10 books for kids that will inspire Respect

Teaching children to respect themselves, other people and the world around them is super important. However, topics, such as respect, can often be a difficult concept to teach to young children. Luckily, there are a number of fabulous books out there that can help teach children such valuable life lessons. 

Books are a beautiful and fun way to teach children a variety of topics in life. Check out this list of books that help with teaching kids the idea of respect for others and for themselves.  

Self-Love Star

Author: Elaine Mercieca

Self-Love Star by Elaine Mercieca  does a fabulous job of opening up opportunities for discussions with children about self-care and self-respect. It touches upon topics to help kids lead a healthy and happy life, all done through the eyes and journey of a special star that fell from the sky!

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A Chair for my mother

Author: ​Vera B. Williams

A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams teaches children that sometimess, selflessness is more important than personal wants, and that respect starts at home with family. This is a heartwarming story about the values of saving and working together towards a common goal. 

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The Way I act

Author: Steve Metzger
Illustrator: Janan Cain

The Way I Act by Steve Metzger explores a range  of scenarios that provides opportunities for kids to explore and discuss how they might act in each situation. The book also provides excellent suggestions and guidance on appropriate, respectful behavior for each hypothetical scenario presented.   

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Horton Hears a Who!

Author: Dr Seuss

Horton Hears a Who! By Dr Seuss  is a brilliant book where Horton shows compassion, persistence, respect and community spirit for the Who. "A person's a person, no matter how small." 

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What If? (Talking with Trees) (Volume 3)

Author: Colleen Doyle Bryant ​

In this fantastic book by Colleen Doyle Bryant, a pair of siblings learn that actions have consequences. Respecting others means you think before you speak. Respecting yourself means you consider whether your actions are harmful to your well being. And respect for parents includes thinking about whether your actions are considerate.

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Respect and Take Care of Things

Author: Cheri J. Meiners 

This book, by Cheri J. Meiners, this book teaches a straightforward lesson in treating things with respect. The story encourages children to pick up after themselves, put things back where they belong, and ask permission to use things that don’t belong to them. It also teaches simple environmental awareness: respecting and taking care of the earth.

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​Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners 

Author: Laurie Keller 

In her smart, playful style Laurie Keller highlights how to be a good friend and neighbor―simply follow the Golden Rule! The story presents respect and manners in a fun way. It takes on the essential respect lesson- to treat others as you would like to be treated.

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I Can't Believe You Said That!

Author: Julia Cook 

This is such a cute story that teaches children about thinking before speaking, so that they can be sure that they are being respectful and considering other's feelings. It's a fantastic book to introduce social skill, or a social filter.

​With help from his parents, RJ learns he doesn't have to verbalize every thought that pops into his head. In fact, sometimes the less said the better!.

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Whoever You Are

Author: Mem Fox

Every day all over the world, children are laughing and crying, playing and learning, eating and sleeping. They may not look the same. They may not speak the same language. Their lives may be quite different. But inside, they are all alike. Stirring words and bold paintings weave their way around our earth, across cultures and generations. At a time when, unfortunately, the lessons of tolerance still need to be learned, Whoever You Are urges us to accept our differences, to recognize our similarities, and-most importantly-to rejoice in both.

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Have You Filled a Bucket Today?: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids ​

Author: Carol McCloud

"Children are not the only ones that need to learn how to be truly happy. It's all in the bucket, that invisible bucket that follows you everywhere. . . teaches young readers valuable lessons about giving, sharing, and caring. This guide to daily happiness, though, is not just for kids. We all need reminders of the benefits of positive thinking and positive behavior. It's an important lesson to teach and remind us all . . . that showing kindness and appreciation of others goes a long way to making this world a happier place for everyone, including ourselves. ​

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There are so many other wonderful books out there that help teach kids about respect. If you know of any others, we'd love to hear them in the comments section. 

​Thanks for reading!