• Catalog
• My Account

Empathy (Kids)

Teaching children about empathy is a big concept. Here are some books that will promote empathy, kindness and awareness of the emotions of others.

Empathy is your super power : a book about understanding the feelings of others by Cori Bussolari

Learning to understand and care about the feelings of others is one of the most important steps in a child’s development―and it’s never too early to help little ones build those skills. This beautifully illustrated storybook teaches young kids how to recognize and practice empathy through simple real-life scenarios that are easy for them to understand. It’s written with clear language for adults to read aloud and features discussion questions and activities that encourage kids to talk about what they learned and apply it to every day. Empathy Is Your Superpower features: Empathy heroes―Little superheroes Emmanuel and Emma model easy, age-appropriate ways for kids to practice empathy every day. Setting a good example―Kids will learn to put themselves in someone else’s shoes, lend a helping hand, and inspire others to do the same. Beyond this book―Tips, reflections, and games will help adults foster empathy in children for their whole lives

Caring with Bert and Ernie : a book about empathy by Marie-Therese Miller

"Elmo and friends help young readers explore empathy. Kids will learn how to think about others, show that they care, and help those around them"--

Taking "no" for an answer : & other skills children need : developing empathy, cooperation, and respect through play by Laurie Simons

Filled with more than 50 games designed to improve family relationships and social interactions, this book will help parents teach their children 12 basic skills--including listening, making appropriate requests, following directions, problem solving, and respecting boundaries--that will reduce sibling rivalries, eliminate whining and tantrums, stop interruptions, and decrease arguing, backtalk, and insults. The games are presented in an easy-to-follow recipe format, using only common household toys and materials. This is an excellent guide for preventing common family problems before they happen or stop them if an interaction is already out of hand

Balloons for papa : a story of hope and empathy by Elizabeth Gilbert Bedia

"Arthur's gloomy father rushes him through the park every morning, through gray and rainy weather. Arthur just wants a bright balloon from the park's vendor, but Papa always says no. One morning, the balloons magically appear at their doorstep, and Arthurfigures out the perfect way to bring the sunshine out and Papa's smile back; even if only for a few moments"--

A little spot of sadness : a story about empathy and compassion by Diane Alber

Sadness happens for many reasons. It can happen when a child misses a loved one, loses a favorite toy or gets hurt. This story shows a child how to visual their sadness as a SADNESS SPOT so that they can control it better. It walks them through several situations and offers guidance on how to help manage a SADNESS SPOT when it gets TOO BIG or stays for TOO LONG. It also shows how to help others with their SADNESS SPOT, too! It teaches EMPATHY, COMPASSION, FRIENDSHIP and much more!

I am human : a book of empathy by Susan Verde

A child recognizes his own humanity, his capacity for doing harm and being harmed, his ability to feel joy and sadness, and his belief in hope and promise to keep learning.

In your shoes : a story of empathy by Kristin F Johnson

When Sophie misses out on Jacob's important news because she was so excited about her own news, she realizes she was not thinking of others in her excitement.

It's OK to need a friend

"Friendship is one of life's greatest gifts - and one of its most important skills! As Little Brown Bear knows, having a friend to rely on makes all the difference in the world. But in order to have good friends, it's important to be a good friend. Unlock the power of empathy and kindness with these universal words of wisdom, from popular Instagram artist AnneliesDraws." -- Goodreads.com

What's the matter, Marlo? by Andrew (Artist) Arnold

A picture book about best friends that highlights empathy, as well as anger and sadness, and reminds us that these aren't feelings to run away from, but instead to help each other through

The cot in the living room by Hilda Eunice Burgos

"A young Dominican American girl in New York City moves from jealousy to empathy as her parents babysit children whose families work the overnight shift in this honest and warm picture book debut"--

We're all wonders by R Palacio

Augie enjoys the company of his dog, Daisy, and using his imagination, but painfully endures the taunts of his peers because of his facial deformity

Those shoes by Maribeth Boelts

Jeremy, who longs to have the black high tops that everyone at school seems to have but his grandmother cannot afford, is excited when he sees them for sale in a thrift shop and decides to buy them even though they are the wrong size

Each kindness by Jacqueline Woodson

When Ms. Albert teaches a lesson on kindness, Chloe realizes that she and her friends have been wrong in making fun of new student Maya's shabby clothes and refusing to play with her

The invisible boy by Trudy Ludwig

Brian has always felt invisible at school, but when a new student, Justin, arrives, everything changes.

Pete the Cat's groovy guide to kindness : tips from a cool cat on how to be kind by Kim Dean

A collection of quotes by famous notables, including Henry James, Booker T. Washington, and Judy Blume, echoes Pete the Cat's thoughts on kindness.

The rabbit listened by Cori Doerrfeld

"When Taylor's block castle is destroyed, all the animals think they know just what to do, but only the rabbit quietly listens to how Taylor is feeling"--

The hundred dresses by Eleanor Estes

None of her classmates pay much attention to Wanda Petronski until she announces she has 100 dresses in her closet. Everyone laughs and teases her so much that she stops coming to school. Then, her classmates discover she really does have 100 dresses and discover something about teasing and themselves

My friend Maggie by Hannah E Harrison

"Paula and Maggie are best friends until Paula starts playing with some new friends instead, but when her new playmates turn on her, it's Maggie who rushes to Paula's defense"--

How to heal a broken wing by Bob Graham

When Will finds a bird with a broken wing, he takes it home and cares for it, hoping in time it will be able to return to the sky

Save me a seat by Sarah Weeks

Ravi has just moved to the United States from India and has always been at the top of his class; Joe has lived in the same town his whole life and has learning problems--but when their lives intersect in the first week of fifth grade they are brought together by a common enemy (the biggest bully in their class) and the need to take control of their lives.

Recipient of the National Medal, the nation's highest honor for libraries.