Picture Books That Help Teach Children About Empathy
Brené Brown, acclaimed author and shame researcher, said, “Empathy fuels connection.” She continues, “Rarely, if ever, does an empathic response start with: At least….” Isn’t that profound? Empathy is making an effort to understand how another person is feeling. Responding empathetically to a friend is a learned skill that takes practice and possibly a lifetime to master. It is vital to model and name this attribute to and with our children. These picture books about empathy are excellent conversation starters and provide relatable instances of what it looks like. Keep these books on your shelf for moments when you or your child needs them most.
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Add to BookshelfThe Rabbit Listened
by Cori Doerrfeld
Taylor builds a magnificent block structure but is horrified when a flock of birds destroys it. A string of animal friends offers various solutions, from unsolicited advice to anger on Taylor’s behalf, but none of their tactics work. Rabbit, however, sidles over to Taylor and nestles close. The rabbit does not cajole or offer solutions. Eventually, Taylor recounts the entire incident and feels comforted by the rabbit’s silence. This remarkable SEL read is a must-have for every home and classroom library.
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Each Kindness
by Jacqueline Woodson
Chloe doesn’t want the new girl, Maya, to be included in her friend group. In fact, all the children at school ostracize Maya until she stops coming. When the class talks about kindness, each member drops a pebble into a body of water, watching the ripples and reflecting on how individual actions spread outward. As the story concludes, Chloe learns a powerful lesson about missed opportunities, kindness, and regret.
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The Invisible Boy
by Trudy Ludwig
Brian doesn’t take up much space in Mrs. Carlotti’s classroom. He isn’t picked for the kickball team or invited to birthday parties. Brian spends his free time drawing pictures and getting lost in his imagination — a place that doesn’t require friends. When a new student named Justin arrives, Brian leaves a kind note in his cubby, which sparks a meaningful friendship between the two boys. With thoughtful discussion questions at the back of the book, this is an ideal classroom read-aloud.
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Broken
by X. Fang
While playing a prank on the cat, Mei Mei accidentally breaks Ama’s favorite cup. When Ama blames her cat for breaking the mug, Mei Mei is tempted to go along with it. But eventually, Mei Mei’s guilty conscience gets the best of her, and the truth comes out. Thankfully, Ama knows what to do. Fang’s rich illustrations convey a child’s emotions and perspective, and tap into the empathy adults muster time and time again when they realize that people are more important than things.
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I Know How to Draw an Owl
by Hilary Horder Hippely
Belle knows how to draw owls better than anyone else in her class, but she is hiding a secret. She and her mother live in their car in a park they share with a hoot owl. One evening, the owl swoops and lands on a branch almost low enough for Belle to touch him. She studies the owl and feels like it understands her situation. When a new student arrives in class who is also unhoused, Belle takes his hand and shows him around. Like the owl, she understands. There’s something very special about this book, and I can’t recommend it enough.
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I’m Sorry You Got Mad
by Kyle Lukoff
Jack hurls a crumpled note with one word (sorry) towards the trash. He tries again and again to write an apology letter. Each attempt reveals a little more about what happened and why Jack needs to apologize. Over time, Jack’s anger is replaced by contemplation. With some guidance from his teacher and a hefty dose of empathy, he writes a proper apology and repairs his friendship. This is a brilliant book for all elementary-aged children.
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Day the Books Disappeared, The
by Joanna Ho and Caroline Kusin
Arnold is a book-obsessed kid who loves reading about airplanes. The kids in Room 6A also enjoy reading, except they like reading about different things (tomatoes, animals, and submarines). Arnold is adamant that they discover the joy of reading about airplanes. Then he learns he can magically make his classmates’ books disappear. Poof! They’re gone. But when his books also vanish, Arnold learns what his peers are feeling. This expertly crafted narrative explores the timely topics of empathy, censorship, and book banning.
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A Place for Us
by James Ransome
A mother picks up her young son from school, and they go to a restaurant for a quick meal. They tackle homework at the public library before heading to a park bench to settle in for the night. Though this vibrantly illustrated wordless book addresses the heavy topic of unhoused individuals, it beautifully captures the range of emotions that can exist amid difficult circumstances. It’s a truly memorable read.
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How to Help a Friend
by Karl Newson
“Some friends need a great big hug to feel that all is well.” Others like to be alone, sing songs, or write in a diary to help themselves feel better. Some people need a tiny smile, while others need to shout it out! Some friends like chocolate cake and flowers, while others need a good long run. There are a million ways to show a friend how much you care. This simple primer introduces the concept of recognizing other people’s love languages and personal preferences for how to receive love.
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10
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The Sweater
by Larissa Theule
Holly the raccoon heads out for a hike and finds a small bird with an injured wing. She smiles hello, but the bird flits to its home, not wanting to be bothered. She understands the need for space and leaves the bird alone, but scraps her hiking plans to make rounds in the woods, asking animals for useful items. With the donated bits, Holly creates a sweater for the bird and offers it as a token of kindness. With bird’s home fixed and wing mended, he sings a song of gratitude to those who offered help in his time of distress. This story is a gentle reminder that we are all part of a greater whole.
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11
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Stormy
by Guojing
A young girl tries to befriend a stray dog at the park by offering it a ball. Each day, the girl returns to the same spot and attempts to connect with the lonely creature. Finally, the dog follows her home and waits outside her apartment. When a storm rolls in, the dog takes shelter in a cardboard box while the girl frantically searches the park for it. Finally, the dog and girl find each other and ride out the storm, safe and happy inside the cozy apartment. Ethereal illustrations make this wordless picture book ideal for tender-hearted readers.
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Terrible Horses
by Raymond Antrobus
A young boy wants to be part of his older sister’s world, but they fight nonstop. The boy finds comfort in creating a story about terrible horses that stamp and neigh, with one lone pony who struggles to navigate his surroundings. When his sister reads his story, she begins to understand what it feels like to be a lonely pony amid a sea of terrible horses. This timely tale is perfect for any child with a sibling.
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