-life situations at school, the park, playground, and on playdates. 

The Little Book Of series introduces young kids to a wide range of ideas, activities, values, and emotions. With engaging text and warm, kid-friendly illustrations, each story teaches children that having fun, learning, talking about your feelings, and doing the right thing is always much easier than they think. Kids can enjoy the journey and fun of reading while discovering the world around them, one little book at a time. That's what The Little Book Of series is all about!

Thank you to Lisa Dunlap for sponsoring this book!

Click Here To Buy This Book

The Giving Tree

October 20

From Shel Silverstein, New York Times bestselling author of Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic, comes a poignant picture book about love and acceptance, cherished for over fifty years. This classic is perfect for both young readers and lifelong fans.

"Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy."

So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein. This moving parable for all ages offers a touching interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return.

Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk...and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave. This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation.

Thank you to Heather Hartman for sponsoring this book!

Click Here To Buy This Book

Will You Be The 'I' In Kind?

October 21

From best-selling author, Julia Cook, comes a book that teaches children the many ways they can make the world a kinder place by being the "i" in "Kind."

Join the fun as "K_nd" goes on an adventure to find his missing "i."  Along the way, he meets a diverse group of children who learn what it means to share their kindness through everyday actions both big and small. Whether helping someone who's hurting, pitching in to protect our planet, allowing others to go first, or learning to share, this engaging story will spark conversations at home and in the classroom about the concepts of kindness, empathy, and compassion. Featuring beautiful illustrations and Cook's signature rhyming style, this book will encourage children to bring kindness along wherever they go!

Thank you to Lisa Dunlap for sponsoring this book!

Click Here To Buy This Book

Have You Filled a Bucket Today?

October 22

While using a simple metaphor of a bucket and a dipper, author Carol McCloud illustrates that when we choose to be kind, we not only fill the buckets of those around us, but also fill our OWN bucket! Conversely, when we choose to say or do mean things, we are dipping into buckets. All day long, we are either filling up or dipping into each other's buckets by what we say and what we do. When you're a bucket filler, you make the world a better place to be!

Thank you to Tonia Leopold for sponsoring this book!

Click Here To Buy This Book

Unicorn Day

October 23

Hooray! Hooray! It's Unicorn Day! Thelma the Unicorn meets Uni the Unicorn in this rainbow-packed kids book guaranteed to delight you with its heartfelt message of inclusivity and dazzling glittery pictures. This clever, colorful, and over-the-top picture book about unicorns and unique-corns is a MUST for all unicorn lovers!

The most important rule of Unicorn Day is to have fun, fun, fun!

The unicorns are celebrating their favorite day of the year, complete with rainbows, cupcakes, butterflies, and all sorts of joyful things. But when it's revealed there's an impostor in their midst, the party comes to a screeching halt...

Will the unicorns welcome all and continue their fun in all its glittery glory?

Unicorn Day delights in everything that's special; unicorns, celebrations, and most importantly, friendship.

Thank you to Lisa DuVall for sponsoring this book!

Click Here To Buy This Book

Kindness Snippet Jar

October 24

A fun and creative way to teach children KINDNESS! Kindness snippet jar is a story about a little snippet who wants desperately to live in a kindness jar because he learns that it brings kindness to the world, but can't figure out the right words to help spread kindness. He asks several other snippets how they find their words and he soon discovers he has to do something kind for his words to appear! It takes him a while to figure out what to do, but when he finally gets his words it turns out pretty amazing!

What makes this book so unique is that it inspires children to make their own kindness snippet jar! There are directions in the back of the book to make your very own jar and some inspiration for the kindness snippets too!
Thank you to the anonymous sponsor of this book!
Click Here To Buy This Book

It's Brave To Be Kind

October 25

Show kids that being kind is awesome! It’s Brave to Be Kind goes beyond other kindness books for children, combining the effectiveness of a storybook with the fun of play to teach kids ages how to be amazingly kind people.

All kindness books for children should be this inspiring! Not only will kids learn how important niceness is through an engaging―and adorably illustrated―story, but they’ll also be able to practice being kinder every day with simple and fun activities you won’t find in other kindness books for children. Whether it’s taking care of themselves when they’re sad or helping out around the house, help young readers find out how fun being kind can be.

