Kindness, compassion and empathy
Help put your child in another person’s shoes with these books that inspire compassion: whether that’s towards animals, friends, or people in very different situations to your own.
Not only will you end up caring about about them all, but you’ll also feel grateful for the simple things you have and the people you love.
So share these books as a family, and let’s spread a little kindness in the world…
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Give Me Shelter
Author: Editor: Tony Bradman
Publisher: Frances LincolnTold through the eyes of children, this moving collection of short stories focuses on the experiences of asylum seekers from all over the world.
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Shadow
Author: Sir Michael Morpurgo
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's BooksThis is a candid exploration of the injustices of war, at home and away, and an unflinching account of the treatment of asylum seekers.
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Girl with a White Dog
Author: Anne Booth
Publisher: Catnip PublishingJessie is delighted when she finds a beautiful white puppy at Gran's house. But then Gran starts becoming confused, and saying strange things about their new pet.
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Red Leaves
Author: Sita Brahmachari
Publisher: Macmillan Children's BooksSita Brahmachari has created a beautiful tale of modern multicultural Britain. Her characters come from diverse backgrounds but are brought together by the common theme - they all feel they have been abandoned by someone they love.
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We Are All Born Free
Author: Amnesty International
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's BooksThe variety of illustrations is a delight, while the content is essential knowledge for children to learn. An unmissable book to read cover to cover or dip into as you please.
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Gorilla Dawn
Author: Gill Lewis
Publisher: OxfordThis book tells the story of Imara, taken as a small child from her village when rebels raid it, and brainwashed into thinking that she has magical powers.
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Refuge
Author: Anne Booth Illustrator: Sam Usher
Publisher: Nosy CrowThis beautiful book follows Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus as they flee into Egypt as refugees. The gorgeous drawings and Booth's sparse, poetic words make this a Christmas book to treasure.
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I am Malala
Author: Malala Yousafzai
Publisher: Hachette Children's GroupThis is the real life story of one of the most incredible and inspirational young people in the world. Reading this book might just change the way you think and feel.
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Footpath Flowers
Author: JonArno Lawson Illustrator: Sydney Smith
Publisher: Walker BooksA little girl spreads joy and colour through the grey townscape, when she picks and presents flowers from the pavements to the people and animals she meets. This wordless picture book is a beauty to behold.
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A Library of Lemons
Author: Jo Cotterill
Publisher: PiccadillyBelievable, memorable, charming and moving, fans of Jacqueline Wilson's domestic dramas will enjoy this bittersweet story of a family finding their feet in the next chapter of their lives.
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The Girl with No Nose
Author: Georgia Byng Illustrator: Gary Blythe
Publisher: ConkersLife is tough in Victorian times, the world into which Alice Peasbody is born - and Alice is a girl with no nose. A wonderful, thoughtful book that teaches compassion, celebrates difference and tackles some weighty issues with a gentle touch.
