Giving and sharing is an important development 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.
Picture Books and Younger Elementary
(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.
(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.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Bla)
This heartwarming picture book (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.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Mil)
Loretta tries hard to come up with the perfect gift for her beloved baby cousin, Gabe, but on his first birthday she learns she has already given him something special.
(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?
(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.
(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!
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 398.2 Rab Sha)
Woodland animals, each thinking of his neighbor, share a turnip left on their doorstep.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej One)
When Molly visits the local food pantry with her mother, she sees her classmate Caitlin who is embarrassed to be there. Molly helps her realize that everyone needs help sometimes.
(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.
(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.
(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.
Older Elementary
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Roc)
Every Saturday in the apartment building, Goldie Simcha welcomes everyone in for her famous cholent and Shabbat meal.
(Español Juvenile - J 468 Hay)
This is a beautifully illustrated, bilingual tale about two loving sisters who want to share with one another.
(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.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 811.54 Fra)
A beautifully illustrated collection of poems centered on spontaneous acts of kindness.
(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.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Ch)
Sam must decide how to spend the lucky money he's received for Chinese New Year.
Chinese translation available (Juvenile Nonfiction - J 495.1 Ch)
(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.
(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.