Teach Kindness Throughout Summer!
Squeeze every last ounce of sunshine out of summer. The season is a chance to take a deep breath, even when the schedule can feel full with fun, camps, and vacation. Slow down and spend some time reading about kindness with these sweet, summer-themed stories.
Don’t forget to check out our collection of picture books about everyday acts kindness for even more stories that focus on being kind to others.
Featured Title
Should I Share My Ice Cream? By Mo Willems
Elephant reflects on whether to share an ice cream cone with Piggie. When Elephant finally decides to share it, it drops on the ground. Piggie ends up sharing an ice cream cone with Elephant.
More DGT Favorites
Wheetle: A Little Wagon with Big Heart by Cindy Derby
Wheetle, a helpful wagon, loves carrying things for his friends, but when he wakes up to a wobbly wheel, he finds himself in the position of needing help. The friendly little wagon learns to take care of himself, and finds that sometimes it's okay to share a heavy load with others.
The Sandcastle that Lola Built written by Megan Maynor, illustrated by Kate Berube
Friendships grow alongside a sandcastle at the beach as kids fix mistakes and help each other build and rebuild after setbacks.
All the Ice Cream in the World by Masoud Gharehbaghi
A young polar bear wakes up to find that his icy home broke away and is melting in the sea. Alone in a new place, he struggles to find help until a kind girl with an ice cream cone stops to lend a hand. This sweet story celebrates kindness, friendship, and the difference one caring person can make.
When Grandma Gives you a Lemon Tree by Jamie L. B. Deenihan
When a young girl’s grandma gives her a lemon tree for her birthday instead of the many techy gifts on her list, she begrudgingly keeps it alive through the winter. Making lemonade from the lemons with her grandma the next summer, she dreams of finally being able to have the cash to buy what she wanted for her birthday. It’s clear in the end that her grandma has helped her granddaughter grow new values and friendships, alongside her growing tree.
The Littlest Elephant: The One and Only Ruby Story written by Katherine Applegate and illustrated by Lita Judge
Planning a trip to the zoo? Based on The One and Only Ruby novel, this picture book version is equally full of heart, community, and growth as Ruby prepares to celebrate her tuskday in the zoo. Her aunts urge her to respond to two prompts: What gifts has the world given you? What gifts have you given today? Ruby reflects on both the sadness and joy she has experienced in a way that will resonate with readers of all ages.
Odder: An Otter’s Story written by Katherine Applegate and illustrated by Charles Santoso
Odder experiences the kindness of humans as a rescued otter at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This big-hearted book is about her adventures and service to the community at the aquarium.
Give Bees a Chance by Bethany Barton
A fun and informative book that helps readers discover why bees are some of nature's most important helpers. Through humor, engaging illustrations, and fascinating facts, you and your child will learn how bees pollinate plants, support ecosystems, and help provide many of the foods we eat.
The Curious Garden by Peter Brown
Liam is a young boy who discovers a struggling garden in the middle of a gray city. With patience and care, he helps the garden grow, and soon its beauty begins to spread throughout the neighborhood. This inspiring picture book celebrates perseverance, environmental stewardship, and how one person's efforts can make a big difference in their community.
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Or check out these projects to practice kindness this summer or any time of year!
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