10 Best Children’s Books On Empathy

When kids are young, they only know how to think of themselves, what they want and how they feel. It takes time for them to start thinking about others and how others feel.

But as a parent, we all know how important empathy is as we bring up our child. Because empathy influences the way a child interacts with the world. It decides whether they can make and keep friends, and it also teaches how they can be kind to others.

10 Best Children’s Books On Empathy

Here are our top picks for children’s books on empathy.

Stand in My Shoes: Kids Learning About Empathy by Bob Sornson

From this book, children learn the value of paying attention to other people’s feelings. Additionally, it demonstrates how simple it is to grow empathy for others around you.

In this story, Emily is the young girl who asks her older sister what “empathy” means. Her perception of other people changed naturally as she realized what empathy meant. She discovers more about the people on the bus, in class, and at home as she goes about her day. She comes to understand the value of acknowledging people’s emotions and experiences.

In the end, Emily’s experience changed the way she views other people and the way others see her.

E IS FOR EMPATHY: A Book about Understanding the Feeling of Others by Cori Bussolari, illustrations by Zach Greszkowiak

For children aged 5 to 7, this book is an excellent introduction to empathy. This book is important for both children and their parents because, for many reasons, so many children are unable to express their own feelings or those of others.

To help children recognize and understand their own feelings as well as those feeling of others, this story features two little superheroes named Emma and Emmanuel. A variety of exercises to help parents, teachers, and other caregivers develop children’s empathy skills are included in the book’s conclusion.

Come with Me by Holly M. Mcghee

According to reviews, this book is a powerful and timely story of kindness, generosity, bravery, and friendship in the face of intolerance and uncertainty. When something bad occurs and a person or parent is unsure about how to tell their children, they should recommend this book to the kids. It teaches children that they have power and can influence things, no matter how small. It also teaches you to be a good person and show kindness to others, also not to allow fear to change you.

How to be a Lion by Ed Vere

This story focuses on the value of staying true to yourself, practicing relaxation techniques, and sticking up for your friends. It is a motivating story about developing connections with others and choosing kindness over bullying, and it shows how bravery and empathy can defeat angry and aggressive words.

Leonard, a lion, and his best friend, Marianne, a duck, are the main characters in this story. Together, they were living a happy life and talking, playing, and writing poems, among other things. A group of bullies once questioned whether it was right for a lion and a duck to be friends. Leonard discovers in the end that there are many different ways to be a lion and a friend and that sometimes finding the right words can change the world.

(Books on empathy)

Hey, Little Ant by Philip Hoose and Hannah Hoose, illustrations by Debbie Tilley

This book would be great for teaching children about different perspectives and personal beliefs. Basically, this story is about two opposing perspectives. The first one has a little boy who is considering squishing an ant he discovered on the sidewalk. The second character is an ant, who is discussing with the boy why his life needs to be saved.

In fact, there is no conclusion to the story. Should the ant get squashed? Can the ant go free? It is never revealed to the reader.

(Books on empathy)

Heartprints by P.K. Hallinan

Kids aged 4 to 8 will benefit much from reading this book. Children can learn about being able to show kindness to others through this story. This book is about how children can leave “heartprints” along the way by helping others and doing so.

Adrian Simcox Does Not Have a Horse by Marcy Campbell, illustrations by Corinna Lukyen

This book teaches children that kindness always pays off, understanding is sweeter than judgment, and friendship is the best present one can give.

Adrian and Chole are the two main characters in this story. Adrian claims to have a beautiful horse, but Chole is aware that this is not true because Adrian cannot afford a horse. Chole once complained to her mother about Adrian’s lying. Chole and her mother go for a walk, stopping at Adrian’s house. Chole was forced by her mother to talk to Adrian. In the end, she discovers that his discussion of a horse was an attempt to deal with his poverty and demonstrated his active imagination. Chole now sees Adrian’s horse in a different light and finds it lovely.

(Books on empathy)

The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade by Justin Roberts, illustrations by Christian Robinson

Sally, the smallest girl in the smallest grade, acts as the story’s main character. She is observing every selfish or nasty act that others commit while no one is looking. One day, she decides that it is time not to be quiet and faces rude and self-centered behavior, and others choose to support her. In the end, she discovers that one little girl can make a great impact when she takes a chance and stands up to the bullies.

