I am thankful to the bloggers who contributed to this list of books that teach empathy. You can see their suggestions of activities, songs, videos and more over at Make A Difference Mondays. I will continue to add books to this list based on your suggestions in the comments below. Please let me know if I am missing a great book that teaches this important character trait! Remember to check your local library to see if they carry these books. If they don’t, be sure to suggest a title for them to purchase!

Empathy is the capacity to recognize and share feelings that are being experienced by another sentient or semi-sentient being. Someone may need to have a certain amount of empathy before they are able to feel compassion.


Books That Teach Empathy


Spaghetti In A Hot Dog Bun

Maria Dismondy (that’s me!)

Looking After Louis

Lesley Ely

Pricilla McDoodlenutDoodleMcMae Asks Why?

Janet Mary Sinke

Sam’s New Friend

Theirry Robberecht

Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge

Mem Fox

Is There Really A Human Race?

Jamie Lee Curtis

What if Everybody Did That?

Colleen Madden

The Hundred Dresses

Eleanor Estes

Arnie & The New Kid

Nancy Carlson

Yoko

Rosemary Wells

My Many Colored Days

Dr. Seuss

The Ragcoat

Lauren Mills