Picture Books About Kindness to Animals

Kids feel for animals instantly, which makes animal stories one of the easiest ways to grow empathy. These picture books turn that natural compassion into something a child can carry into how they treat every living thing.

Start here: Strong Like Jane

Strong Like Jane tells the true story of a potbelly pig who went from a cramped, neglected pen to the Misfits of Oz sanctuary, where she found care, a proper name, and the love she'd never known. Her courage sparked the #StrongLikeJane movement, and her story is a moving lesson in resilience and compassion.

More animal-hearted reads

Add Animals Are People Too, a playful collection that uses animal characters to teach empathy and emotions; and the classic Charlotte's Web by E.B. White.

A conversation starter

After reading, ask: how did someone's kindness change Jane's life — and what's one small kindness we could show an animal this week?

AcuteByDesign publishes picture books rooted in compassion.

Find Strong Like Jane and more at acutebydesign.com.