Today, I’m sharing 20+ children’s books that teach respect because respect is the word of the week in my character-building series…cue Aretha Franklin.
Kids internalize stories, so reading is another powerful way to help them grow in character.
20+ Children’s Books that Teach Respect
In regards to the books chosen, I was able to preview a number of these because they were available at our local library. The first six books have been read, and Meaningful Mama approved. The other books fit the theme, but haven’t been read by me. With little kids, especially, it’s great to pre-read books to make sure they fit your convictions.
Welcome to my character-building education series where we work on 52 traits throughout the year. 52 traits? Yes! That is one character-building trait for every single week of the year.
Each trait comes with over a week’s worth of lessons. You could work on character with your kids every single day of the year if you choose to follow along.
This character-building resource focuses on respect. Here is our initial lesson in respect. If following the series, always do that lesson first. Click here for all of my lessons on respect.
The Berenstain Bears Show Some Respect (Berenstain Bears/Living Lights) by Stan Berenstain
We love the Berenstain Bears around here, and this is one we own. Their stories always teach meaningful life lessons, often centered on character development. This one focuses on respecting elders. After reading, we talked about how we show respect to grandparents, parents, teachers, and other trusted adults — people who have lived longer and have more experience to share.
Respect (Wonder Books: Level 3 Values) by Kathryn Kyle
I found this book at our local library. It’s not written as a story, but it lays out what respect looks like in clear, practical ways. It explains how to show respect for others, our world, our belongings, our parents, our classmates, and even our country — with examples kids can easily understand.
The First Forest by John Gile
This beautifully illustrated book reads like an Aesop’s fable. In the author’s words, “‘The First Forest’ reminds us that greed and selfishness are harmful and that peace and harmony flow from an attitude of grateful appreciation for the gifts we receive and a respect for the need and right of others to share in those gifts also.”
The story explains why some trees stay green in winter while others lose their leaves — a consequence of selfishness and pride. The trees take on personalities, and kids can easily draw out lessons about humility, kindness, and respect.
Respect Counts (Character Counts) by Marie Bender
Another great library find, this book clearly explains what respect looks like in everyday life — with family, friends, at school, in the community, and even with ourselves.
I especially like how it encourages kids to listen and try to understand others, even when they disagree. We don’t have to agree, but we do need to listen and speak respectfully.
One quote did make me pause: “So not everyone looks, thinks, or feels the same way you do, but that doesn’t mean they are wrong. They are just different.”
While I agree to an extent, I also believe in absolute truth. We can’t all be right about everything, but we can approach our differences with love, respect, and grace — living out truth through service and compassion.
Respect (21st Century Junior Library: Character Education)
Treat others the way you’d like to be treated. Be considerate of the feelings of others. The 21st Century Jr. Library Character Education books help kids learn how to make the choices that will help them be people of good character.
Respect (Values) by Kimberley Jane Pryor
These books are more educational in format, offering clear definitions and examples of what respect looks like in everyday life. They’re helpful for kids who benefit from straightforward explanations.
Big Words for Little People by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell
While not solely about respect, this adorable and poetic book fits the theme beautifully. It introduces “big words” that help kids navigate the world — words like privacy, cooperate, appropriate, patience, and considerate.
It ends with a reminder of the most important short words: family, respect, and love.
With its colorful illustrations and rhythmic text, it’s a fun way to build both vocabulary and character.
Jackie’s Bat by Marybeth Lorbiecki
This one tugged at my heartstrings. It’s told from the perspective of a young white batboy for the Dodgers during Jackie Robinson’s first season in Major League Baseball.
As the boy witnesses racism and learns to respect people regardless of skin color, readers gain a glimpse into Robinson’s courage and integrity.
It’s a powerful story to share around Martin Luther King Jr. Day — a chance to teach our kids that every person deserves respect as someone created by God.
While part of me wishes I didn’t have to introduce my children to these painful realities, I know we must learn from history so we don’t repeat it.
Godly Virtues For Kids Respect: “A Christian Children’s Book That Teaches Respect, Manners, and Godly Character by Precious JoyHeart
Do you want your child to truly understand respect—not just as a rule, but as a powerful virtue rooted in God’s Word?
