According to the website, empathy is “the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.” This is an important skill for children to develop, as it is a key part of socialization and communication. In this article, we will discuss children’s books that teach empathy through the characters’ experiences and interactions.
1. A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead
Amos is a delightful elephant who is so caring for his animal friends. One day, Amos gets sick and he can’t be there for all his friends, but they can be there for him! This book has lessons about friendship and showing empathy for others.
More Information: Amazon
2. Granny Loves to Dance by Avianti Armand
A granny forgets how to dance and her grandchild wants to help teach her so she remembers. A realistic story about showing empathy to those we love.
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3. When Your Elephant Has the Sniffles by Susanna Leonard Hill
An adorable board book that will help teach little ones empathy. There is an elephant who has the sniffles! How can we help him feel better? Each page goes through ways we can help him feel better.
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4. I Am Human: A Book of Empathy by Susan Verde
A terrific book for discussions about empathy. It tells about how each of us is not perfect and makes mistakes. And teaches that we can be kind to others…and to ourselves – we all deserve empathy.
More Information: Amazon
5. The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade by Justin Roberts
A lovely book with colorful illustrations to teach the meaning of empathy. Sally McCabe is the smallest child in class and most people don’t notice her…but she notices everything. One day, she’s tired of seeing bullying and decides to stand up.
More Information: Amazon
