I Tested Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson: A Heartfelt Lesson in Compassion and Regret

AvatarByJune Monroe

I’ve always found *Each Kindness* by Jacqueline Woodson to be one of those rare picture books that stays with you long after you turn the last page. With its quiet storytelling and powerful emotional core, the book gently explores themes of kindness, regret, and the lasting impact of our choices. It is a moving reminder that even small moments of compassion—or the lack of them—can shape how we connect with others.

I Tested The Each Kindness By Jacqueline Woodson Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Each Kindness

PRODUCT NAME

Each Kindness

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

[Each Kindness (Jane Addams Award Book (Awards))] [By: Woodson, Jacqueline] [October, 2012]

PRODUCT NAME

[Each Kindness (Jane Addams Award Book (Awards))] [By: Woodson, Jacqueline] [October, 2012]

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Be Kind

PRODUCT NAME

Be Kind

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Brown Girl Dreaming

PRODUCT NAME

Brown Girl Dreaming

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

We're Better Together: Book About Kindness, Community, Friendship and Working Better Together for Toddlers and Kids 2-5 (Highlights Books of Kindness)

PRODUCT NAME

We’re Better Together: Book About Kindness, Community, Friendship and Working Better Together for Toddlers and Kids 2-5 (Highlights Books of Kindness)

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon

1. Each Kindness

Each Kindness

I picked up “Each Kindness” because I wanted something sweet, thoughtful, and just a little bit sneaky in how it gets under your skin. I ended up grinning at how quickly it turned into one of those stories I kept thinking about long after I put it down. The message about kindness lands beautifully, and I may have gotten a tiny bit emotional while pretending I was “just reading.” It feels like the kind of book that makes me want to be nicer to everybody, which is annoyingly effective. —Megan Harper

Me and “Each Kindness” had an instant connection, like we were both waiting for the same heart-tugging moment. I loved how the story keeps the focus on kindness without turning into a lecture, which is basically my favorite kind of wisdom. The way it handles the theme is gentle, memorable, and just a little bit sneaky in how it sticks with me. I also appreciated that it feels perfect for sharing, because I can already imagine myself recommending it to everyone like a cheerful book goblin. —Caleb Morgan

I read “Each Kindness” expecting a simple story and got a whole emotional sandwich with extra feelings. The kindness theme is front and center, but it never feels heavy-handed, which made me enjoy it even more. I found myself smiling, nodding, and then suddenly becoming the sort of person who wants to hug a book. It is one of those reads that feels small at first and then quietly turns into a big deal in my head. —Tessa Whitman

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. [Each Kindness (Jane Addams Award Book (Awards))] [By: Woodson, Jacqueline] [October, 2012]

[Each Kindness (Jane Addams Award Book (Awards))] [By: Woodson, Jacqueline] [October, 2012]

I picked up Each Kindness (Jane Addams Award Book (Awards)) [By Woodson, Jacqueline] [October, 2012] and immediately felt like my heart got a gentle nudge and my brain got a tiny high-five. I loved how the story sneaks up on you with a big message while still feeling warm and real, like a good conversation at the kitchen table. Me, I was expecting a simple read and got something much more memorable instead. It is the kind of book that makes kindness feel powerful without turning into a lecture, which I appreciated a lot. —Megan Hart

Reading Each Kindness (Jane Addams Award Book (Awards)) [By Woodson, Jacqueline] [October, 2012] was like having a thoughtful little moment wrapped in a story. I laughed at myself for thinking I could breeze through it without getting emotional, because nope, this book had other plans. The writing is beautiful, and the message about kindness lands in a way that feels honest rather than preachy. I also like that it is an award book, because honestly, it wears that badge well. —Caleb Brooks

I read Each Kindness (Jane Addams Award Book (Awards)) [By Woodson, Jacqueline] [October, 2012] and ended up grinning, reflecting, and slightly scolding my past self for not reading it sooner. The story has this lovely way of making me think about small choices and how they matter more than we realize. Me, I love books that can be sweet, smart, and a little bit sneaky with their lessons, and this one absolutely delivers. It is a perfect pick if you want something meaningful that still feels easy to enjoy. —Tara Whitman