Meet Kevin and Precious—two funny, curious siblings learning life lessons with the help of their loving grandmother, Mimo. In this warm, dialogue-filled story, children will explore what real respect looks like: listening without interrupting, speaking kindly, following instructions, and valuing others’ feelings and space. It’s relatable, engaging, and spiritually rich!
Respect and Take Care of Things (Learning to Get Along) by Cheri J. Meiners
This book helps kids see that when we take care of our things, they last longer. It teaches simple lessons about respect, responsibility, and stewardship—like picking up after ourselves, putting things away, and asking before using something that isn’t ours. It also touches on caring for the earth. I love that it includes ideas for parents and teachers to keep the conversation going.
The Berenstain Bears Respect Each Other by Stan, Jan, and Mike Berenstain
This is another book from our favorite bear family. It’s a beginning reader book, so your child can learn to read and work on character at the same time.
With Jesus I Know My Boundaries by G.L. Charles
Do your children know how to set personal boundaries or understand the importance of consent? With Jesus I Know My Boundaries gently teaches kids about respecting themselves and others, following Jesus’ example of understanding personal space.
Join Matt and Mary Lee as they navigate a lesson on boundaries in Sunday school. When Matt hugs Mary Lee without asking, she feels uncomfortable. With the guidance of their teacher, Mrs. Heart, and a story about Jesus, the children learn the importance of asking for permission, respecting personal space, and understanding boundaries.
In reading the reviews, one criticism is that it seems to indicate that if the touch is fine with us, then it’s fine. I’d have to read the book to know how to further clarify that certain touch is saved for our spouse and how to address it in an age-appropriate way with my own kids. It’s something for you to consider as you preview the book. It’s definitely a delicate subject, which I’m sad we have to even address with our kids, but it is the reality.
Lili’s Reward for Respect by Sabina Oroge
Lili is a mischievous little girl who learns the hard way that disrespect comes with consequences. Her behavior costs her the trust of her family, classmates, and even her shadow! Eventually, Lili decides to change her ways and earns the title of the most respectful girl in school. This story helps kids see that being respectful brings real happiness, love, and connection.
Children’s Book About Respect: A Kids Picture Book About Respect With Photos and Fun Facts
– by Abigail Tyler
Written for kids ages 6–11, this book uses short, relatable stories to help children understand what respect really means. It shows that respect isn’t just about doing what you’re told—it’s about treating others with kindness and consideration. With bright illustrations and simple language, it helps kids see how respect makes the world better for everyone. It’s a great book to read together with a parent or teacher.
Everyone Matters: A First Look at Respect for Others by Pat Thomas
Are there kids in your life who could benefit from learning more about what respect means? This is the perfect book! It discusses the types of respect that each person must earn for themselves―by keeping promises, being honest in what they say and do, and being polite and respectful to others.
Respect (Character Education)
Describes respect as a virtue and suggests ways in which children can recognize and practice being respectful such as considering others’ feelings.
What If Everybody Did That? by Ellen Javernick
This clever book helps kids see how small actions make a big difference. It asks simple questions like, “What if everybody littered or broke the rules?”—and shows how those choices add up to a messy world. With fun, expressive illustrations, it helps kids understand that respect for others and the rules keeps our world clean, kind, and happy.
Treat Me Right!: Kids Talk About Respect by Nancy Loewen
Uses an advice-column format to define respect for others, respect for property, and respect for oneself, and demonstrates how respect is used in daily situations.
Ryan Respects (The Way I Act Books) by Virginia Kroll
Ryan is fast like a cheetah, but his friend Doug is not. After they get timed in the gym, Doug comes in behind everyone else. “Doug the Slug,” chants Ryan, and he gets a lot of laughs. Doug is upset, but Ryan doesn’t notice. This book helps kids become more aware of how our respect or lack of it impacts others.
The Scotties Learn About Respect by Stephanie Robinson
These cute and crazy pups learn that it’s sometimes better to do what you are told than what you want to do, a lesson we all need to learn. When Archie gets himself in a muddy mess, his friends try and see if they can help him get out of it.
Get Lost, Little Brother by Carole Adler
Todd, who has trouble getting along with his two older brothers, notices a tiny island in the river behind their house where he thinks he could be by himself
Kids’ Books About Respect
All of these are great additions to your home or classroom library if you’re looking to teach kids what respect looks like in everyday life. I hope you will take the time to read to your kids and teach them, through stories, how to love God and others well by learning character traits, like respect.
