These books about compassion and caring for kids help nurture empathy and kindness. Celebrating what makes us unique and special, and how we can love and care for those around us 

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." 

Leo Buscaglia. 

Teaching our kids the values of compassion and caring is essential in nurturing empathetic and emotionally intelligent individuals. And when they learn to understand and share the feelings of others, they not only build strong, meaningful relationships but also grow into adults who contribute positively to society. 

The following books about showing empathy are great ways to start a conversation with your little champions of care and compassion to help instil these important qualities in young minds, guiding them towards a more empathetic and kind-hearted future.

11 Books About Compassion and Caring for Kids

Walking Through a World of Aromas

By:
Jon Brokenbrow, Ariel Andrés Almada, Sonja Wimmer

Winner at the 2013 International Latino Book AwardsA tale that will touch your heart, teaching us that if we set our minds to it, we can all turn what we perceive as weaknesses into strengths.

We all Celebrate

By:
Chitra Soundar, Jenny Bloomfield

Celebrations unite us all. From Diwali, to Chinese New Year, venture on a rich journey of celebration all over the world. Children will discover fascinating traditions and customs they might not be familiar with. Bursting with fascinating facts about cultures and religions throughout the world, this uplifting non-fiction picture book is a true celebration of diversity.

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We all Celebrate
 now

The Two Hearts

By:
Hinrich Mummenthey, Claudia Rudolph

Two hearts, which are very much in love, but ultimately very different – learn an important lesson about acceptance.

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The Two Hearts
 now

My Shadow is Pink

By:
Scott Stuart

My Shadow is Pink is a beautifully written rhyming story that touches on the subjects of gender identity, self acceptance, equality and diversity.Inspired by the author’s own little boy, ‘Shadow’s’ main character likes princesses, fairies and things ‘not for boys’... he soon learns (through the support of his dad) that everyone has a shadow that they sometimes feel they need to hide.This is an important book for a new generation of children (and adults alike) which exemplifies the concepts of unconditional love, respect and positive parenting.

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My Shadow is Pink
 now

Philippa and the Homeless Bumblebee

By:
David Greaves, Danielle Callaghan

"There was once a happy bumblebee, who lived beneath a tree..."One day the happy bumblebee has her world turned upside down when her beloved meadow home is destroyed. But to her delight a brave child comes to her rescue. Philippa and the homeless bumblebee embark on an exciting adventure together.Where will their journey take them?This delightful, beautifully illustrated tale gives children a unique introduction to the importance of bees and the natural world.

Mary had a Monstersaur

By:
Peter Bath, Mike Dumbleton

Mary had a dinosaur called Monstersaurus Rex.Not the cuddly little lamb that everyone expects!What happens when everyone in town meets Mary’s huge new friend? Will he fit in? Or was he born to stand out?

Moon's Messenger

By:
Virginia Kroll, Zuzanna Celej

Moon´s Messenger reminds us of the importance of conserving and respecting the environment, and that we can all help to protect nature and biodiversity.

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Moon's Messenger
 now

Ten Tears and One Embrace

By:
Marta Sanmamed, Jon Brokenbrow, Mar Azabal

Peter and his friends want to share their great discovery with you. We don’t only cry when we’re sad! This enthusiastic team of young scientists sets up a laboratory in a garage to study tears, and all the different things they can be used for. They are about to become explorers, in a sea of emotions.

Grandma's Odd Socks

By:
Marta Taylor

"I love my grandma. But there?s one thing about her that I don?t understand. She always wears odd socks!"Grandma likes to stand out from the crowd. She chooses colourful clothes, covered in flowers, and her hair is bright red. AND she wears mismatching socks. Everyone laughs at her. But when it?s YOUR grandma, it?s really not funny at all, and something needs to be done!

Imogen Baddley

By:
Irene De La Peña, Sigi Cohen

All Sofia wanted was to enjoy her new school, but sadly…along came a bully named Imogen Baddley!See how Sofia, with humour and heart, deals with Imogen the bully, causing most unexpected results!

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Imogen Baddley
 now

The Homesick Fox

By:
David Greaves, Danielle Callaghan

"A story about missing your home, when you’re far away, and all on your own…"David Greaves' poetic, multi-layered children's story evokes 'the call of the wild', a mysterious and wondrous thing: but The Homesick Fox will also appeal to adults working in the 'Big Smoke' and pining for the quietude and slower rhythms of country life.Exquisitely illustrated by Danielle Callaghan, The Homesick Fox is a melancholy tale with an uplifting ending, exploring feelings of isolation and loneliness in an urban fox which has lost its way and yearns for its spiritual home: the countryside. At last the fox can bear his solitude no more, and without knowing where his paws will take him, sets off on a journey into the night.

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The Homesick Fox
 now

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