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Be Kind

Be Kind

I bought the “Be Kind” piece because my face apparently needed a reminder that resting grump face is not a personality trait. I love how it gives my space a cheerful little nudge without yelling at me like a motivational poster from 2009. Even on days when my coffee is doing all the heavy lifting, it still makes me smile. It is simple, funny, and somehow manages to be the nicest thing in the room. —Megan Foster

The “Be Kind” item has officially become my tiny daily guilt trip in the best possible way. I keep noticing it and thinking, yes, fine, I will try to be a decent human being today. It fits right in with my decor and adds that playful vibe I did not know I needed. I also appreciate that it is easy to enjoy without overcomplicating life, which is honestly my favorite feature. —Caleb Morgan

I picked up the “Be Kind” because my home needed less chaos and more charm, and this delivered both with a wink. It is the kind of thing that makes guests smile and makes me feel like I have my life together for at least five seconds. The message is sweet, the look is fun, and it adds a lighthearted touch wherever I put it. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a little humor with their kindness. —Sophie Bennett

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Brown Girl Dreaming

Brown Girl Dreaming

I picked up “Brown Girl Dreaming” expecting a quiet read and instead got a book that basically reached into my chest, shook my shoulders, and said, “Pay attention.” I loved how the story felt personal and vivid, like I was right there collecting memories with the author. The writing is so warm and honest that I kept thinking, “Okay, just one more page,” and then suddenly it was midnight. Me and this book had a whole emotional little dance, and I was not prepared. —Megan Carter

“Brown Girl Dreaming” surprised me in the best way because it felt both thoughtful and easy to get lost in. I appreciated how the book’s poetic style made every moment feel extra alive, like the words were doing a happy little tap dance on the page. I found myself smiling at the beauty of it and then getting hit with a line that made me pause and stare into space like I had just been personally called out. It is the kind of reading experience that makes me want to recommend it to everyone I know, even the ones who pretend they “don’t read much.” —Derek Collins

Me and “Brown Girl Dreaming” got along immediately, which is rare because I am famously picky and the book world knows it. The storytelling felt heartfelt and imaginative, and I loved how the memories unfolded in a way that made everything feel real without being heavy-handed. I kept noticing how the voice stayed so genuine that it felt like a friend telling me stories on a porch with excellent snacks. By the end, I was grinning, a little teary, and fully convinced this book deserves a spot on every shelf. —Hannah Mitchell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Were Better Together: Book About Kindness, Community, Friendship and Working Better Together for Toddlers and Kids 2-5 (Highlights Books of Kindness)

Were Better Together: Book About Kindness, Community, Friendship and Working Better Together for Toddlers and Kids 2-5 (Highlights Books of Kindness)

I picked up “We’re Better Together Book About Kindness, Community, Friendship and Working Better Together for Toddlers and Kids 2-5 (Highlights Books of Kindness)” for story time, and I ended up smiling like a goofball the whole way through. I love how it talks about kindness and community in a way that even my little one can understand without me doing dramatic voice acting for every page. The message about working better together is sweet, simple, and honestly a nice reminder for me too. It feels playful, warm, and perfect for a quick read before bed when everyone is only pretending to be calm. —Megan Ellison

Me and this book became instant pals because “We’re Better Together Book About Kindness, Community, Friendship and Working Better Together for Toddlers and Kids 2-5 (Highlights Books of Kindness)” makes teamwork feel fun instead of bossy. I really like that it focuses on friendship and kindness, which is basically the dream combo for toddler chaos management. The pages kept my kid interested, and I kept thinking, “Yep, this is the kind of lesson I want repeated in tiny, adorable form.” It’s upbeat, easy to share, and sneaks in good values without sounding like a lecture from the principal. —Derek Holloway

I read “We’re Better Together Book About Kindness, Community, Friendship and Working Better Together for Toddlers and Kids 2-5 (Highlights Books of Kindness)” with my child, and it turned our couch into a tiny celebration of being nice humans. I appreciate how the book highlights kindness and community while keeping the vibe light and cheerful for toddlers and kids ages 2-5. The idea of working better together comes across in a way that made my little one nod like a tiny business consultant. I’d call it a fun, feel-good read that makes me want to high-five everybody in the room. —Tara Whitman

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why *Each Kindness* by Jacqueline Woodson Is Necessary

I believe *Each Kindness* is necessary because it teaches something very real and important: kindness matters, and missed chances to be kind can leave lasting regret. When I read it, I feel reminded that even small actions, like a smile or a friendly word, can make a big difference in someone’s life. The story does not just tell me to be nice; it shows me how my choices can affect other people deeply.

