ABCs of Kindness: Everyday Acts of Kindness from A to Z, Read-Aloud Board Book for Toddlers and Preschoolers to Inspire Empathy and Compassion

by Samantha Berger, Ekaterina Trukhan (Illustrator)

From A to Z, this hardcover storybook shows young children how they can make the world a kinder place. Through vibrant illustrations and age-appropriate language, this 26-page book will encourage kids 2-5 to be their best selves wherever they go.

Showcasing a diverse cast of children, the ABCs of Kindness book demonstrates everyday acts of kindness, inclusion and generosity—whether it be donating blankets to the animal shelter, helping with chores or standing up for what's right. It’s the perfect book to spark conversations at home or in the classroom about the concepts of empathy and compassion.

Featuring durable cardstock pages and approachable, kid-friendly language, this book offers a thoughtful and fun read-aloud experience that young children will love. This book is crafted by childhood experts to promote strong social and emotional skills and build positive associations with reading.

For over 75 years, Highlights has inspired children to become Curious, Creative, Caring and Confident individuals. With products that encourage thinking, creativity and self-expression, Highlights helps kids build essential skills, all while having fun.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Nonfiction, Storytime

26 pages, Hardcover

Published February 4, 2020

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute! George got this for his birthday. Each letter shows a different example of being kind. The illustrations are adorable and show kids of different skin colors. There’s also a kid in a cast and a kid with a walker (? I am trying to figure out what the word is for it but I can’t find it!). It would be a nice read aloud to talk about little things kids can do to be kind. The last page has a group of kids saying “thank you” in different languages - including Arabic, Vietnamese, and Mandarin!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A large format board book makes this one slightly more appropriate for a group read aloud, but the intangible concepts listed for the letters (e.g. "n is for noticing" "r is for reminding") are still too ephemeral for the target audience of board books (ages 0-3). Still, you could use this with older children (K-2) in a pinch. The illustrations are diverse and beautiful.

[Rachel Renbarger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect, no notes

[Elaina Albarado · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was a lovely ABC book that was quite different. Each letter stands for a kind thing that someone could do to help show your appreciation for someone or being able to cheer them up. I think that this books shows young students different acts of kindness that they can start incorporating in their daily lives. The book shows that we can be kind to other people but also shows that we can show kindness to ourselves as well. The overall message is that if everyone is kind to each other we can make the world a better place because a little kindness goes along way. The illustrations in the book also shows inclusion with the different children and also depicts children from different cultures and backgrounds which I thought was also a great message to send to other students which is just because someone doesn't look or act the same as you doesn't mean that you can't show acts of kindness towards others. I would definitely recommend this book to parents who's children are learning abcs who might want them to learn a bit more difficult words than the basic abc books and also want their child to learn ways to show kindness.

[Michala Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome read for me! Each letter displayed a different way that students could be kind to others regardless of their age. The author of this book was extremely creative in her thinking when she wrote this book because incorporating the use of the alphabet while encouraging children to exhibit kindness is a great way to teach students not only about their letters but also about the importance of displaying kindness. This book also gave acts of kindness that were age appropriate, this allows for preschool children to actually practice those acts of kindness that they are reading about. It also encourages friendship, inclusion and gratitude! Teaching students about these topics are essential in preschool because during these years children are building their character greatly! Lastly, the book mentions ways to protect our planet and ways to listen to teachers when children are in a classroom. These topics can be useful to preschoolers because they are learning the importance of taking care of the earth and how to properly behave when inside school.

[Annamarie Carlson (she, her)]

A simple ABC book featuring words about being kind.

There have been a lot of recent ABC books, and, from the ones focused on general kindness, this one stands out. A large-format board book with appealing, simply illustrations, this will hold the attention of toddlers and preschoolers. Features diverse kids and adults throughout. Could be read in a kindness storytime.

[Kate M. Colby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack borrowed this book from the Spring Hill Library. I picked it because he loves the alphabet, and it has lots of compassionate actions in it. He asked me to read it this afternoon, and we read it multiple times. He said all the letters then I read the actions that went with them and pointed out how nice all the other kiddos were being.

[Pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of niceties and how you can show kindness to those that you know.

[Ron Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE books like this because it helps introduce mindfulness to kids. You can make the world a better place by choosing to be kind.

[V Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute book with a diverse group of children in the pictures.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute book about kindness and how to show kindness. Great bold and colorful illustrations that are also cute. I really enjoyed it.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little advanced for my 4 year, but good ideas!

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindness & Friendship. Gave good ideas of how to be kind and be a friend.

[Mandy Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Used this book to connect to Martin Luther King Jr for a library lesson with Kindergarten. We talked about how these ideas connected to his dream. Lovely book full of ideas and on point in theme.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly inclusive, appealing, and approachable illustrations. Thoughtful copy that I enjoyed sharing with my child.

[Kylee Timmreck · Rating 4 out of 5]

8.5/10⭐️

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book about all the ways kids can be kind

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously believe we need more kindness in the world especially right now with what is happening over seas. I also believe that its our job as parents to teach our kids how to be kind and how to treat others around us. Sometimes we get it wrong but we just need to keep trying. Also helps with examples that we live to help. I find that finding examples in books that show kindness or any virtues that I want my children to have helps them understand. Then perhaps a little will get through their thick skulls and stick. As we know kids don't always hear the things and do them the first time. This is such a cute board book that I really enjoyed reading to Cassie. I loved how each letter of the alphabet had a way for them to be kind. Because even a toddler can do kind things for others. The illustrations are bright colored and really show the examples in simple forms. I recommend you check out this amazing board book.