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Thorndyke Thoughts: World Kindness Day

Ruth the Librarian Hugging Thorndyke the Bear

 

Hey Kids,

Did you know that November 13 is World Kindness Day? It can be hard to show kindness when we're feeling angry or scared, but nothing makes me feel better than finding something nice to do for someone else. So I'm taking a minute today to remind myself to be kind to others. If you're looking for books that might help you show understanding or compassion to someone who needs it, I hope these inspire you. Share them with the grownups in your life and be kind together. If you have your own special kindness books, please share them as a comment below.

Bear Hugs,

Thorndyke

Be kind by Pat Zietlow Miller

When Tanisha spills grape juice all over her dress, her classmate wants to make her feel better and ponders the different ways in which they can be kind.

We don't eat our classmates by Ryan T Higgins
Also available in: e-book

Penelope thinks her classmates are delicious until she gets a sharp lesson in treating others how she would like to be treated. A humorous look at empathy.

A splendid friend, indeed by Suzanne Bloom

When a studious polar bear meets an inquisitive goose, they learn to be friends despite a rough start.

An elementary school girl witnesses the bullying of another girl. At first she's not sure how to help.

If you plant a seed by Kadir Nelson

While planting seeds in their garden, two animals learn the value of kindness.

Extra yarn by Mac Barnett
Also available in: e-audiobook | e-video

With a supply of yarn that never runs out, Annabelle knits for everyone and everything in town until an evil archduke decides he wants the yarn for himself.

Also available in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.

Shelter by Céline Claire

During a storm when all the forest animals are huddled in their dens, two strangers wander into the area and are turned away while seeking shelter, until a little fox is moved to act.

The big umbrella by Amy June Bates

A spacious umbrella welcomes anyone and everyone who needs shelter from the rain.

Horrible bear! by Ame Dyckman

When Bear breaks a little girl's kite, she thinks he is a "HORRIBLE BEAR!"--until she makes a mistake of her own and learns the power of saying "I'm sorry."

Wolf in the snow by Matthew Cordell

When a wolf cub and little girl are lost in a snowstorm they must help each other to find their way home.

2018 Caldecott Medal Winner.

The lion & the mouse by Jerry Pinkney

In this wordless retelling of an Aesop fable, an adventuresome mouse proves that even small creatures are capable of great deeds when he rescues the King of the Jungle.

2010 Caldecott Medal Winner

Sophia knits a special hat for her elderly neighbor and knitting teacher, Mrs. Goldman.

The rabbit listened by illustrator Cori Doerrfeld

When Taylor's block castle is destroyed, all the animals think they know just what to do, but only the rabbit quietly listens to how Taylor is feeling.

Also available in: audiobook | video | e-video

When an Iraqi family is forced to flee their home and loses their beloved cat, a worldwide community comes together to reunite them.

Come with me by Holly M. McGhee

Frightened by news of angry people around the world, a young girl gets her parents' help in learning to be compassionate and brave a little at a time

Even more books on kindness and empathy, suggested by your friendly library bear.