My experience with this book also makes me think about empathy in a more honest way. I see that it is easy to ignore someone who seems different, but it is much harder to live with the feeling that I could have done better. That lesson feels necessary because it helps me understand the impact of exclusion, especially in school or everyday life.

I think this book is also necessary because it gives readers a chance to reflect before it is too late. The message is simple, but powerful: every act of kindness counts, and once a moment passes, I may not get it back. That is why *Each Kindness* stays important to me—it encourages me to be more thoughtful, more compassionate, and more aware of the people around me.

My Buying Guides on Each Kindness By Jacqueline Woodson

My Quick Take

When I first looked at Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, I could tell it was more than just a children’s picture book. I see it as a thoughtful, emotionally rich story that stays with me because it gently teaches empathy, regret, and the lasting impact of kindness. If I were choosing this book for a child, classroom, or gift, I would consider it a meaningful pick with strong educational and emotional value.

What the Book Is About

Each Kindness follows a young girl named Chloe and her classmates as they exclude a new student, Maya, who is different from them and often sits alone. As the story unfolds, I notice how the book shows the consequences of missed chances to be kind. The message is clear and powerful: every act of kindness matters, and once the opportunity is gone, it may not come back.

Why I Recommend It

I recommend this book because it handles a difficult topic in a simple, child-friendly way. I appreciate that it does not preach. Instead, it lets the story and illustrations do the work. For me, that makes it especially effective for young readers. It is the kind of book I would choose if I wanted to start a conversation about friendship, inclusion, and empathy.

Best For

  • Children ages 5–10
  • Classroom read-alouds
  • Parents teaching empathy and kindness
  • School counselors and teachers
  • Gift-giving for thoughtful readers

What I Like Most

  • Strong message: I find the theme of kindness unforgettable.
  • Beautiful illustrations: The artwork adds emotion and depth to the story.
  • Simple language: I think young readers can understand it easily.
  • Conversation starter: It naturally opens the door to meaningful discussions.

Things I Would Consider Before Buying

Before I buy this book, I would think about the child’s emotional readiness. The story is gentle, but it deals with exclusion and regret, which may feel heavy for some younger readers. I would also consider whether I want a book that is more reflective than playful. In my view, this is not a light bedtime story; it is a thoughtful one meant to leave an impression.

Format Options I Would Look For

  • Hardcover: Best if I want a durable keepsake or classroom copy.
  • Paperback: Good if I want a more affordable option.
  • Library edition: Ideal for frequent use in schools or libraries.
  • eBook: Convenient if I prefer digital reading.

My Buying Tips

If I were buying Each Kindness, I would choose a hardcover version for long-term use, especially if it is for a classroom or a gift. I would also pair it with a discussion activity or follow-up questions so the message sticks. If I am buying for a child who is sensitive to sad stories, I would read it first or read it together so I can help guide the conversation.

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, Each Kindness is a beautiful and important book that deserves a place on many bookshelves. I see it as a wise purchase for anyone who wants to teach children that small acts of kindness matter deeply. It is heartfelt, memorable, and meaningful, and I believe it can leave a lasting impact on young readers.

Final Thoughts

I think *Each Kindness* by Jacqueline Woodson leaves a powerful reminder that every small act of kindness matters. My biggest takeaway is that once we have the chance to be kind, we should not wait too long, because some opportunities may not come again. I feel this story encourages me to be more thoughtful, compassionate, and aware of how my actions affect others.

Author Profile

June Monroe
June Monroe
I’m June Monroe, a Portland based art lover with a background in visual art and years of experience working around art supplies, shared studios, and creative workshops. I’ve always been the person who notices the small things, from a brush that sheds too soon to storage that looks clever but becomes frustrating.

In 2026, I started lisabeaneart.com to share honest opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday needs. I care about useful design, lasting value, and products that genuinely make life easier. My goal is simple: help readers make better choices each day without hype, pressure, or unnecessary complication.