Empathy
These titles focus on awareness and sharing of the feelings, experiences and emotions of others. They can be found in the Easy section of the library.
Punch! : a story about kindness by Michael Hall
Punch!: A Story About Kindness
by Michael Hall

When Badger bullies his friends Frog, Moose, Elephant, and Bear, they teach him an unforgettable lesson about empathy, kindness, and forgiveness.
You can sit with me by Rachel Tawil Kenyon
You Can Sit with Me
by Rachel Tawil Kenyon

A simple yet profound gesture of offering someone a place to sit, just as they are, is what some kids need to feel welcomed into a new or overwhelming space, whether at a reading circle, craft table, or picnic blanket.
I'm afraid, said the leaf by Danielle Daniel
I'm Afraid, Said the Leaf
by Danielle Daniel

Depicting different pairings to celebrate interconnectedness and underlining the importance of caring for every living organism to ensure a strong and healthy natural world, this beautifully illustrated, thought-provoking picture book shows children that we all need each other for support and survival, and that we're all stronger together.
Mermaid and pirate by Tracey Baptiste
Mermaid and Pirate
by Tracey Baptiste

Through stormy skies and rough waters, Mermaid and Pirate, who cannot understand each other since they speak different languages and come from different worlds, become friends, learning that kindness and generosity speak louder than words.
Ten owies by Tony Johnston
Ten Owies
by Tony Johnston

Introducing young readers to numbers from 1 to 10, this side-splitting story stars 10 silly children who end up with 10 silly boo-boos, from ice cream-induced brain freeze and bee stings to stubbed toes and bruises.
Simon and the better bone by Corey R. Tabor
Simon and the Better Bone
by Corey R. Tabor

One day, down by the pond, Simon meets another dog just like him. That dog has a bone just like his, only better! How will Simon ever get him to trade, when the other pup knows all the same tricks? Using the same innovative format as his Caldecott Honor winner, Mel Fell, Corey R. Tabor reimagines Aesop's "The Dog and His Reflection" in a clever, charming tale of empathy and generosity.
Two Together
by Brendan Wenzel

While following the simple route home, Cat and Dog find their journey turning into an unexpected adventure, proving it's possible for two creatures to travel in the world together despite their distinctive perspectives and abilities, in this imaginative story of friendship, empathy, and discovery. 
The Last Stand
by Antwan Eady

Selling eggs, plums, peppers, and pumpkins at Papa's stand in the farmer's market, one little boy learns the importance of family, community, and hope when his Papa can't make it to the stand, in this moving intergenerational story inspired by the author's childhood in the rural south.
The Kindness Booth
by Laura K. Murray

On a gloomy Saturday, Mya and her friends open the Kindness Booth to spread some cheer to her neighbors by helping them with a variety of problems.
Roar-Choo!
by Charlotte Cheng

In this fiery tale of helping your friends and valuing differences, cold-ridden Dragon, who can't stop sneezing long enough to get a roar out, refuses to rest until patient, peaceful Phoenix convinces him to take the break he so badly needs. 
Race to Kindness
by Orion Jean

In this call to action, the Time 2021 Kid of the Year empowers and encourages readers to spread kindness in their communities, one step at a time, to make the world a better place. 
Luli and the Language of Tea
by Andrea Wang

While her parents attend a community ESL class, Luli connects with other immigrant children by sharing a love of tea. 
Namaste is a Greeting
by Suma Subramaniam

Revealing the many meanings behind the word “namaste,” which goes far beyond yoga class, this captivating picture book follows a little girl as she shows kindness to an elderly neighbor with whom she has a caring bond. 
Sorry (Really Sorry)
by Joanna Cotler

Featuring illustrations by the nationally syndicated New Yorker cartoonist, a tribute to the power of small acts of kindness follows the story of a cow whose bad mood spreads throughout her entire farm before a gentle-hearted dog turns things around by responding with kindness.
The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story
by Aya Khalil

When her new classmates tease her, Kanzi finds comfort in wrapping up in a quilt from her teita and writing poetry.
Tomorrow I'll Be Kind
by Jessica Hische

A follow-up to Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave combines inspirational text and endearing artwork in an uplifting story that encourages kids to use the opportunities of a new day to spread compassion, hope, and positivity. 
Balloons for Papa: A Story of Hope and Empathy
by Elizabeth Gilbert Bedia

Wanting to bring comfort to his depressed father while helping care for his sick mother, young Arthur looks for a way to get a balloon from a park vendor to convey a small glimmer of hope to his family.
What's the Matter, Marlo?
by Andrew Arnold

A celebration of friendship and empathy follows the experiences of two best friends, whose shared activities of reading, laughing, and playing together are interrupted on a day when one of them becomes consumed by anger and the other uses the power of their bond to help. 
Shy Willow
by Cat Min

A very shy rabbit named Willow lives in an abandoned mailbox and she'd rather stay put. But then a young boy drops a letter in Willow's mailbox: it's a note to the moon asking for a special favor. Willow knows that if she doesn't brave the world outside, the letter will never be delivered, and the boy will be heartbroken. Should she try? Can she?
I Hear You, Forest
by Kallie George

The Forest has lots to say . . . if you listen. When a young child steps into the forest, her ears are open and her heart is too. She listens carefully to the forest around her--and hears such marvelous things, from the creaking of the trees stretching skyward to the rustling of the leaves sharing their secrets. This sounds-of-nature series for young children encourages imagination, awareness, and empathy with all living things. 
Forsyth County Public Library
770-781-9840 | ForsythPL.org