Great Read Alouds: Spread the love

Spread joy and empathy with heartwarming stories that will inspire young readers to share love, care for others, and build lasting friendships.

The Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond

This sweet and charming book celebrates kindness. A little girl named Cornelia Augusta wakes up one morning to find hearts raining down from the sky. She gathers them up and decides to share them with her friends. This is a heartwarming tale about giving and spreading love with bright and cheerful illustrations that bring the magic of the story to life.

This book is ideal for younger readers and works wonderfully as a Valentine’s Day read or any time you want to encourage the idea of kindness and generosity. It’s a great way to show kids that the simple act of sharing can brighten someone’s day. Plus, the gentle, fun tone makes it a perfect bedtime or story time pick!

I Walk With Vanessa by Kerascoët

I Walk with Vanessa is a beautifully illustrated, wordless picture book that tells a powerful story about kindness and standing up for others. The story follows a young girl who sees a classmate being bullied but feels unsure of how to help. As the story unfolds, she finds the courage to show support, offering a simple but meaningful gesture of friendship by walking with the girl, helping her feel less alone.

Reading this book can help you start a conversation with your kid about empathy, kindness and the importance of standing up for others, even in small ways. The lack of text allows the illustrations to speak for themselves, making it an excellent choice for younger children and a wonderful read for parents or teachers to discuss how kids can make a difference in someone’s life. I Walk with Vanessa is a heartwarming reminder that sometimes, just being there for someone is the most important thing you can do.

The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig

If you're looking for a touching story about kindness and inclusion, The Invisible Boy is a wonderful choice. This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Brian, a quiet boy who feels invisible at school. No one seems to notice him and he’s often left out of activities. When a new student arrives, Brian's kindness and friendship help bring him out of the shadows. 

This is another book that shows how small acts of kindness can make a huge difference in someone’s life. It will help children understand the importance of empathy, inclusion and reaching out to those who may feel left out. This is an excellent read for teaching kids how to be a good friend and how simple gestures can help others feel seen and valued. The Invisible Boy is a must-read for encouraging a culture of kindness and acceptance.

The Lion & the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

The Lion & the Mouse is a beautiful and heartfelt retelling of the classic Aesop fable. The story follows a mighty lion who shows mercy to a tiny mouse. Later when the lion is caught in a hunter’s net the mouse returns the favor by setting him free. It’s a wonderful reminder that even the smallest creatures can have the biggest hearts and that kindness truly comes full circle.

What makes this book extra special is Jerry Pinkney’s gorgeous illustrations. His vibrant, detailed artwork brings the story to life in such a captivating way, sometimes without even using words! This book is a great way to teach lessons about empathy, friendship and how helping others, no matter their size, can make the world a better place.