Books that Build Empathy in Children
Pictures books that model empathy through real-life examples and meaningful stories.
My first series on empathy is officially wrapped up, and what a journey! The activities helped me connect more deeply with my own kids, especially my toddler, who’s busy experiencing the world like it’s brand new. Everything is a little adventure for him, and that sense of wonder has been contagious!
I hope the activities sparked some of those same magical moments of connection and curiosity for you - whether at home, in your classroom, or wherever you spend time with kids.
As I pulled together those posts, I came across so many wonderful books I wanted to include. But I also wanted to be mindful of your time (and your inbox!). So I kept the lists short. I’m excited to share a more complete collection of titles that explore empathy in all kinds of ways: through stories of compassion, big feelings, problem-solving, and kindness.
This is a living list I’ll keep adding to, and I’m happy to let you know when new titles are included. My hope is that this evergreen list becomes a helpful resource in your journey of raising thoughtful, kind, emotionally aware kids.
I’ve sorted the books by age group and included their publication dates. While newer books are often in the spotlight, older gems deserve love too. You’ll find a mix here, especially since newer titles can sometimes be tricky to track down at the library.
Please let me know - which books would you add? Let me know your thoughts in the comments, or feel free to send me a message!
Nonfiction Titles
This section highlights true stories that show empathy at work in the real world, offering inspiring examples of what it looks like to care, connect, and take action. They’re a great way to show kids that empathy isn’t just a feeling…it’s something we do.
Ages 3-5
Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpre by Anika Aldamuy Denise, Art by Paola Escobar (2019)
Gifts from the Garbage Truck: A True Story About the Things We (Don’t) Throw Away by Andrew Larsen, Art by Orion Vidal (2024)
When Beavers Flew: An Incredible True Story of Rescue and Relocation by Kristen Tracy, Art by Luisa Uribe (2024)
Fire Flight: A Wildfire Escape by Cedar Pruitt (2024)
Lights Out: A Movement to Help Migrating Birds by Jessica Stremer, Art by Bonnie Pang (2024)
Ages 5-8
Whales in the City by Nancy F. Costaldo, Art by Chuck Groenink (2025)
Behind My Doors: The Story of the World’s Oldest Library by Hena Khan, Art by Nabila Adani (2024)
Yasmeen Lari, Green Architect: The True Story of Pakistan’s First Woman Architect by Marzieh Abbas, Art by Honda Hadadi (2024)
Jose Feeds the World: How a Famous Chef Feeds Millions of People in Need Around the World by David Unger, Art by Marta Alvarez Miguens (2024)
Wild at Heart: The Story of Olaus and Mardy Murie, Defenders of Nature by Evan Griffith, Art by Anna Bron (2024)
Rainbow Allies: The True Story of Kids Who Stood Against Hate by Nancy Churnin, Art by Izzy Evans (2024)
Kindred Spirits: Shilombish Ittibachvffa by Leslie Stall Widener, Art by Johnson Yazzie (2024)
Planting Hope: A Portrait of Photographer Sebastiao Salgado by Philip Hoelzel, Art by Renato Alarcao (2024)
The Magical Science of Feelings: Train Your Amazing Brain to Quiet Anger, Soothe Sadness, Calm Worry, and Share Joy by Jen Daily, Art by Gwen Millard (2024)
A Plate of Hope: The Inspiring Story of Chef Jose Andres and World Central Kitchen by Erin Frankel, Art by Paola Escobar (2024)
The Mud Angels: How Students Saved the City of Florence by Karen M. Greenwald, Art by Olga Lee (2024)
Fiction Titles
These stories invite readers into the hearts and minds of characters navigating big feelings and new perspectives. These books use the power of storytelling to model empathy in ways kids can relate to and remember.
Ages 0-3
Little Blue Truck Alice Schertle, Art by Jill McElmurry (2020)
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld (2018)
Ups and Downs: A Book of Emotions by Mike Wohnoutka (2023)
Baby’s Bucket Book by Carol McCloud, Art by Glenn Zimmer (2014)
Making Faces: A First Book of Emotions by Abrams Appleseed (2017)
The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Dinesen, Art by Dan Hanna (2013)
Tiger Days: A Book of Feelings by M.H. Clark, Art by Anna Hurley (2019)
Ages 3-5
A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead, Art by Erin E. Stead (2010)
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst, Art by Joanne Lee-Vriethoff (2018)
Sam and Lucy written and illustrated by MaryJo Scott (2024)
I am Quiet: A Story for the Introvert in All of Us by Andie Powers, Art by Betsy Petersen (2022)
Buddy and the Bucket Filler: Daily Choices for Happiness by Maria Dismondy and Carol McCloud, Art by Julie Seal (2023)
Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller, Art by Jen Hill (2018)
Kindness is a Kite String by Michelle Schaub, Art by Claire LaForte (2021)
Stone Soup by Heather Forest, Art by Susan Gaber (2005)
Someone Just Like You by Helen Docherty, Art by David Roberts (2024)
Feelings by Libby Walden, Art by Richard Jones (2023)
Yesterday I Had the Blues by Jeron Ashford Frame, Art by R. Gregory Christie (2008)
In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek, Art by Christine Roussey (2014)
The Curious Garden by Peter Brown (2009)
The Circles All Around Us by Brad Montague, Art by Brad and Kristi Montague (2021)
Please Please the Bees by Gerald Kelley (2021)
Quill Soup by Alan Durant, Art by Dale Blankenaar (2020)
Hey, Little Ant by Phillip and Hanna Hoose, Art by Debbie Tiley (1998)
Ages 5-8
Ruby and Lonely by Patrice Karst, Art by Kayla Harren (2023)
Just Flowers by Erin Daley, Art by Kate Cosgrove (2024)
The Jelly Donut Difference by Maria Dismondy, Art by PS Brooks (2017)
The Last Zookeeper by Aaron Becker (2024)
Camouflage Mom: A Story About Staying Connected by Sarah Hovorka, Art by Elif Balta Parks (2024)
The Gardener by Sarah Stewart, Art by David Small (2007)
The Heavy Bag: One Girl’s Journey Through Grief by Sarah Surgey, Art by Larisa Ivankovic (2024)
The Fruit Salad Friend: Recipe for a True Friend by Maria Dismondy, Art by Kathryn Selbert (2018)
If any of these titles spark your interest, check out my curated list on Bookshop.org: Books that Build Empathy. It's a collection of the picture books you see above. By purchasing through this link, you’re also supporting this newsletter, and I earn a small commission. Thank you for your support!
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