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Teaching Caring Through Picture Books: An IB PYP Literacy Strategy
Caring is one of the IB Learner Profile traits that helps students grow into thoughtful and compassionate people.
Being caring is about more than just being nice. It’s about showing empathy, acting with kindness, and making choices that have a positive impact on others.
Picture books are a simple and powerful way to explore what caring looks like. They help children see life from someone else’s perspective, spark great conversations, and inspire them to put caring into action.
“Reading is an exercise in empathy: an exercise in walking in someone else’s shoes for a while.” — Malorie Blackman, author
Benefits of Teaching Caring Traits
Helping children understand and practice caring has many benefits:
- stronger friendships and classroom community
- better self-esteem and sense of worth
- a more positive outlook
- pride in helping and making a difference
What Does It Mean to Be Caring?
Caring shows up in little moments—like sharing, listening, or comforting a friend—and in bigger choices, like standing up for someone or helping to make the world fairer. Children who are caring:
- Show empathy, compassion, and respect
- Help others without expecting anything back
- Care about people, animals, and the environment
- Understand how their actions affect others
The IB Learner Profile defines it clearly: “Students who are caring show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the world around them.” — IB Learner Profile: Caring
Caring shows up in little moments—like sharing, listening, or comforting a friend—and in bigger choices, like standing up for someone or helping to make the world fairer.
I read Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson during a Grade 2 library lesson. The children paused to think about the “ripple effect” of kindness. This sparked self-reflection, and later actions, to include peers they may have excluded previously.
Why Picture Books Foster Caring
Books about kindness and compassion give children real examples of values, friendships, and positive choices. They show that caring matters and that even small actions can make a big difference.
When we stop and talk about the choices characters make, children start connecting feelings, actions, and consequences. This is where empathy begins to grow.
Dr. Keith Oatley compares reading fiction to a “flight simulator for social interaction”—stories let children safely explore emotions and social situations, boosting their ability to understand others.
Themes in Caring Books
Positive themes in caring books often include:
- standing up for others
- putting themselves into someone else’s shoes
- seeing the good in people
- making the best choice in difficult situations
- putting others first
- being considerate
- responding politely to insults
Some books highlight unkind behaviour. Examples might include:
- unkind attitude to others
- a lack of empathy
- ungrateful of others actions
- selfish and likely not to share
- expects to get their own way and argues if they don’t
- unable to put themselves into another person’s shoes
- doesn’t see their behavior as selfish or uncaring
Picture Books That Highlight Caring Behavior
Bird House by Blanca Gómez
A little girl and her grandmother find an injured bird on a snowy day. They nurse it back to health, allowing it to fly freely around their living room. The grandmother teaches the girl that the bird is not theirs to keep but is welcome to visit the birdhouse they built.
Bird House explores compassion, caring for all creatures, the wonder of nature, and letting go.
The Boy With Flowers in His Hair by Jarvis
David has flowers in his hair. He comes to school with a hat covering the flowers, which have turned bare and prickly. His classmates make flowers for David, which helps him feel like himself again.
The Boy with Flowers in His Hair explores being yourself, acceptance, coping strategies, compassion, and thoughtfulness.
The Cat Man of Aleppo by Irene Latham & Karim Shamsi-Basha
Alaa, an ambulance driver in war-torn Aleppo, chose to stay and aid the wounded. He cares for the city’s abandoned cats, gaining global attention. Donations poured in, helping him to create a cat sanctuary.
The Cat Man of Aleppo explores kindness, compassion, and the power of community, even in the face of hardship.
The Coat by Séverine Vidal
When Elise finally gets to wear her big sister’s cherished red coat, a meaningful encounter with a homeless mother and daughter makes her see the world—and the coat—in a new light.
The Coat explores homelessness, poverty, empathy, compassion, self-reflection, and how small acts of kindness make a difference.
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
The Day You Begin illustrates the importance of sharing our personal stories, expressing that we sometimes feel like outsiders and how the courage to be ourselves connects us with others.
This book explores empathy, identity, a sense of belonging, a growth mindset, open-mindedness, self-awareness, and self-esteem.
Dear Greenpeace by Simon James
Concerned about the well-being of a whale in her pond, Emily writes to Greenpeace for advice. Despite their insistence that whales can’t live in ponds, Emily continues to write, seeking the best help for her beloved whale.
