Kids Books About Gentleness

I’m not a gentle person. I mean, I’m not violent or cruel or anything. But I don’t think anyone would describe me as quiet, slow, peaceful, or timid. I don’t think I’m disrespectful but I tend to be more task-oriented than people-oriented and I don’t have unlimited patience waiting for people to just get to the point. Sometimes I feel like I need to have a personality transplant to be a better mom. I really admire people who can speak so softly and have people hang on to every word they say. I wish I were more conscientious and peace-filled. I wish I didn’t hate being interrupted so much. I wish I moved at a slower more thoughtful pace. I wish I dropped things less and was more careful with my possessions. Gentleness is a virtue I aspire to cultivate more of in my life. In short, I wish I was more like Miss Honey from Mathilda.

What is Gentleness?

Gentleness is speaking and acting kindly, slowly, and considerately towards others. It is speaking with a quiet, respectful voice and listening to others. It is doing things softly. Gentleness means you are careful with people, pets, and objects. When you are gentle, you try not to hurt or break people, animals, plants, or things.

As hard as it is for me to cultivate gentleness in my own self, it seems even harder for kids to slow down, quiet down, and calm down. With my kids, we read some books featuring gentle characters and we talked about ways we are gentle in our lives – with our dog, with breakable objects, and in how we speak to others. How can you encourage gentleness in your home?

Kids books featuring Gentle Characters

“The Lost Cat” in Alfie and Dad by Shirley Hughes

In the Lost Cat, Alfie gently takes care of a little cat who has gotten lost until it finds its owner.

Fly High, Fly Low by Don Freeman

In Fly High, Fly Low, some city workers gently take care of a pigeon’s nest full of eggs.

Miss Maple’s Seeds by Eliza Wheeler

Miss Maple cares gently for some seeds over the winter months and then helps plant them in the spring.

Tabby Cat’s Secret by Kathy Henderson

In Tabby Cat’s Secret, two siblings gently search for where their cat gave birth to her kittens and when they find them, they gently move the kittens to a safer spot inside the house.

How are you cultivating a gentle spirit in your home? I’d love to hear any wisdom you have to share!

Warmly,

-Heather

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