Books: 6 books that help preschoolers understand empathy
"Otis and the Scarecrow" by Loren Long. (Handout/TNS)
"Bully" by Laura Vaccaro Seeger. (Handout/TNS)
"First Grade Dropout" by Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Matthew Cordell. (Handout/TNS)
"Good News Bad News" by Jeff Mack. (Handout/TNS)
"Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla" by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by G. Brian Karas. (Handout/TNS)
"Little Elliot, Big Fun" by Mike Curato. (Handout/TNS)
Teaching kids empathy is one of the most important jobs of being a parent. These great books for preschoolers help make it easier by celebrating friendship, difference, and the importance of caring for one another.
–“Bully,” by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Simple animal tale of bullying, empathy, and forgiveness.
Recommended for ages 3 and older
Quality: 4 out of 5
Roaring Brook Press, 2013
–“Good News Bad News,” by Jeff Mack
Spare story of ups and downs great for toddlers, preschoolers.
Recommended for ages 3 and older
Quality: 5 out of 5
Chronicle Books, 2012
–“Little Elliot, Big Fun,” by Mike Curato
Friendship soothes fears in charming amusement park tale.
Recommended for ages 4 and older
Quality: 5 out of 5
Henry Holt & Company, Inc., 2016
–“First Grade Dropout,” by Audrey Vernick
Boy burns with embarrassment in hilarious, relatable tale.
Recommended for ages 4 and older
Quality: 5 out of 5
Clarion Books, 2015
–“Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla,” by Katherine Applegate
Poignant, sensitive story of captive gorilla builds empathy.
Recommended for ages 4 and older
Quality: 5 out of 5
Clarion Books, 2014
–“Otis and the Scarecrow,” by Loren Long
Recommended for ages 4 and older
Quality: 3 out of 5
Tractor reaches out to silent friend in tale of empathy.
Philomel, 2014
