We believe kindness can change the world. And we know books can teach us an awful lot. Reading helps kids develop empathy, understanding and lots of other important skills. Here are our favourite quotes about kindness from a collection of our favourite books and authors (and some of our very own.)
1. “If you have good thoughts, they will shine out of your face like sunbeams, and you will always look lovely” — Matilda by Roald Dahl.
2. “No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.” — Aesop’s Fables
3. “Why did you do all this for me?’ he asked. ‘I don’t deserve it. I’ve never done anything for you.’
‘You have been my friend,’ replied Charlotte. ‘That in itself is a tremendous thing.” — Charlotte’s Web by E.B White
4. “Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.” — Wonder by R. J. Palacio
5. “Always try to be a little kinder than necessary.” — J. M. Barrie
6. “Looking out for each other
Is the fairest way to play….
A thoughtful little gesture
Can chase dark clouds away” Christmas Kindness For You by David Cadji-Newby
7. “It is our choices, Harry, that show who we truly are – far more than our abilities.” — Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling
8. “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” — The Lorax by Dr Seuss
9. “And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” — The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
10. “When I’m a grown-up, you will be too.
Who knows what wonderful things we will do?
But one thing I’m sure of – you’ll be by my side.
My ally, my friend, my true lifelong guide.
Together forever, that’s how it will be.
You, my big sibling, and me.” Me and My Big Brother / My Big Sister by David Cadji-Newby
11. “ All the world is made of faith, and trust, and pixie dust.” — Peter Pan by J.M Barrie
12. “We do not need magic to transform our world. We carry all of the power we need inside ourselves already.” — Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling
13. “We rise by lifting others” — Maya Angelou
14. “Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.” — A.A. Milne
15. “An act of kindness doesn’t need to be very big. It can be small, but if it comes from the heart, then it means the world.”— Words of Wisdom for You by David Cadji-Newby
16. “When you tend a rose, my lad, a thistle cannot grow.” — The Secret Garden, Frances Hogdson Burnett
17. “I’m started by something that’s quite unexpected
What kind of hug will make me feel protected?
The snuggly kind, that works like a charm
A hug from my Daddy will keep me safe from harm.” Daddy’s Magic Hugs For You by Julia Gray
18. “How much good inside a day? Depends how good you live ‘em. How much love inside a friend? Depends how much you give ’em.” — A Light in The Attic by Shel Silverstein
19. “Always stop and think whether your fun might be the cause of someone else’s unhappiness.” — Aesop’s Fables
20. “Kind hearts are the gardens
Kind thoughts are the roots
Kind words are the blossoms
Kind deeds are the fruits” — Kirpal Singh
Which quote was your favourite? At Wonderbly, kindness is something we believe in – and you’ll find it running through so many of our books. You can browse the whole collection on our website.
