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

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.

Ali, S. K. and Ibtihaj Muhammad The Proudest Blue. Illustrated by Hatem Aly. Little, Brown, 2019. 32 pages. Ages 4-8

Antrobus, Raymond Terrible Horses: A Story of Sibling Conflict and Companionship. Illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max. Candlewick, 2024. 32 pages. Ages 4-8

Bernstrom, Daniel A Bear, a Fish, and a Fishy Wish. Illustrated by Brandon James Scott. Astra/Hippo Park, 2024. 40 pages. Ages 2-5

Bowles, David My Two Border Towns. Illustrated by Erika Meza. Kokila/Penguin Random House, 2021. 32 pages. Ages 5-8

Burgos, Hilda Eunice The Cot in the Living Room. Illustrated by Gaby D'Alessandro. Kokila/Penguin Random House, 2021. 32 pages. Ages 4-7

de la Pena, Matt Last Stop on Market Street. Illustrated by Christian Robinson. Putnam, 2015. 32 pages. Ages 3-8

de la Pena, Matt Milo Imagines the World. Illustrated by Christian Robinson. Penguin Random House/Putnam, 2021. 32 pages. Ages 6-9

Doerrfeld, Cori Beneath. Illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld. Little, Brown, 2023. 32 pages. Ages 4-7

Edwards, Michelle Me and the Boss: A Story about Mending and Love. Illustrated by April Harrison. Anne Schwartz Book/Random House, 2022. 32 pages. Ages 4-8

Fang, X. We Are Definitely Human. Illustrated by X. Fang. Tundra, 2024. 48 pages. Ages 4-8

Felder, Molly Henry the Boy. Illustrated by Nate Christopherson and Tara Sweeney. Penny Candy, 2019. 36 pages. Ages 5-7

Flett, Julie Birdsong. Illustrated by Julie Flett. Greystone, 2019. Ages 4-8

Greenwood, Sara My Brother Is Away. Illustrated by Luisa Uribe. Random House/Random House Studio, 2022. 32 pages. Ages 4-8

Hippely, Hilary Horder I Know How to Draw an Owl. Illustrated by Matt James. Holiday House/Neal Porter Books, 2024. 32 pages. Ages 4-7

Jin-Ho, Jung Look Up!. Illustrated by Jung Jin-Ho. Translated by Mi Hyun Kim. Holiday House, 2016. 32 pages. Ages 4-8

Kang, Anna We Are (Not) Friends. Illustrated by Christopher Weyant. Two Lions, 2019. 40 pages. Ages 3-6

Mora, Oge Thank You, Omu!. Illustrated by Oge Mora. Little, Brown, 2018. 32 pages. Ages 4-7

Morales, Yuyi Dreamers. Illustrated by Yuyi Morales. Holiday House/Neal Porter Books, 2018. 32 pages. Ages 4-9

Naylor-Ballesteros, Chris Frank and Bert. Illustrated by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros. Nosy Crow, 2023. 32 pages. Ages 3–6

Phi, Bao A Different Pond. Illustrated by Thi Bui. Capstone, 2017. 32 pages. Ages 6-9

Raczka, Bob Niko Draws a Feeling. Illustrated by Simone Shin. Carolrhoda, 2017. 32 pages. Ages 4-7

Scott, Jordan I Talk Like a River. Illustrated by Sydney Smith. Holiday House/Neal Porter Books, 2020. 40 pages. Ages 4-8

Sorell, Traci Powwow Day. Illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight. Charlesbridge, 2022. 32 pages. Ages 4-8

Woodson, Jacqueline Each Kindness. Illustrated by E. B. Lewis. Putnam, 2012. 32 pages. Ages 5-9

Yang, Kao Kalia A Map Into the World. Illustrated by Seo Kim. Carolrhoda/Lerner, 2019. Ages 5-9

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Our Recommended Book Search includes subject access to CCBC-recommended titles based on subject headings created by our staff.