Nonna's Reading Guide to Empathy

5/3/2021

Photo by Annie Spratt at Unsplash

Empathy makes the world go round

Empathy. I think of empathy as the older sibling to mercy. Empathy is the ability to put yourself in another person's shoes, to understand her perspective. The acts of compassion and kindness which flow naturally from empathy are mercy. And it's these two siblings -- empathy and mercy -- which make the world go round.

How do we help our children cultivate empathy? And develop the habit of extending kindnesses?

Our parenting book this month, UnSelfie by Dr. Borba, offers many great ideas on how we can support children's development of empathy, one of which is reading! Yep. Neuroscientists' research findings indicate reading literature helps us to think deeper and to feel for the characters -- the elements necessary for empathy!

So, let's get started on some great books to cultivate our children's empathy.

Week of May 3rd

2016, DK Publishing

Empathy requires a heart open to our differences and a mind which recognizes our similarities. While focusing on the uniqueness of individual children, I love that the book opens with Making a Difference, highlighting the common concerns expressed by all of the children in the book: access to learning, animal welfare, poverty, health care and the environment.

The concise up-beat text accompanied by genuinely cheerful illustrations make Most People a great breakfast read aloud. It's a wonderful way to start the day!

2017 Tilbury House Publishing

Children love to read about normal objects which do great things! What could be any greater than an umbrella who gladly grows larger and larger to shelter everyone!

Reading I Am Human aloud after hurt feelings between siblings or friends is a non-judgemental, feet-on-the ground approach to developing empathy.

Week of May 10th

Stepping out of our own shoes to experience walking in another person's shoes is a habit to be cultivated. The Journey is an essential family read aloud for growing a child's ability to understand others' reasons for leaving their home in search of safety.

A powerfully poignant read aloud which will prompt many questions from your children about why the girl and her father are traveling North to the U.S. border. This is one of those books which effortlessly draws forth empathy from a child.

Mexique: A Refugee Story from the Spanish Civil War is an excellent read aloud choice when your child starts to ask about war -- although, I would not recommend it as a bed-time read aloud.

IF your family is at all concerned about the issue of child migration, read this book as a together. Warning: it's raw and will break your heart.

It can be difficult to use graphic novels as a family read aloud, but well worth the effort! Seeing another person's experience is essential to the development of empathy.

Week of May 17th

An excellent family read aloud for so many reasons -- spend a summer with bi-racial Ethan as he experiences for the first time what it means to be black in 1955. This is not an easy book, but one which will start many family conversations.

Every family -- immediate or extended -- experiences illness; The Lemonade Club is a timely read aloud when children need to know how kind and supportive others are when friends or family members are in need of help.

Wow - this is one of the more beautiful books reviewed this month! Inspired by an African folktale, Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters is a warm, uplifting family read aloud about kindness and generosity of spirit.

This is both an excellent read-aloud as well as a phenomenal look-aloud. The story, as well as the illustrations, give a powerful voice to the child in the story.

Each Kindness is a sweet family read aloud. While not preachy nor judgemental, the book is clear that sometimes the results of our actions cannot be repaired.

Week of May 24th

Learning empathy often begins with caring for small animals and this humorous read aloud culminates in the Chicken Chasing Queen's rehabilitation when she meets Miss Hen's tiny chicks. Great examples of how and how-not-to treat small farm animals!

A wonderfully reassuring story to read when your own pet has caused mayhem and disappointment.

And quite funny! Another book I cannot read aloud without laughing.

Even a small child's empathy can bring healing and hope to the world. Although a simple story, this is a profoundly important book to share with and empower young children.

Animal awareness has become a serious field of scientific research in the last decade. Young adult animal lovers in your home will find this book fascinating. As a family read aloud, it will prick everyone's confidence in traditional scientific thought about animals.