Take the title of this post with a grain of salt; it’s rather challenging to find kids books that have clear themes of empathy without being overly direct and dry. But alas, I love a good challenge! If you are looking for additional ways to cultivate empathy in your classroom, take a look at my post on using “windows and mirrors” books. Now back to books with themes of empathy. Here are a few of my top picks:
So much to love about this book, which is why it is this month’s PDS Values pick. Dot knows how it feels to be picked on for being small, which is why she stands up for a new, smaller boy that joins her class. It’s as concrete of an example of empathy as you get.
Perspective taking is often seen as the cognitive part of empathy (Davis, 1983). This book offers rich opportunities to have discussions about differing perspectives.
Originally written as a song, this book asks readers to consider and understand others’ perspectives (in this case, the ant’s).
New neighbors, Sid and Marvin, just don’t see eye to eye. In the end, Sid understands how Marvin feels and the two becomes friends.
Nobody ever notices Brian until a new boy joins the class and all that changes. A classic book for teaching kindness and empathy for good reason.
This one is a little trickier to spot empathy as themes of generosity and kindness jump out loudly. But try asking students “How do the characters show empathy?” and you might just be surprised by their answers.
Empathy is being able to understand how another person feels. That’s exactly what Lubna is able to do when a little boy arrives in the World of Tents and she gives him the one thing that’s given her so much comfort.
Davis, Mark. (1983). Measuring individual differences in empathy: Evidence for a multidimensional approach. Journal of personalilty and social psychology. 44. 113-126.
Rethink the Bell 
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