Children's Books on Empathy, Consideration and Kindness

You want your children to be happy, healthy, and strong…but I think most of all you want them to be kindhearted, empathetic and considerate - leaving the world a better place than they found it…am I right or am I right? 😉

Apart from living out these values and being an example for our kids, I think books are a fantastic way of introducing and encouraging the concept of empathy and kindness to children and getting them to think about the impact of their words and actions.

Here are some books in no particular order, loved by the boys, that do this so well, IMO:

  Kindness is my Superpower by Alicia Ortego - Lucas learns that being mean to a classmate is hurtful and makes them cry. After a talk with Mummy, he decides he's going to be kind to everyone he comes across, including his family members, schoolmates and neighbours. With this, your Littles will learn that kindness comes back to you when you are kind and that kindness can be learnt by everyone. Rhyming language is used and there are suggestions of simple acts of kindness included right at the end.

  Ara Becomes Thundergirl by Folasayo Williams - I bet your Littles love Superheroes right? There's no cooler, "fun-er" way to introduce kindness to children. With this book, they will discover kindness is literally a superpower. With beautiful, colourful illustrations and a helper certificate, they will be encouraged to give consideration to the people they see day to day, and actively seek out ways to help them...because we are superheroes when we're kind!

You, Me and Empathy by Jayneen Sanders - An exploration of feelings and emotions. Quinn, the protagonist, relates other people’s experiences of fear, illness, sadness to when he experienced the same, and is able to respond with kindness and empathy. Has discussion questions as well as a list of suggested activities to promote kindness.

I am Human by Susan Verde - Your Littles will recognise their zest for life and exploration within the pages of this book. They will also recognise / remember that they’re not perfect and will make mistakes. They can hurt others and be hurt themselves. But also that they can move forward, apologise when necessary, act with compassion, and be the best version of themselves that they can be.

   We’re Different, We’re The Same by Bobbi Jane Kates for Sesame Street - Using rhyming language, this colourful book highlights that while we may have different noses, mouths, eyes, hair, feelings, bodies, and skin colour, we’re all the same in that our body parts perform the same functions and help us appreciate life. We’re all unique, special and wonderful and our different attributes are what makes the world fun. 

PS: This is not an ad, neither is there any commission earned on any purchases of these books. Just sharing what the boys love. Hope you love them too!