Kindness, compassion and empathy: picture books

This adorable story about a little girl taking care of her unwell father is one that encourages empathy in little ones. It’s a lovely little story with appealing red, black-and-white illustrations in a ten-page board book.

A star falls from the night sky and is cared for by a small girl, who introduces him to all the things she loves, until it’s time to say goodbye. A gentle, magical story about the importance of kindness with a positive message about letting go. Perfect for bedtime.

Magic Manners, a large blue elephant with a superhero costume and cape, is here to remind us that kindness rules! This bright, cheery, rhyming board book is great for toddlers and preschoolers who are learning to share and treat others with gentleness. 

There’s only one thing on Ned’s mind today and that’s winning. A funny, heartwarming story about a little hamster, a big race and the value of kindness.

Frank and Bert love a game of hide-and-seek, but Bert hasn’t quite mastered the art of hiding in 10 seconds. In fact, Bert complains that he never gets enough time to hide, and so Frank counts all the way to 100 to give him some quality hiding time.

A captivating and surprising picture book packed with intricate illustrations and a strong message – that kindness is more important than money.

With stunningly emotive illustrations, this is an accessibly and inspiring story for 4–5 year olds showing how hope and kindness can still thrive during times of extreme adversity.

Tanisha is so embarrassed when she spills grape juice on her dress at school, but the little girl telling the story thinks of lots of ways she can show kindness to someone in trouble. A wonderful picture book that reminds us that being kind is one of the simplest and most profound things we can do.

This moving picture book about a family’s visit to the food bank is a sensitive exploration of how it may feel to live below the poverty line. Perfect to share with young children to develop empathy and understanding (or to recognise their own situation).

A delicious book by Alison Green with illustrations and a foreword by Axel Scheffler, plus pictures by 38 international illustrators, to celebrate kindness and humankind. A profound book that is quite simply a treasure trove of wisdom and beauty. 

See What I Can Do! introduces a range of characters (based on real-life children) who each share an insight about disability and point out the challenges but also positive aspects of their lives. A beautiful book that celebrates individuality, empathy and understanding. 

Introducing the concept of mental wellbeing, this picture book helps children to recognise and understand difficult emotions. The result is a contemplative and ultimately uplifting tale.

It’s the perfect day to build a shelter, the perfect day for a family expedition, the perfect day to play in a den. However, joy turns to concern as it becomes clear that the narrator’s sister is sick. This beautiful book tackles a tough subject with real tenderness.

Emphasising that every small act of kindness can make a genuine difference, this thought-provoking picture book is sure to motivate young people to take action and make the world a fairer place.

A new girl joins the class, but the other children laugh and shout at her as she doesn’t look like them and speaks a different language. Slowly, compassion blooms amid the origami flowers she makes for her classmates.