Giving and sharing are important developments in the social and emotional growth of a child. When children are aware of others' needs, they are often more motivated to help however they can! These titles help foster empathy and encourage generosity in a variety of situations.
Because Amelia Smiled(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Ste)
A little girl's smile as she skips down the street in New York inspires a neighbor to send cookies to her grandson in Mexico, and the goodwill soon spreads around the world.
Rabbit's Gift: A Fable from China(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 398.2 Rab Sha)
Woodland animals, each thinking of his neighbor, share a turnip left on their doorstep.
Harold Loves His Woolly Hat(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Kou)
Harold is a very special bear who always wears a wooly hat. When the hat is stolen and he tries to get it back, he discovers that others may need it more.
Saturday at the Food Pantry(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej One)
When Molly visits the local food pantry with her mother, she sees her classmate Caitlin, who's embarrassed to be there. Molly helps her realize that everyone needs help sometimes.
Hosea Plays On(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Bla)
This heartwarming picture book (that's based on a true story) depicts a day in the life of Hosea Taylor, a musician who—with his charm, talent, and generosity—brought joy to everyone he met.
Strega Nona's Harvest(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Dep)
After helping Strega Nona plant her vegetable garden just so, Big Anthony takes some extra seeds and sows another garden willy nilly, then must find a way to deal with the consequences.
José Feeds the World(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 921 Andrés Ung)
After a devastating earthquake in Haiti, Chef José Andrés flew to the island and began cooking for the hungry locals. He then founded the World Central Kitchen, a disaster-relief organization that feeds communities around the world after catastrophe strikes, from Puerto Rico to Ukraine. This picture book biography conveys José's compassion and generosity, encouraging young aspiring chefs to use the power of food to help others in need. Recommended for ages 4-8.
Thank You, Omu!(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Mor)
When the aroma of Omu's homemade stew fills the air, her neighbors arrive, one by one, for a taste—until all is gone except for her generous spirit.
Maddi's Fridge(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Bra)
Maddi's fridge is almost empty, while Sophia's fridge is full of food. How can Sophia help her friend Maddi without breaking her promise not to tell anyone?
That's My Sweater!(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Von)
Olivia always wears her favorite red sweater, even when it starts to feel little on her. She's then horrified to find her little brother wearing it! Siblings clash in this humorous and sweet tale about family hand-me-downs.
Malina’s Jam(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Rad)
Malina the hedgehog loves to tend to her raspberry bushes and loves to make delicious raspberry jam, but when winter comes, she realizes that a caring community is sweeter than any sweet treat.
Those Shoes(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Boe)
Jeremy dreams of having those cool high-tops that his other classmates wear, but his grandma tells him he needs new winter boots instead. This classic scenario of peer pressure and envy plays out in heartwarming fashion when Jeremy is given the choice between satisfying his own wants and acting kind towards a friend. Recommended for ages 5-8.
Pass it On(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Hen)
When you see something terrific, smile a smile and pass it on. The happiness you spread to others might be passed right back to you!
William’s Winter Nap(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Ash)
A boy keeps getting interrupted from going to sleep by woodland animals who are trying to escape the cold. Beautiful illustrations and rhyming text depict the concepts of sharing what we have with others and that there is always room for more.
A Gift from Abuela(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Rui)
Abuela wants to buy Niña a special treat, so she saves a little bit of her money every week. Though her plan might not work after all, the time they spend together and the love they have for each other are the best gifts of all.
Sam and the Lucky Money(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Ch)
Sam must decide how to spend the lucky money he's received for Chinese New Year. The Chinese translation is available (Juvenile Nonfiction - J 495.1 Ch).
Lend a Hand(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 811.54 Fra)
This beautifully illustrated collection of poems centers on spontaneous acts of kindness.
Under the Lemon Moon(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Fi)
The theft of all the lemons from her lemon tree leads Rosalinda to an encounter with la Anciana, the Old One, who walks the Mexican countryside helping things grow—and to an understanding of generosity and forgiveness.
The Quiltmaker’s Journey(Juvenile Fiction - J Bru)
The quiltmaker grows up wealthy and sheltered, but radically changes her life after she discovers the poverty and need outside her town.
What is Given from the Heart(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Mck)
Despite their own poverty since Daddy died, Mama tells nine-year-old James Otis they need to help Sarah, whose family lost everything in a fire.