Along with our themes of Friends and Helping, a storytime on Peace and Kindness can assist parents who want to encourage their children to be mindful of others. This theme can easily be adapted for use in a Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday celebration. For a hands-on activity, make simple friendship bracelets. Or, encourage a charitable project, like a canned food drive, or write letters to those in a Veteran’s hospital.
- App: Endless Alphabet from Originator, Inc.
Ashman, Linda. PEACE, BABY! In this participation story, children see several examples of how to be a good friend.
Ashman, Linda. RAIN. A little boy helps a grumpy old man realize that kindness is contagious.
Brisson, Pat. WANDA’S ROSES. Wanda cares for a thorny bush she believes is a rose bush.
Henkes, Kevin. WEEKEND WITH WENDELL. Sophie learns to assert herself to be a good friend.
Himmelman, John. DUCK TO THE RESCUE. The audience will call out the repeated title phrase in this hilarious story of an over-achiever.
Hughes, Shirley. ALFIE GIVES A HAND. Alfie helps another child who is scared by a mask at a birthday party.
Katz, Karen. CAN YOU SAY PEACE? Children from various countries say the word for “peace” in their languages, in celebration of International Peace Day (September 21st).
Keats, Ezra Jack. PETER’S CHAIR. Peter realizes he can share with his baby sister.
Leaf, Munro. THE STORY OF FERDINAND. This classic story features a bull who would rather smell the flowers than enter the bullfighting ring.
Marley, Cedella. EVERY LITTLE THING. In this adaptation of the Bob Marley song, a community builds a park because they cooperate.
Parr, Todd. THE PEACE BOOK. Using examples that young children can relate to, this straightforward text with bright, deeply saturated color illustrations show that everyday things can demonstrate peace and kindness.
Polacco, Patricia. CHICKEN SUNDAY. Neighborhood children plan to buy gramma Eula a new hat.
Seuss, Dr. THE SNEETCHES. What is better – to have a star on your belly, or no star? This hilarious look at prejudice is subtle but clear.
Waber, Bernard. IRA SLEEPS OVER. Ira’s in a quandary; should he bring his teddy bear to his first sleepover?
Williams, Vera. A CHAIR FOR MY MOTHER. A young girl helps earn money for a new easy chair after a house fire.