Six Children’s Books About Kindness for MLK Day

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is celebrated on the third Monday in January, each year. It’s a federal holiday created to honor the birthday of one of the most influential civil rights leaders of our time.  

On MLK Day, we celebrate Dr. King’s courage, trials, and accomplishments. His passion fueled his leadership and defined his legacy during the Civil Rights Movement from 1955 to 1968, a notable turning point in United States history.  

A developmentally appropriate approach to discussing this holiday with young children is to talk about how Dr. King inspired others to act with care and kindness, to treat all individuals equally and with respect, and to invest in their community.

These themes resonate with all ages and are great conversations to have with children. They’re also great motivators for how to actively get involved. Explore some of the books below to open the door for great dialogue and inspiration:

• Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev (Toddlers and up) 
  A boy and his tiny elephant teach others in the “Pet Club” what it means to be a true friend by treating all pets, big or small, with kindness and respect. Read Aloud
• If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson (Toddlers and up) 
  A sweet story that shows the process of nurturing a new plant while also sharing the positive impact children can have by planting a “seed of kindness.” Read Aloud
• Show Me How to Be a Friend by J.A. Barnes (Twos and up) 
  This book uses real photography to show different ways to embrace friendship.
• Finding Kindness by Deborah Underwood (Twos and up) 
  A simple picture book to celebrate all the different ways to be kind through community, passion, and generosity. Read Aloud
• A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead (Early Preschool and up) 
  Amos McGee has many friends of all shapes, sizes, and species! He visits his friends at the zoo every day, until one day, he becomes sick. The animals kindly return the favor with a very special visit to their favorite friend. Read Aloud
• Kind by Axel Scheffler (Preschool and up) 
  A relatable picture book that highlights many ways to show kindness through actions, from sharing toys to welcoming others from different countries. Read Aloud

We hope these stories encourage you and your family to practice small acts of kindness, not just this month but all year long! Together, we can make the world a better place through compassion and love.