Have you ever felt like the little things you do to help others might not really amount to much? Or maybe you don’t have enough money, enough time, or perhaps you’re just too little to make a difference? We all know these things are not true, because every little bit makes a difference. And we can teach our children that no matter how large or small their donation – and no matter if they volunteer once a year or commit their lives to a cause, their efforts matter and have an impact.

Just a Little Bit, by Ann Tompert illustrates this and other important lessons when Elephant and Mouse decide to play on the seesaw and need a little help from friends to find a balance. Many help willingly, but there are naysayers in the crowd that don’t believe the group will ever be able to get Elephant off the ground. They work and work, and in the end the contributions of a small beetle are just enough to make all the difference. More

We’re in the last leg of the holiday season. We’re squeezing this last week of the year for everything it’s worth – kids are out of school, many of us are on vacation. We’re prepping for the New Year and beginning to consider our resolutions. Maybe you’re also reflecting on the great ways your family gave back during the holidays … and thinking about how you can incorporate that giving spirit into your household year round. More

The Giving Book: Open the Door to a Lifetime of Giving, by Ellen Sabin, inspires, engages and teaches children about the act of giving back. It provides a process to help families guide their children in gaining a sense of compassion, exploring their own personal interests in helping others, and discovering the true impact they can have in the lives of others, their community and the world. The 64-page, spiral-bound workbook will be personalized by your child, making him the author of his own journey into compassion and giving. More

A Kids Guide to Giving, by Freddi Zeiler is all about how everyone can get involved and make a difference. It’s a resource book that teaches and informs kids about HOW to give and provides them with the information they need to get started in giving – whether it be through monetary contributions, volunteering, donating good or organizing charity events.

Easy to read and fun to follow, the book first introduces the ‘why.’ Why should I give? Then, it explores the many different ways you can contribute and how to determine what matters most to you. Designed to inspire kids, the book also provides a reference section filled with information about many nonprofit organizations that might be of interest to children, divided into the categories of people, animals and environment. More