Dear Greenpeace explores persistence, environmental consciousness, communication, and empathy and concern for animals.
The Digger and the Flower by Joseph Kuefler
A digger spots a single blue flower on the construction site. Dozer charges in and cuts the flower down. An upset Digger rescues the seeds, plants them on a faraway hill, and cares for the seeds as they grow.
The Digger and the Flower explores environmental stewardship, hope, and nurturing new beginnings.
A Dog Wearing Shoes by Sangmi Ko
Mini finds a stray dog in yellow shoes and brings it home. When she finds its owners, Mini is sad to return it. Her mom takes her to an animal shelter to adopt another dog.
A Dog Wearing Shoes explores empathy, responsibility, and considering the feelings of others, even when it’s hard.
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
Chloe and her friends consistently exclude the new girl, Maya, until a powerful lesson on kindness makes Chloe reconsider her actions.
Each Kindness explores relationship skills, inclusion, bullying, the power of kindness and the need for self-reflection.
Egg Must Hatch by Mariken Jongman
When a child finds an egg in the snow, it looks for the perfect caretaker. However, the child might be the best one for the job.
Use the Egg Must Hatch explores caring, compassion, responsibility, curiosity, problem-solving, and asking questions.
Fly Free! by Roseanne Thong
Mai loves feeding caged birds at a Buddhist temple and dreams she will see them fly free. Thu enjoys feeding the birds with her, setting off a chain reaction of good deeds that leads to the birds’ release.
Fly Free! explores kindness, compassion, positive actions, and the Buddhist philosophy of karma and cause and effect.
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
As a boy grows, a tree fulfils his needs at every stage of life. Only in his later years does the boy realise the depth of the tree’s generosity.
The Giving Tree explores appreciation, selfishness, forgiveness, generosity, responsible decision-making and personification.
A Home for Bird by Philip C Stead
Vernon the toad finds a small, blue, and silent bird. The thoughtful toad worries about his new friend and takes the bird on a journey to find its home.
A Home for Bird explores thoughtfulness, being caring, and determination.
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
Brian, a shy boy, struggles to stand out. When he befriends a new student from Korea, his world begins to change, helping him feel less ‘invisible’ and more confident in himself.
The Invisible Boy explores inclusion, acceptance, kindness, empathy, loneliness, making friends, and self-esteem.
Jenny Mei is Sad by Tracy Subisak
The narrator notices that her best friend Jenny Mei is sad, even though Jenny pretends otherwise. She spends time with Jenny and provides support without trying to fix her sadness.
Jenny Mei is Sad explores kindness, empathy, support without judgement, emotional awareness, and comfort during challenging times.
Kafka and the Doll by Larissa Theule
Franz Kafka encounters a girl who lost her doll. To console her, he creates tales of the doll’s global adventures, writing letters to reassure her of its safety and happiness.
Kafka and the Doll explores compassion, the healing power of storytelling, and the impact of kindness.
Kenzie's Little Tree by Alison McGauley
Kenzie cares for a small tree while coping with her mum’s illness. She finds comfort and hope in nurturing something that grows.
Kenzie’s Little Tree explores resilience, responsibility, processing worries, hope, and the healing power of nature.
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
On a bus ride, CJ questions why he doesn’t have the same things as his friends. His nana’s positive responses help him see the beauty in what he has and the power of giving.
Last Stop on Market Street explores appreciation for what we have, gratitude, helping others, and considering different perspectives.
Teaching with Last Stop on Market Street?
Extend your discussion about community, perspective and gratitude with sequencing and retelling activities that bring students back to the key events in CJ and Nana’s journey.
The Lion and the Bird by Marianne Dubuc
A lion finds an injured bird and nurses it back to health. As spring arrives, the bird rejoins its flock. The lion experiences the passing of seasons until it is rewarded with the bird’s familiar sound as autumn returns.
The Lion and the Bird explores separation and reunion, the importance of empathy, kindness, and the bonds of friendship.
Little Bird by Germano Zullo
A man releases a flock of birds, but one stays behind. He nurtures the bird and encourages it to rejoin its flock. As he prepares to leave, the entire flock returns, showing gratitude and thanking him.
