10 Picture Books About Kindness, Bullying, and Self-Confidence
We had a little bit of a bullying situation happen with one of my kids and it was such a good reminder to me that kindness and standing up for others is something you can teach and encourage your kids to do. It’s a skill they can grow!
So where did I turn first? To children’s books of course! Here are 10 children’s books about kindness and bullying I checked out of the library to help remind my kids that it’s okay for themselves or others to be different and it’s important to be kind.
When Charley Met Emma
When Charley Met Emma by Amy Webb, illustrated by Merrilee Liddiard, tells the story of a young boy who meets Emma, a girl with limb differences who uses a wheelchair, and learns that being different is nothing to fear. Through their new friendship, the book gently teaches children about kindness, inclusion, empathy, and the idea that “different is just different—and different is okay.”
Abigail the Whale
Abigail the Whale by Davide Cali, illustrated by Sonja Bougaeva, is about a girl who is teased during swimming lessons and learns to see herself with confidence and self-acceptance instead of shame. The story gently explores bullying, body image, resilience, and the power of changing how we think about ourselves.
Giraffe Problems
Giraffe Problems by Jory John, illustrated by Lane Smith, follows a giraffe named Edward who feels insecure about his long neck until an unexpected friendship helps him see that the very thing he dislikes about himself can also be his greatest strength.
The Pout-Pout Fish and the Bully-Bully Shark
The Pout-Pout Fish and the Bully-Bully Shark by Deborah Diesen, illustrated by Dan Hanna, follows Mr. Fish as he learns how to respond with kindness and courage when a mean shark starts bullying others in the ocean, teaching children about empathy, confidence, and standing up for themselves and others.
Super Manny Stands Up!
Super Manny Stands Up! by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin, follows an imaginative young raccoon who learns to use his “invisible cape” of courage to stand up to bullying at school and help others do the same.
Say Something!
Say Something! by Peter H. Reynolds encourages children to use their voices, actions, creativity, and kindness to speak up for themselves and others, reminding them that even one small voice can make a big difference in the world.
Not Quite Snow White
Not Quite Snow White by Ashley Franklin, illustrated by Ebony Glenn, follows a young girl named Tameika who dreams of playing Snow White in her school musical and learns to believe in herself despite hurtful comments about her skin color, body, and appearance
Sulwe
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o, illustrated by Vashti Harrison, follows a young girl who wishes her dark skin looked lighter until a magical journey helps her discover the beauty, value, and light within herself exactly as she is.
I Walk with Vanessa
I Walk with Vanessa by Kerascoët is a wordless picture book about a young girl who witnesses a classmate being bullied and discovers how one small act of kindness can inspire an entire community to stand together in support and friendship.
Speak Up
Speak Up by Miranda Paul, illustrated by Ebony Glenn, encourages children to use their voices to show kindness, stand up for what is right, include others, and make positive change in both big and small everyday moments.
I hope one of these 10 children’s books about kindness and bullying helps your own family grow! Let me know if you have any other children’s books to add.
xo, Emma
