6 Picture Books About the Joy of Giving 

Boxes for Katje, by Candace Fleming and Stacey Dressen-McQueen
Katje’s family lives in Olst, Holland and the entire town must scrape by with very little after World War II. Clothing is frequently mended, and soap is considered a luxury item most go without. As spring arrives, so does a mysterious package. Katje discovers a trove of delights inside including chocolates, soap, and fresh socks. Rosie, an American midwestern girl, has sent the package in an effort to help people affected by the war. Katje sends a thank you letter to Rosie and soon, two communities are connected despite the distance separating them. An excellent lesson in generosity and the impact one single act of kindness can have on others. 

The Spiffiest Giant in Town, by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
George is a giant and he is always scruffy looking. He finds a shop full of clothes and decides to outfit himself with some finer duds. His new outfit attracts attention, as he has gone from being the scruffiest to the spiffiest giant around. As George proudly heads home, he runs across some animal friends who need his help. George starts to give away his new purchases, piece by piece, along the way. Gone are the new tie and shirt, but gained is a lesson on giving to others in need. 

The Gift of Nothing, by Patrick McDonnell
When we teach our children about giving, we are often referring to material things. But what about the gift of friendship? In this lovable book, the stars of the Mutts comic strip star in a simple, but important story. Mooch the cat wants to get Earl the dog the perfect present. But what do you get for a friend that has everything? Earl already owns a bowl, a bed, and a toy. What more could he need? Mooch decides nothing is what he needs and shows readers that giving your time and love to someone is often the greatest gift of all. 

 Under the Lemon Moon, by Edith Hope Fine and Rene King Moreno
Rosalinda has a beloved lemon tree in her backyard, but one night she discovers a man leaving the garden with a sack full of lemons from the tree. Within a week, the tree becomes sick and Rosalinda scours the Mexican countryside in search of help. A wise old woman gives her advice, which Rosalinda follows, and soon lemons appear. With a bounty of lemons, Rosalinda disperses her crop, giving the last one to the man who stole from her. What she tells him will plant seeds of generosity in your own heart. 

The Giving Book: Open the Door to a Lifetime of Giving, by Ellen Sabin
This interactive book is full of pictures and prompts to engage your elementary-aged student and encourage them to give back to the world. Children not only gain an understanding of giving, but are provided opportunities to engage in generosity. With activities, pages to record their thoughts, illustrations, and compelling text, this makes the perfect gift for a budding philanthropist. The hands-on aspect allows parents, teachers, or friends to participate as well. 

The Berenstain Bears Think of Those in Need, by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Is your basement overflowing with excess stuff? Join the club! Not only does it happen at our homes, but it happens to the Berenstain Bears, too. Join Papa, Mama, Brother, and Sister in Bear Country as they clean out their house. From closets to drawers, attic to basement, they gather up the things they no longer need. What do they do with all that stuff? Give it away, of course! This classic picture book makes for a great lesson in giving to those who are less fortunate and why we do so. It may even inspire your own family to clear out the clutter and give to fellow families in need.