20 Children Books that Teach Empathy
Children books that teach empathy, which help kids understand different lives.
Empathy isn’t something kids magically “grow into.” It’s taught through stories, conversations, and those tiny moments where they suddenly care about someone else’s feelings. These 20 books make empathy easy, fun, and meaningful. Whether you’re reading at bedtime, in a classroom, or during a sibling rivalry emergency… these stories open hearts fast.
Let’s dive into the books that remind kids (and adults) how to be better humans.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- We’re Not so Different After All
- Cloud Babies
- What If We Were All Kind?
- Be Kind
- Last Stop on Market Street
- Being Like Bella
- The Sadness Inside
- The Little Mosquito Boy
- All of Us: The Magic of Diversity
- What Is It, Lily?… It Is Empathy
- The Kids Book of Kindness
- We All Belong
- I Walk With Vanessa
- The Invisible Boy
- The Girl That Brought Spring Back
- We’re the Same, We’re Different, and We All Belong Together
- You, Me and Empathy
- It’s Brave to Be Kind
- The Seeds We Sow
- How to Teach Kids Empathy
1. We're Not so Different After All
A warm, funny reality check for kids who think differences are weird. Written by Lissette Lent and illustrations by Jessica Frampton, this book breaks down physical differences, abilities, and backgrounds in a way that feels light, friendly, and confidence-building. Kids walk away thinking, “Wow… everyone’s just human.” The most amazing part is that this is based on the authors real life experiences with raising her daughter.
2. Cloud Babies
A gentle, dreamy story about chronic illness and identity. Written Eoin Colfer and illustrations by Chris Judge, this book Follows a child who spends a lot of time in hospital, the book shows how friendships form even in the clouds. It teaches empathy for kids whose lives aren’t as straightforward, without being heavy.
3. What If We Were All Kind?
Written by C.M Harris, this book doesn’t mess about. It asks big questions and gives simple, kid-friendly answers about kindness, choices, and consequences. A great conversation starter for classrooms or siblings who enjoy pushing each other’s buttons.
4. Be Kind
A modern classic about small actions adding up. Written by Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Jen Hill, kids learn that kindness isn’t always a grand gesture, sometimes it’s sitting next to someone who’s alone or sharing the last slice of cake even when you don’t want to.
5. Last Stop on Market Street
Award-winning for a reason. Written by Matt De La Pena and illustrated by Christian Robinson, this book follows a boy and his grandmother riding the city bus, noticing beauty in places people often ignore. It quietly teaches gratitude, community, and seeing value in everyone’s life.
6. Being Like Bella
A story about a girl who sees the world differently and the friend who finally gets her. Written by Lisa S. French and illustrated by Srimalie Bassani. It’s a book about neurodiversity, understanding someone’s rhythm, and appreciating unique strengths.
7. The Sadness Inside
A powerful, age-appropriate look at emotional wellbeing. Written by Michelle Clayton, this one helps kids understand that everyone carries invisible feelings, and that compassion matters on days when someone isn’t acting like their usual self.
8. The Little Mosquito Boy
Surprisingly sweet for a story about a mosquito. Written by Roslyn Smith, about a tiny mosquito boy who struggles to fit in and tries to be seen beyond stereotypes. The message: don’t judge someone before you understand their story.
9. All of Us: The Magic of Diversity
Bright, inclusive, and joyful. Written by Olivia Merritt, this book celebrates cultural, physical, and family differences with big energy. Perfect for showing kids that diversity isn’t just normal — it’s magical.
10. What Is It, Lily?… It Is Empathy
A clever introduction to what empathy actually is in kid language. Written by Lily explores real-life situations where she has to use her imagination, listen deeply, and tune into other people’s feelings.
11. The Kids’ Book of Kindness
Packed with real examples, practical ideas, and small challenges kids can try immediately. Written by Catherine and Jenny Stephenson and illustrated Hiruni Karuyawasam. A great choice for helping them apply empathy in school, at home, and everywhere in between.
12. We All Belong
A rhythmic, feel-good picture book celebrating inclusion. Written by Nathalie and Alex Goss which teaches children that no matter what you look like, where you come from, or how you learn, you belong. Simple, strong, and memorable.
13. I Walk With Vanessa
A wordless book with a massive impact. Written by Kerascoet It follows a girl’s quiet act of kindness after witnessing bullying. Kids get the message instantly: empathy often speaks louder without words.
14. The Invisible Boy
A shy boy feels unseen until a new friend pulls him into the group. Written by Patrice Barton this book is a brilliant tool for helping kids recognise loneliness and take responsibility for making someone feel included.
15. The Girl That Brought Spring Back
A poetic story about bringing colour and warmth back into someone’s world when they’re feeling down. Written and illustrated by Edith Naaman. This book teaches kids that caring actions can genuinely change someone’s emotional season.
16. We’re the Same, We’re Different and We All Belong Together
Direct, inclusive, and perfect for early readers. Written by KayJay Miller. This book shows kids how differences make life richer, and how belonging happens when everyone gets treated with respect.
17. You, Me and Empathy
A bright, emotional story about a child learning to step outside their own feelings to understand a friend’s perspective. Written by Jayneen Sanders and illustrated by Safa Cardosa. Great for helping kids deal with friendship hiccups.
18. It's Brave to Be Kind
A book that reminds kids kindness isn’t always easy. Sometimes it’s standing up for someone, telling the truth, or apologising even when your pride wants to run away. Written by Natasha Daniels. A solid resilience lesson wrapped in empathy.
19. The Seeds We Sow
A reflective story about how our actions (good or bad) grow into something bigger. Written by Alexandra Riza. Kids instantly get the metaphor. It’s a beautiful reminder that kindness leaves a trail long after the moment passes.
20. How to Teach Kids Empathy
How to Teach Kids Empathy, by Ann Hester. Teaching children empathy isn’t complicated; it’s intentional. In this clear and practical guide, Ann Hester shows parents and educators how to help kids recognise emotions, understand different perspectives, and respond with genuine compassion. Through everyday conversations, simple modelling, and meaningful stories, she explains how empathy grows, not in big lessons, but in small, repeated moments. This quick, insightful overview gives adults the tools to raise kinder, more emotionally aware kids who know how to connect, listen, and care.
Final Thoughts: Teaching Kids to “Feel With” Others
These books aren’t just nice reads, they build emotional intelligence, social awareness, and compassion. If you want a home or classroom where children treat others with respect, listen more, and understand different lives… these stories are your toolkit.