(Books on empathy)

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, illustrations by Christian Robinson

Children can learn about kindness, empathy, gratitude, and how to find joy in unexpected places through this book. Secondly, it demonstrates the boy’s and his grandmother’s special bond.

CJ, the boy, and his grandma take the bus across town every Sunday after church. CJ worries one day about why they do not have cars like his friend Colby. Why is it that the boys on the bus have iPods and he does not? When CJ asks questions, his grandmother always responds positively, which enables him to see the joy and beauty in their daily routine and their surroundings.

(Books on empathy)

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrations by E.B. Lewis

This book teaches children that every act of kindness contributes to a more beautiful world. The story begins one day when Chloe’s primary school class meets a new girl named Maya. Chole was seated next to Maya, who tried to make new friends with her but was rejected and insulted. Chole and her friends always turn their backs on Maya when she approaches and invites them to play.

Maya misses a day of attendance at school. The lesson on kindness and the impact our actions have on the world was taught by the teacher that morning. After a few days, Chole learned that Maya had moved and would not be attending the class anymore. Chole has a lot on her mind in the end, thinking about the teacher’s comments about kindness and how she missed the chance to be with Maya.

(Books on empathy)

Pass it On by Henn Sophy

The message of this book is to share happiness, laughter, and kindness. This book’s overall message is to convey joy and positivity and to treat others well.

Every child Sometimes needs a reminder that the simple things in life may have a big impact and that we can all contribute to spreading joy. When we share our smiles with someone else after seeing something that makes us happy, we are passing on positive feelings.

(Books on empathy)

Emma and the Whale by Julie Case, illustrations by Lee White

All animal lovers and others who are concerned about the protection of the oceans and marine life will like this book.

Emma, the main character of this story, resides in a crooked home in a former whaling settlement. She frequently visits the beach with her dog, Nemo. She used to discover beautiful things on their walk, including seashells, stones, sea glass, and many others.

A newborn whale washed up on the shore one day, which was absolutely unexpected. Emma can relate to the animal’s suffering because she can understand its thoughts and feelings. The whale eventually swims back to her mother when Emma pushes it as the tide starts to come in and the water swirls and rises.

Recommended reading: 5 Best Books To Teach Children About Diversity

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Recommended reading: 12 Best Books To Teach Your Child About Gratitude

3 steps to teach your child about empathy

Apart from encouraging children to read books on empathy, here are three steps that can help you teach your child about empathy.

1. Teach them about emotions.

When you teach your child about empathy, teaching them about emotions play a big role. Talk about feelings to your child and get to know their understanding about it. Because the first step to knowing how someone feels is to be able to decode it from their facial expression. You can play a small game with cards for facial expressions and label the emotions in each card. Explain to them what each expression tells about how the person feels. Once the kid is aware of the different emotions, you can frequently have short activities with them by guessing how others could be feeling in a situation based on their facial expressions. When the kid can recognize the different emotions, it’s more likely kids would easily learn how to respond based on it.

2. Empathize with them.

Always pay attention to how they feel. Whenever you see them sad or moody, do not label it bad or distract them from feeling it. Talk to them to understand why they feel so and empathize with them. Allow them to feel these emotions and help them accept them as a part of life too. When they see you listening to how they feel, they will learn how to respond when someone around them feels sad. Additionally, when they understand how to deal with their own emotions, they will know how they can empathize with someone who feels the same way.

3. Be their role model.

Practice kindness in front of your child. Because kids learn more by watching what you do than by listening to what you ask them to do. Be it holding a door for an older person or helping someone at a community event, ensure that your child watches you as you do them and talk about it to teach them how it made the other person feel. This way the child learns how our small actions can have a big impact on how others feel and help them be thoughtful of their actions.

Lastly, when you teach your child to be empathetic, do not lose hope if you see your child is not empathetic with others. Believe that it’s in every child to develop empathy. Although it might take time for some, all of them will learn empathy at their own pace. Keep engaging yourself in empathetic behaviors in front of them, and in no time, you will see your child imitating you and expressing empathy to others.

For a detailed age-by-age guide to teach kids about empathy, read Teach Your Child To Be Empathetic: An Age-by-age Guide