Discover 13 fantastic picture books that teach young children about treating others with kindness, consideration, and respect.
Are your kids anything like mine? Sometimes they need a little reminder about respect, but how do you explain such an abstract concept?
The solution is simple: social emotional picture books! With relatable stories and visual examples that your kids can understand, picture books about respect are the perfect tool for teaching kids this important skill.
So cuddle up with your little ones, grab a respect book, and let the learning and respect begin with these great children’s books about respect!
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Table of Contents
13 Must-Read Books About Respect for Kids
“The Berenstain Bears Show Some Respect” by Stan and Jan Berenstain
In this book about respect, the Berenstain Bears learn about respect at school, and even use it to help the new kid in class!
With colorful illustrations and easy-to-understand language, this book is perfect for teaching your little cubs about respect.
“The Golden Rule” by Ilene Cooper and Gabi Swiatkowska
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” – that’s the golden rule! And this children’s book on respect tells the story of a boy who learns this important lesson.
“Strictly No Elephants” by Lisa Mantchev and Taeeun Yoo
When a little boy with a pet elephant is excluded from a pet club, he learns about the importance of inclusion and respect for all creatures great and small.
“The Recess Queen” by Alexis O’Neill and Laura Huliska-Beith
Mean Jean is the playground queen, but when new girl Katie Sue arrives, she teaches Jean and the rest of the school about kindness and respect.
“Amazing Grace” by Mary Hoffman and Caroline Binch
Grace loves to act, but when her classmates tell her she can’t play Peter Pan because she’s a girl and black, she learns about standing up for herself and respecting others.
“What If Everybody Did That?” by Ellen Javernick and Colleen Madden
A delightful and engaging picture book about respect that explores the consequences of a child’s actions. Using relatable scenarios to prompt children to think about how their choices can impact those around them.
“A Little Respectful Dot” by Michelle Lowery Combs
This charming story follows a little dot who learns about respect from the animals in the forest, and uses that knowledge to help others.
“The Way I Act” by Steve Metzger and Janan Cain
This children’s book about respect follows the story of a young child as they navigate through various situations and emotions, using positive affirmations and relatable scenarios to teach children about empathy, kindness, and respect for others and themselves, ultimately inspiring them to become their best selves.
“Baditude” by Julia Cook and Anita DuFalla
This fun and humorous respect picture book teaches kids about how negative attitudes can affect those around them, and the importance of respecting others’ feelings.
“But Why Can’t I?” by Sue Graves and Desideria Guicciardini
This book about being respectful follows a young girl named Molly who learns about the importance of respecting rules and boundaries, even when she doesn’t understand why they exist.
“Do Unto Otters” by Laurie Keller
Mr. Rabbit learns about the golden rule when new neighbors, a family of otters, move in next door. With witty humor and clever illustrations, this book teaches kids about respecting others and treating them how they would like to be treated.
“The Best Me That I Can Be: Respect” by David Parker
This inspiring picture book follows a group of children as they learn valuable lessons through relatable situations and engaging stories about respect.
“The Juice Box Bully” by Bob Sornson and Maria Dismondy
This book tells the story of a boy named Pete who stands up to a bully and learns about the power of kindness and respect. It’s a great resource for teaching children about standing up for what’s right and treating others with respect and compassion.
Conclusion: 13 Must-Read Books About Respect for Kids
Whether it’s on the playground, in the classroom, or at home, respect is an important value that all children should learn. With these read-alouds about respect, you can teach your little ones in a fun and engaging way.
What’s Next?
Enjoy this list of books on respect? Try out more social emotional learning books with your kids!
Read Next: 13 Children’s Books About Anger Management
Other Great Social Emotional Book Lists!
- 9 Best Children’s Books About HONESTY
- 15 Must-Read Books about KINDNESS
- Best Books to Teach GRATITUDE
- Top 13 GROWTH MINDSET Books For Kids
- Even more social emotional read alouds!
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Hi, I’m Courtney! I’m the founder of homeschoolnewbie.com. I’m a former elementary school teacher turned homeschool mama who has a passion for home education! I have 10+ years of experience working with children in all kinds of educational settings. As a new homeschooling parent, my mission is to navigate the world of homeschooling and share with you the best home education practices. If you want to learn more about me, check out my about page. See you there!