CCBC booklist are compiled from books we have recommended in various editions of CCBC Choices. Most of these booklists are updated annually. You can also select books from one or more booklists to create a custom list, which can also include additional books from the CCBC-Recommended Book Search.
To print a CCBC booklist, click on a list below and then use your browser’s “Print” command.
Peaceful Engagement: 25 Books for PreK-3 on Kindness, Empathy and Understanding
©2025, 2021 Cooperative Children's Book Center
Compiled by Megan Schliesman
We frequently get requests for books about kindness, empathy, understanding and related themes. The books on this list can serve as both invitations to reflection and conversation starters with children.
You can find more CCBC-recommended books on these and related themes using our Recommended Book Search.
The Proudest Blue
by Ali, S. K. and Ibtihaj Muhammad
Illustrated by Hatem Aly.
Little, Brown, 2019. 32 pages. Ages 4-8
Terrible Horses: A Story of Sibling Conflict and Companionship
by Antrobus, Raymond
Illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max.
Candlewick, 2024. 32 pages. Ages 4-8
A Bear, a Fish, and a Fishy Wish
by Bernstrom, Daniel
Illustrated by Brandon James Scott.
Astra/Hippo Park, 2024. 40 pages. Ages 2-5
My Two Border Towns
by Bowles, David
Illustrated by Erika Meza.
Kokila/Penguin Random House, 2021. 32 pages. Ages 5-8
The Cot in the Living Room
by Burgos, Hilda Eunice
Illustrated by Gaby D'Alessandro.
Kokila/Penguin Random House, 2021. 32 pages. Ages 4-7
Last Stop on Market Street
by de la Pena, Matt
Illustrated by Christian Robinson.
Putnam, 2015. 32 pages. Ages 3-8
Milo Imagines the World
by de la Pena, Matt
Illustrated by Christian Robinson.
Penguin Random House/Putnam, 2021. 32 pages. Ages 6-9
Beneath
by Doerrfeld, Cori
Illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld.
Little, Brown, 2023. 32 pages. Ages 4-7
Me and the Boss: A Story about Mending and Love
by Edwards, Michelle
Illustrated by April Harrison.
Anne Schwartz Book/Random House, 2022. 32 pages. Ages 4-8
We Are Definitely Human
by Fang, X.
Illustrated by X. Fang.
Tundra, 2024. 48 pages. Ages 4-8
Henry the Boy
by Felder, Molly
Illustrated by Nate Christopherson and Tara Sweeney.
Penny Candy, 2019. 36 pages. Ages 5-7
Birdsong
by Flett, Julie
Illustrated by Julie Flett.
Greystone, 2019. Ages 4-8
My Brother Is Away
by Greenwood, Sara
Illustrated by Luisa Uribe.
Random House/Random House Studio, 2022. 32 pages. Ages 4-8
I Know How to Draw an Owl
by Hippely, Hilary Horder
Illustrated by Matt James.
Holiday House/Neal Porter Books, 2024. 32 pages. Ages 4-7
Look Up!
by Jin-Ho, Jung
Illustrated by Jung Jin-Ho.
Translated by Mi Hyun Kim.
Holiday House, 2016. 32 pages. Ages 4-8
We Are (Not) Friends
by Kang, Anna
Illustrated by Christopher Weyant.
Two Lions, 2019. 40 pages. Ages 3-6
Thank You, Omu!
by Mora, Oge
Illustrated by Oge Mora.
Little, Brown, 2018. 32 pages. Ages 4-7
Dreamers
by Morales, Yuyi
Illustrated by Yuyi Morales.
Holiday House/Neal Porter Books, 2018. 32 pages. Ages 4-9
Frank and Bert
by Naylor-Ballesteros, Chris
Illustrated by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros.
Nosy Crow, 2023. 32 pages. Ages 3–6
A Different Pond
by Phi, Bao
Illustrated by Thi Bui.
Capstone, 2017. 32 pages. Ages 6-9
Niko Draws a Feeling
by Raczka, Bob
Illustrated by Simone Shin.
Carolrhoda, 2017. 32 pages. Ages 4-7
I Talk Like a River
by Scott, Jordan
Illustrated by Sydney Smith.
Holiday House/Neal Porter Books, 2020. 40 pages. Ages 4-8
Powwow Day
by Sorell, Traci
Illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight.
Charlesbridge, 2022. 32 pages. Ages 4-8
Each Kindness
by Woodson, Jacqueline
Illustrated by E. B. Lewis.
Putnam, 2012. 32 pages. Ages 5-9
A Map Into the World
by Yang, Kao Kalia
Illustrated by Seo Kim.
Carolrhoda/Lerner, 2019. Ages 5-9
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Our Recommended Book Search includes access to CCBC-recommended titles based on subject headings created by our staff.
Please send questions or comments about CCBC booklists to ccbcinfo@education.wisc.edu.