Little Bird explores caring for others, expressing gratitude, building unexpected friendships, kindness, and freedom.
Lotus and Feather by Ji-li Jiang
Lotus, who cannot speak, rescues an injured crane near the shore of a lake, and she names him Feather. As Lotus nurses Feather back to health, she finds companionship and joy.
Lotus and Feather explore caring for others, resilience, loneliness, disability, and communication without speech.
Mela and the Elephant by Dow Phumiruk
Mela gets lost in a jungle outside her Thai village. She meets unhelpful animals, but an elephant shows her kindness without expecting anything.
Mela and the Elephant explores kindness without expectations, selflessness, bravery in facing the unknown, and the consequences of greed.
My Baba's Garden by Jordan Scott
A boy and his grandmother, Baba, bond over gardening, food, and walking to school, despite a language barrier. When she becomes too old to live alone, the boy cares for her.
My Baba’s Garden explores communication beyond language, appreciation of nature, and love through actions.
My Friend is Sad by Mo Willems
Piggie notices that Gerald is sad and tries to cheer him up. Despite her efforts, Gerald reveals that he was sad because he wanted to share the fun with her.
My Friend is Sad explores friendship, empathy, and the value of shared experiences.
The Odd Egg by Emily Gravett
Duck cares for a green, spotted egg. The other birds make fun of him, but he remains patient and proud. When the egg finally hatches, it reveals a surprise.
The Odd Egg explores acceptance, patience, perseverance, open-mindedness, responsibility, and perceptions of what makes a family.
The Queen of Our Corner by Lucy Christopher
Nobody notices a woman sitting on the corner – except a girl. She sees the woman as a powerful warrior who has won many battles. She wants her community to make the corner into a safe home for the queen.
The Queen of Our Corner reminds us to listen to and value everyone’s stories and experiences, no matter who they are.
Roar-Choo! by Charlotte Cheng
A patient and peaceful Phoenix tries to take care of a rambunctious and cold-ridden Dragon. Phoenix shows unwavering patience and kindness despite the Dragon’s fiery sneezes and boisterous demeanour.
Roar-Choo! explores patience, empathy, acts of kindness and caring for others, even when challenging.
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
A witch meets a dog, a bird, and a frog, who help her find her lost items. The animals work together to scare off a dragon, and the witch rewards them with a magical surprise.
Room on the Broom is a tale of kindness and teamwork and encourages your students to think about helping others.
Sad, The Dog by Sandy Fussell
When a family moves home, Sad, the dog, is devastated to be abandoned. When a new family arrive at the house, the boy becomes his perfect playmate, and he renames the dog, Lucky.
Sad, The Dog explores love, trust, and finding a sense of belonging.
The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry
A scarecrow unexpectedly befriends a vulnerable baby crow. Over time, the scarecrow protects and nurtures the crow, forming an unlikely friendship.
The Scarecrow explores unexpected friendships, the power of kindness, and the beauty of nurturing relationships.
A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead
Amos McGee always makes time for his animal friends at the zoo. When he falls sick and cannot go to the zoo, the animals visit to care for him, mirroring the compassion he always shows them.
A Sick Day for Amos McGee explores how acts of kindness can forge strong bonds, empathy, and nurturing relationships.
Summer by Cao Wenxuan
On a scorching day on the grasslands, animals vie for the sole spot of shade under a small leaf. As tempers flare, an act of selflessness inspires the animals to share the shade with one another.
Summer, translated from Chinese, explores cooperation, sharing, empathy, selflessness, kindness, and caring for others in challenging situations.
Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora
Omu’s stew attracts the attention of her neighbours, who come asking for a share. In the evening, there are none left for her. When she knocks on her door, everyone she shares her stew with returns with food for Omu.
Thank You, Omu! explores the joys of giving, generosity, gratitude, reciprocity, sharing, and community bonds.
Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts
When his old shoes fall apart, Jeremy experiences peer pressure. His quest for ‘those shoes’ leads him to a thrift shop and a pair that is too small. He buys them, only to realize later that someone else needs them more.
Those Shoes explores empathy, generosity, compassion, poverty, and the pressures of social conformity.
Where the Heart Is by Irma Gold
Old Joao finds a penguin covered in oil near Rio de Janeiro. He nurses it back to health. The penguin travels over 8,000km to a penguin colony in Patagonia, only to return to visit Joao.