Thank you to Lisa DuVall for sponsoring this book!

Click Here To Buy This Book

Kindness is My Jam

October 26

Do you want to show your child that they possess a Kindness superpower?

Emily Hayes introduces the best social-emotional learning (SEL) book for raising children who are understanding and empathetic.

This colorful story with soothing rhymes and bright illustrations will help illustrate how your child can practice kindness at home, at school, in the store, and on the playground.

With the relatable situations, your child will have more care for those around them, practice inclusion and diversity, and display more empathy.

Thank you to Lisa Dunlap for sponsoring this book!

Click Here To Buy This Book

Do Unto Otters

October 27

Join Mr. Rabbit in exploring the Golden Rule: Do unto "Otters" as you would have "Otters" do unto you!

Mr. Rabbit's new neighbors are Otters. OTTERS! But he doesn't know anything about Otters. Will they get along? Will they be friends? Just treat otters the same way you'd like them to treat you, advises wise Mr. Owl. And so begins Mr. Rabbit's reflection on good manners.

In her smart, quirky style Laurie Keller highlights how to be a good friend and neighbor―just follow the Golden Rule!

Thank you to Brandi Eastman for sponsoring this book!

Click Here To Buy This Book

Mushroom in the Rain

October 28

Caught out in the rain, an ant takes shelter under a very tiny mushroom. Soon, a wet butterfly, then a drenched mouse, a dripping sparrow, and even a rain-soaked rabbit each beg to join him under his miniature umbrella. How can the ant let the others in when there is barely room enough for one? But as the rain comes down and down, they all somehow manage to squeeze together and share the tiny shelter. And when the sun finally comes out, the ant discovers a magical secret of just what happens to mushrooms in the rain!
Thank you to Heather Hartman for sponsoring this book!
Click Here To Buy This Book

Tiny Drops of Kindness

October 29

Kindness books for kids show children the value of empathy and compassion in everyday life. They encourage children to be kind in any and every way, which betters their lives and others.

In this book children will learn:

  • To value human life and the human experience
  • To understand the emotions of others and express their own
  • To be kind and compassionate to the people around them
  • The value of generosity and sharing resources
  • And how important empathy is, among many other things.

Thank you to Lisa Channell for sponsoring this book!

Click Here To Buy This Book

Everything You Give Comes Back

October 30

“Just ask yourself, as you count up to three … What kind of person do I want to be?” Follow Jordan throughout his day as he remembers his mother's words of advice as he shares love and kindness with the friends in his life. Simple examples of everyday situations will teach kids the power of paying it forward and respecting others.

From saying no to bullying, to cheering a friend up when she's feeling sad, this engaging story shares how to listen to your heart to make the right decisions. Kids will recognize their own emotions and anxiety while learning what to stand up for, and discovering empathy along the way. A conversation starter for talking as a family about sharing love with the world.

Thank you to Lisa Dunlap for sponsoring this book!

Click Here To Buy This Book

The World Needs More Purple People

October 31

What is a purple person? Great question. I mean, really great! Because purple people always ask really great questions. They bring their family, friends, and communities together, and they speak up for what’s right. They are kind and hardworking, and they love to laugh (especially at Grandpa’s funny noises)! A purple person is an everyday superhero! How do you become one? That’s the fun part! Penny Purple will lead you through the steps. Get ready to be silly, exercise your curiosity, use your voice, and be inspired.
 
Looking to reach beyond the political divide of red and blue, Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart have created a hilarious and joyous read-aloud that offers a wonderful message about embracing the things that bring us together as humans. This book will inspire a whole generation to paint the world purple!

Thank you to Constance Sowards for sponsoring this book!

Click Here To Buy This Book

BOOK NOOK: Everything You Give Comes Back

October 30, 2022

BOOK NOOK: Tiny Drops of Kindness

October 29, 2022

BOOK NOOK: Mushroom in the Rain

October 28, 2022

BOOK NOOK: Do Unto Otters

October 27, 2022

BOOK NOOK: Kindness is My Jam

October 26, 2022

BOOK NOOK: It's Brave To Be Kind

October 25, 2022

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