Books That Teach Empathy

Last updated: February 25, 2026

Teaching kids character strengths and life skills such as empathy is one of the most important jobs of being a parent. Empathic kids can put themselves in someone else's shoes. It also allows them to develop other caring character strengths, such as compassion and gratitude. These great books for all ages help make it easier by celebrating friendship, difference, and the importance of caring for one another. For even more empathy-building media picks, just check these movies and TV shows that promote empathy.

Filter by:
Sort by:
Be Kind Poster Image
BOOK

Be Kind

age 3+

Warm story shows big impact of simple acts of kindness.

Bully Poster Image
BOOK

Bully

age 3+

Simple animal tale of bullying, empathy, and forgiveness.

Good News Bad News Poster Image
BOOK

Good News Bad News

age 3+

Spare story of ups & downs great for toddlers, preschoolers.

I'm Sorry You Got Mad book cover: Angry, red-faced boy seated at desk, crumpled-up drafts of apology notes swirl above him
BOOK

I'm Sorry You Got Mad

age 3+

Boy learns how to apologize in wise, relatable empathy tale.

The Day the Books Disappeared book cover: A black haired boy's shocked face peeks over the top of a book, two empty-handed kids are behind him
BOOK

The Day the Books Disappeared

age 3+

Thoughtful picture book about perspective and compassion.

The Sweater book cover: A raccoon sits on a log gently holding a bird; they're framed by woodland animals looking at them from the sides and trees
BOOK

The Sweater: A Story of Community

age 3+

Tender story of community care is a charming winter tale.

Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug Poster Image
BOOK

Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug

age 3+

Sweet tale of small-armed dino striving to cheer up friend.

A Hat for Mrs. Goldman: A Story About Knitting and Love Poster Image
BOOK

A Hat for Mrs. Goldman: A Story About Knitting and Love

age 4+

Knitting = love in this warm and fuzzy tale of kindness.

Big Feelings Poster Image
BOOK

Big Feelings

age 4+

Bold, bright story shows the value of expressing emotions.

I Talk Like a River Poster Image
BOOK

I Talk Like a River

age 4+

Beautiful, personal tale of boy's struggles with stuttering.

In Plain Sight Poster Image
BOOK

In Plain Sight

age 4+

Playful, loving relationship shines in sweet grandpa tale.

Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla Poster Image
BOOK

Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla

age 4+

Poignant, sensitive story of captive gorilla builds empathy.

Little Elliot, Big Fun Poster Image
BOOK

Little Elliot, Big Fun

age 4+

Friendship soothes fears in charming amusement park tale.

Otis and the Scarecrow Poster Image
BOOK

Otis and the Scarecrow

age 4+

Tractor reaches out to silent friend in tale of empathy.

The Cool Bean Poster Image
BOOK

The Cool Bean: The Food Group, Book 3

age 4+

Sweet, whimsical tale encourages empathy and kindness.

The Someone New Poster Image
BOOK

The Someone New

age 4+

Critters accept a snail looking for a new home in warm tale.

We're All Wonders Poster Image
BOOK

We're All Wonders

age 4+

Boy who's different promotes kindness in fresh empathy tale.

What Is Given from the Heart Poster Image
BOOK

What Is Given from the Heart

age 4+

Lovely art, heartwarming story about the joy of giving.

Coat of Many Colors Poster Image
BOOK

Coat of Many Colors

age 5+

Lyrics of inspirational Dolly Parton song address bullying.

Dad and the Dinosaur Poster Image
BOOK

Dad and the Dinosaur

age 5+

Dad helps son manage fears in kind story full of empathy.

Common Sense Media

About the Author

Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.