Where the Heart Is explores unexpected friendships, a sense of belonging, caring for others, and following your heart.
Caring Worksheets & Graphic Organizers
If you’d like flexible activities to pair with your read-alouds, I created a Caring Learner Profile Graphic Organizers pack. It works with ANY book.
What’s in the pack
- Caring Characters activities to see how characters show kindness and empathy
- I am Caring pages for students to reflect on their own actions and choices
- Caring Actions tasks to focus on caring behaviors in stories and real life
- Open-ended worksheets that work with any story or grade
Why it helps
- Makes kindness and empathy concrete through stories
- Encourages reflection on personal choices
- Builds social awareness and responsibility
- Supports a caring and respectful classroom culture
Tips for Teaching the Caring Trait
- Model caring behaviour: A simple thank you, checking in with a student, or giving your full attention when a child speaks.
- Create a kindness challenge: Let students log small caring acts each week.
- Encourage reflective moments: Ask “How do you think that made them feel?” after a story or situation.
- Classroom jobs that focus on care—like “Kindness Captain” or “Classroom Helper.”
Questions to Use with Caring Picture Books
Understanding Caring
- What does it mean to be caring?
- How do you know if someone cares about you?
- How do you feel when people show they care?
- What makes people care about others?
Reflecting on Self
- Can you choose to be caring, or is it something you’re born with?
- Do you consider yourself a caring person? In what ways?
- What are some small ways we can show kindness every day?
- What would the world look like if nobody cared?
Exploring Characters in Books
- What did [character] do to show they were caring?
- How did others feel as a result?
- What were the consequences of their caring (or lack of caring)?
- In what ways could [character] have shown more care?
- Why might it have been difficult for [character] to be caring?
Supporting All Learners
Every class is full of different needs, so it’s important to make caring activities accessible for everyone. Here are some simple ways to adapt:
- visuals, picture clues, or multilingual editions
- audio versions of stories for children who find reading tricky
- extra thinking time before asking for answers
- word banks or sentence starters for talking about feelings
- drawing, role play, or storytelling for creative expression
- pairing students so they can learn from and support each other
- celebrating caring in different ways—praise, notes, or classroom displays
FAQs About Teaching Caring with Picture Books
What is the IB Learner Profile trait “Caring”?
The IB defines caring students as those who show empathy, compassion, and respect for others. They act to make a positive difference in the lives of people, animals, and the environment.
Why is it important to teach caring in the classrooms?
Teaching caring helps children build empathy, develop stronger friendships, and improve self-esteem.
How can picture books teach children about caring?
Picture books provide examples of kindness, compassion, and respect through characters and stories. They give children safe ways to explore emotions, discuss choices, and reflect on the impact of caring actions.
What are the best picture books for teaching caring?
Popular titles include Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig and Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora.. Each story models empathy, inclusion, and kindness.
How does teaching caring link to curriculum standards?
The Caring trait aligns with the IB PYP Learner Profile, UK PSHE (respect and relationships), CCSS (character responses and emotions), TEKS (recognising emotions), and the Australian Personal and Social Capability framework.
How can I support EAL and SEND learners when teaching caring?
Use visuals, multilingual editions, role play, drawing, and audio versions of books. Pair students together for peer support and celebrate caring actions in different ways.
What are some questions I can ask students when reading caring picture books?
Examples include: What does it mean to be caring? How do you know if someone cares about you? How did the character show they were caring?
Ideas of What to Read Next
- Picture Books for Acceptance & Empathy – Stories to build kindness, confidence, and respect for differences.
- Picture Books on Self-Esteem and Confidence – Help children feel proud of themselves and make positive choices.
- Ripples of Kindness with Change Sings – Explore how small actions can make a big difference.
- Empathy and Inclusion with The Invisible Boy – Talk about empathy and making sure no one feels left out.
What Next
Using picture books to explore caring gives children models of kindness and empathy they can put into practice. These stories spark discussions and help children see the impact of their choices.
“Learning is a result of listening, which in turn leads to even better listening and attentiveness to the other person. In other words, to learn from the child, we must have empathy, and empathy grows as we learn.” — Alice Miller, developmental psychologist
Do you have a favourite book for teaching caring? Share it in the comments.
