ABCs of Kindness Everyday Acts of Kindness, Inclusion, and Generosity from A to Z, Read-Aloud ABC Kindness Board Book f...

In a world that often feels rushed and divided, teaching kindness from an early age is more important than ever. ABCs of Kindness by Samantha Berger is a delightful, engaging board book that does just that—introducing toddlers and preschoolers to the foundational values of kindness, inclusion, and generosity through the familiar structure of the alphabet.

Published as part of the Highlights Books of Kindness series, this book is more than just an ABC primer—it’s a gentle, joyful guide to empathy and compassion. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this book offers a simple yet profound way to instill lifelong values in young children.

But does it live up to its promise? Let’s dive deep into what makes ABCs of Kindness such a special addition to any child’s bookshelf.

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Unlike traditional storybooks, ABCs of Kindness doesn’t follow a linear plot. Instead, it uses the alphabet as a framework to present small, everyday acts of kindness. Each letter introduces a new concept, making it easy for young readers to absorb and remember.

• A is for "Appreciate all we have"
• B is for "Be a buddy"
• C is for "Care for creatures big and small"

The book progresses through the alphabet with bright, cheerful illustrations that bring each kindness concept to life. From sharing toys to offering a hug, each page reinforces positive behavior in a way that feels natural and relatable for young children.

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Since this is an ABC book rather than a narrative, there aren’t traditional "characters." However, the illustrations feature a diverse cast of children and animals, ensuring that every reader can see themselves reflected in the pages.

• Inclusivity: The book showcases children of different races, abilities, and backgrounds, reinforcing the idea that kindness is universal.
• Animal Friends: Playful depictions of animals (like a dog sharing a bone or a bird helping another) add whimsy while teaching empathy.

The lack of a central protagonist actually works in the book’s favor—it allows every child to imagine themselves as the one performing (or receiving) kindness.

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Samantha Berger’s writing is concise yet impactful, making it perfect for young attention spans. The rhyming structure adds a musical quality that makes reading aloud a pleasure:

"D is for delight in all that you do,
E is for encourage—others will too!"

The rhythm and repetition help reinforce the lessons, while the bright, engaging illustrations (likely by the uncredited Highlights team) ensure that even pre-verbal toddlers can follow along by pointing at pictures.

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While many children’s books teach politeness ("say please and thank you"), ABCs of Kindness goes deeper by emphasizing emotional intelligence, inclusion, and proactive generosity.

• Empathy: "F is for feelings—understand how they grow" encourages children to recognize emotions in others.
• Community: "U is for unite—we’re better together" subtly introduces the idea of teamwork and solidarity.
• Self-Kindness: "I is for imagine the good you can do" fosters confidence and self-worth.

These themes make the book more than just a lesson—it’s a blueprint for raising compassionate kids.

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As a parent, I’ve read countless ABC books, but ABCs of Kindness stands out because it doesn’t just teach letters—it teaches values. My toddler loves pointing at the pictures and repeating phrases like "H is for help!" after seeing a child assist another with a fallen toy.

What surprised me was how the book sparked conversations. After reading "K is for kindness—pass it around," my child asked, "How do we pass kindness?" That’s the magic of this book—it invites discussion rather than just passive listening.

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Many ABC books focus solely on vocabulary ("A is for apple"), but ABCs of Kindness joins a growing trend of social-emotional learning (SEL) books like:

• ABCs of Love by Patricia Hegarty
• Kindness Makes Us Strong by Sophie Beer

Where it excels is in its simplicity and universality—it doesn’t preach but instead shows kindness in action.

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✅ Perfect for Ages 1-5 – Sturdy board book format withstands toddler handling.
✅ Diverse Representation – Inclusive illustrations normalize kindness across differences.
✅ Engaging Rhymes – Makes re-reading enjoyable (a must for parents!).
✅ Conversation Starter – Encourages kids to think beyond the page.

❌ No Author-Illustrator Credit – The illustrations are charming, but the artist isn’t named.
❌ Some Abstract Concepts – Younger toddlers might need extra explanation for ideas like "imagine the good you can do."

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This book is ideal for:

• Parents of toddlers/preschoolers looking for early SEL tools.
• Teachers seeking a read-aloud book for circle time.
• Gift-givers who want something meaningful yet fun.

It’s especially great for kids who are just learning the alphabet, as it reinforces letters while teaching kindness.

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A few standout lines:

"S is for share—it’s a beautiful way
to show someone kindness each night and each day."

"V is for voices—use yours to be kind,
and lift up the world with the words you don’t hide."

These snippets are simple yet profound, sticking with both kids and adults long after reading.

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In an era where bullying and social isolation are growing concerns, books like ABCs of Kindness fill a critical gap. The Highlights brand has long been associated with wholesome, educational content, and this book continues that legacy by addressing 21st-century emotional needs.

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ABCs of Kindness is more than an alphabet book—it’s a tool for nurturing empathy, generosity, and inclusion in the youngest readers. With its engaging rhymes, vibrant illustrations, and timeless lessons, it’s a book that families will return to again and again.

If you’re looking for a simple yet powerful way to teach kindness, this book delivers.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

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• What’s your favorite act of kindness from the book?
• How do you teach kindness to your little ones?
• Do you think ABC books are effective for teaching values?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your experiences with this wonderful book!

Get this book on Amazon

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