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Kindness, compassion and empathy

Footpath Flowers

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…

  • Give Me Shelter

    Give Me Shelter

    Author: Editor: Tony Bradman
    Publisher: Frances Lincoln

    Told through the eyes of children, this moving collection of short stories focuses on the experiences of asylum seekers from all over the world.

  • Shadow

    Shadow

    Author: Sir Michael Morpurgo
    Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books

    This is a candid exploration of the injustices of war, at home and away, and an unflinching account of the treatment of asylum seekers.

  • Girl with a White Dog

    Girl with a White Dog

    Author: Anne Booth
    Publisher: Catnip Publishing

    Jessie 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.

  • Red Leaves

    Red Leaves

    Author: Sita Brahmachari
    Publisher: Macmillan Children's Books

    Sita 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.

  • We Are All Born Free

    We Are All Born Free

    Author: Amnesty International
    Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books

    The 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.

  • Gorilla Dawn

    Gorilla Dawn

    Author: Gill Lewis
    Publisher: Oxford

    This 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.

  • Refuge

    Refuge

    Author: Anne Booth Illustrator: Sam Usher
    Publisher: Nosy Crow

    This 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.

  • I am Malala

    I am Malala

    Author: Malala Yousafzai
    Publisher: Hachette Children's Group

    This 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.

  • Footpath Flowers

    Footpath Flowers

    Author: JonArno Lawson Illustrator: Sydney Smith
    Publisher: Walker Books

    A 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.

  • A Library of Lemons

    A Library of Lemons

    Author: Jo Cotterill
    Publisher: Piccadilly

    Believable, 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.

  • The Girl with No Nose

    The Girl with No Nose

    Author: Georgia Byng Illustrator: Gary Blythe
    Publisher: Conkers

    Life 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.