Lately, it seems whenever I turn on the news or open social media I learn that another tragedy has occurred somewhere in the world. Each time, I am overcome with feelings of sadness, frustration, and downright hopelessness. I try to think of how I can help make a difference in some small way, but usually end up falling short.<\/p>\n
At moments like these, it feels even more important to have conversations with the children in our lives about topics like empathy, compassion, kindness, and inclusion. The interesting thing about empathy, though, is that it\u2019s not easy to teach. Yet there are some ways to instill and inspire it. One way is to read books that touch on the subject and can spark a conversation about what it means to be empathetic and compassionate. The following books can help you do just that.<\/p>\n
no no 9780735229358 The Rabbit Listened<\/i> by Cori Doerrfeld <\/p>\n
Much as adults try to shield them, every child will face grief and loss in life. Such is the case with Taylor, who is understandably devastated when the block tower he worked so hard to build is knocked down by a flock of birds. A parade of animals tries to help \u2014 suggesting Taylor laugh about it or scream in anger \u2014 but they all walk away once he discards their advice. Only the rabbit stays. By simply being present, the rabbit demonstrates empathy and support, and teaches kids that listening is the first step to understanding.
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 5)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780735230378 Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse<\/i> by Marcy Campbell, illustrated by Corinna Luyken <\/p>\n
Chloe is very frustrated by her classmate Adrian. He claims to own a horse, but she\u2019s absolutely certain that\u2019s not true. When an evening walk leads Chloe to Adrian\u2019s house, she learns to see the world through his eyes. A spare, yet stunningly beautiful story about perspective, empathy, and imagination.
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 5)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780399257438 The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade<\/i> by Justin Roberts, illustrated by Christian Robinson <\/p>\n
This story serves as a wonderful reminder of how important each person is in making the world a happier place \u2014 even if you\u2019re the smallest person in your grade like little Sally McCabe. <\/p>\n
With rhyming text and colorful illustrations, it has themes of bullying, injustice, courage, empathy, and finding your voice.
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 5)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780399257742 Last Stop on Market Street<\/i> by Matt de la Pe\u00f1a, illustrated by Christian Robinson <\/p>\n
CJ\u2019s Nana helps him see beauty in his surroundings, whether it\u2019s on the bus or at the soup kitchen they head to every Sunday afternoon. As Nana says, \u201cSometimes when you\u2019re surrounded by dirt, CJ, you\u2019re a better witness for what\u2019s beautiful.\u201d <\/p>\n
CJ’s grandmother helps remind CJ, and little readers, that everyone we encounter has talents, skills, and their own story, but we must be kind and open-minded in order to hear it.
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 5)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780525578055 How to Be a Lion <\/i> by Ed Vere <\/p>\n
Leonard is not your typical lion \u2014 he much prefers hanging out on his thinking hill to hunting for prey. He\u2019s a gentle and caring guy who loves spending time with his best friend Marianne, a duck. When other lions try to pressure Leonard into being more ferocious and \u201clion-like,\u201d the two friends write a poem to counter this singleminded way of thinking: \u201cLet nobody say \/ just one way is true. \/ There are so many ways \/ that you can be you.\u201d Vere\u2019s How to Be a Lion<\/i> is an empowering example of an ever-compassionate friendship and acceptance.
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781536226676 How to Help a Friend<\/i> by Karl Newson, illustrated by Clara Anganuzzi <\/p>\n
This sweet picture book introduces young readers to the many ways to support their friends when they need it. Whether someone needs to talk, play, or sit quietly, kids can learn how to show compassion and empathy to their friends in need. Beautiful illustrations accompany the lyrical text and helpful advice in this story.
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781883672546 Hey, Little Ant<\/i> by Phillip Hoose and Hannah Hoose, illustrated by Debbie Tilley <\/p>\n
This book is an absolute winner for fostering discussions around compassion and understanding. When a boy comes across an ant on the sidewalk and lifts his shoe to squish it, the ant quickly speaks up to make the case for why his life should be spared. The ant pleads for the boy to imagine how he\u2019d feel if they switched positions. Their humorous dialogue shows a great contrast in how each sees the world. The book ends by asking, \u201cWhat do you think that kid should do?\u201d and inviting kids to share how they would respond.
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780823446148 Luli and the Language of Tea<\/i> by Andrea Wang, illustrated by Hyewon Yum <\/p>\n
It\u2019s not easy being the new kid at school, especially if you speak a different language than everyone else. But what if nobody speaks the same language? When Luli goes to her English as a Second Language class, she realizes everyone feels overwhelmed and out of place. But there\u2019s one language that everyone knows\u2014tea! Thanks to her quick thinking and a plentiful supply of tea, Luli helps everyone feel welcome.
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 7)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780593307052 The Notebook Keeper<\/i> by Stephen Brise\u00f1o, Illustrated by Magdalena Mora <\/p>\n
This heartwarming and beautifully illustrated true story follows the journey of Noemi and her mother as they face the heart-wrenching experience of being denied entry at the U.S. border after fleeing their home. Together, they search for the refugee in charge of “the notebook,” an unofficial ledger of those waiting to cross into the US. Despite their diminishing hope, their acts of kindness and generosity alter their future.
\n(Ages 4 – 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780593531754 Roar-Choo!<\/i> by Charlotte Cheng, Illustrated by Dan Santat <\/p>\n
Dragons are strong, powerful, and can tackle anything, right? Well, not this Dragon. Friendly and patient Phoenix insists on taking care of his Dragon friend and urges him to get some much-needed rest as he’s riddled with a cold, and can’t stop sneezing! An awesome addition to storytime that hilariously shows young readers how to care for friends and cherish differences.
\n(Ages 4 – 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781524766498 We\u2019re All Wonders<\/i> by R.J. Palacio <\/p>\n
In this book, readers are reminded that we can choose to be kind to one another rather than cruel. Born with a facial deformity, Auggie knows that he looks different from other children but is hopeful that others will see past his differences and appreciate all the other things that make him unique. This is a powerful story of accepting others for who they really are and not judging them based on how they look. The illustrations are bright and stunning to hold the attention of young readers. This book is also a great resource to use in a classroom setting to help teach kindness by igniting conversations of when children have felt different, how they feel when others stare or poke fun at them, and what would they do if someone was making fun of one of their friends or family members. A great addition to any home or classroom library.
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
9781536217834 Namaste Is a Greeting<\/i> by Suma Subramaniam, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat <\/p>\n
Follow along as a small girl notices the kindnesses people do for each other in her city. As she and her mother shop in the marketplace, she feels inspired to do something special for her elderly neighbor. This sweet story shows young readers that kindness and compassion exist in every culture.
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n
9780593381502 I Forgive Alex<\/i> by Kerasco\u00ebt, Sebastien Cosset, and Marie Pommepuy <\/p>\n