Emotions and empathy

What’s the best way of dealing with anger or sadness? How can we know what others are feeling, and why are sympathy and tolerance so important? Stories don’t only tell our children about factual information, they also enable us to pass on valuable advice to them about empathy and emotions. In today’s world, emotional intelligence is very important and it is well worth developing it from a young age.

Discovering the Emotions: Sadness

Discovering the Emotions: Sadness

11
 min
5
+
4.85

Martin is gradually getting to know the neighbours on the different floors of his apartment building, and is finding out more about them while also stumbling on some emotions. We’ve already accompanied him on his experiences with Anger and Fear, and now he’s about to run into Sadness.

A Very Cold Friendship

A Very Cold Friendship

10
 min
3
+
4.84

At first glance, it seems that the whole wintry forest is asleep. But if you look more closely, you will find a hidden snowy secret. In this story, you’ll meet a snowman and an ice man, and discover their search for friendship, but also that everything has to come to an end.

The Little Fairy & The Little Witch

The Little Fairy & The Little Witch

16
 min
5
+
4.83

The story is about why it’s a good idea to help our parents. The little girl’s parents are feeling desperate — they do not know how to deal with their daughter, who does not want to help with anything around the house. They tried everything possible, raising their voice and pleading with her, but all in vain. Then one night, the little girl has a strange dream, thanks to which she sees the error of her ways and decides to behave differently.

Grumposaurus

Grumposaurus

12
 min
5
+
4.81

Billy is especially grumpy today – nothing is good enough for him. Then something very odd starts to happen. Billy’s grumpiness is gradually turning him into a grumposaurus! In the story you’ll find out how Billy navigates his foul mood. And how, just before it takes over his entire existence, he learns to see the bright side of life.

How Evie Didn’t Want to Wear Glasses

How Evie Didn’t Want to Wear Glasses

10
 min
5
+
4.79

Evie is sad because she has to wear glasses. What bothers her most is that her friends might make fun of her. Out of fear, she decides to hide her glasses and every morning, after saying goodbye to her mother, she secretly takes them off so that no one can see them. But how will this little secret turn out?

Appreciating Edith

Appreciating Edith

8
 min
5
+
4.79

Edith is the school cleaner, but the pupils don’t pay much attention to her. However, everything changes when she suddenly has to take some time off. The children come to realise what a huge difference a clean school makes and how crucial the job of a cleaner is. In addition to everything they are taught in class, the pupils learn that every occupation should be valued.

Discovering the Emotions: Fear

Discovering the Emotions: Fear

12
 min
5
+
4.79

Martin continues his search for these things called feelings. Where do emotions actually live and what do they look like? While last time he came across Anger, he is now going to visit another of his neighbours, and in the process he encounters Fear.

The Apple Pie

The Apple Pie

6
 min
5
+
4.78

Tommy is sad about something the other children said to him at school – they laughed at him because he looked different. Then his mum teaches him an important lesson while they make an apple pie together. Find out what that lesson was in this short story.

The Nicest Gift

The Nicest Gift

6
 min
5
+
4.76

Emma is unhappy because the other children in her class make fun of her wild hair. But one day, her teacher’s wise words change her perspective. Come and join Emma’s classmates as they discover why her hair (and not only that) is actually a very valuable gift.

Christmas For Everyone

Christmas For Everyone

5
 min
5
+
4.76

Christmas is coming soon and little Carl is worried about whether their lonely neighbour Mrs Lizzie will get any Christmas presents. So he decides to make a gift for her himself. But how will the boy deal with it?

Maya Goes Into a Rage

Maya Goes Into a Rage

9
 min
3
+
4.76

Maya’s day has not got off to a good start. A series of unfortunate events has made her cross, and she doesn’t know what to do with all the anger she can feel bubbling up inside her. Luckily, her daddy is with her, and he knows exactly how to sort it out. Come along with Maya and find out about it for yourselves!

The Day Roamer Got Bored

The Day Roamer Got Bored

8
 min
3
+
4.75

Tomcat Roamer is having a day that is so ordinary and quiet it is rather dull. In fact, it gets so boring that Roamer starts misbehaving. Luckily, his trusty friend Scoot is nearby and gives him some tips on how to cope with his boredom.

Discovering the Emotions: Disgust

Discovering the Emotions: Disgust

10
 min
5
+
4.73

Today Martin continues his search for feelings, still as keen as ever to find out where they are hiding. Let’s continue to accompany him on the journey through his apartment building, where this time he meets a neighbour who is forever disgruntled. We are now poised to learn about the feeling of Disgust.

Rudy the Rubbish Truck

Rudy the Rubbish Truck

11
 min
5
+
4.72

Rudy is a little rubbish truck who does his job with great joy. But when some new rubbish trucks suddenly appear on the streets, Rudy becomes scared and angry — what if these trucks want to replace him?! This eco-themed fairy tale explores the causes of anger and other unknown feelings in children.

Here’s to the Ants!

Here’s to the Ants!

7
 min
5
+
4.71

Black ants and red ants are not natural friends. However, when a heavy storm befalls the forest, it affects all the insects in our story. Both colonies of ants are equally endangered. These sworn enemies are not used to putting their differences aside, but suddenly they find themselves united in the name of survival. Let’s see how they resolve their animosity…

The Spiders in the Music Cabinet

The Spiders in the Music Cabinet

15
 min
5
+
4.7

In an abandoned house live two little spiders who want nothing better than to be left alone. They don’t like change, and they can’t stand noise. But one day, their peace is disturbed by the house’s new occupants. Find out how they get along with their new housemates in this tale that will teach you about the beauty of music and how it can affect and enchant us.

Little Sophie and the Great Fear

Little Sophie and the Great Fear

6
 min
3
+
4.7

Little Sophie is looking forward to a little brother coming to their family. She knows from her mother she can expect him soon. But when the girl notices an ambulance outside of the windows, a great fear overwhelms her. What is actually happening? And who will calm Sophie down? A story for children on how to deal with unfamiliar and worrying situations.

The Unusual Racer

The Unusual Racer

6
 min
5
+
4.7

Only the best kid-racers can take part in this race, and Lucy is among them. From the start, we can tell that Lucy is not an ordinary racer, but we don’t know what makes her exceptional until later in the story. The message here is that regardless of who we are, we can achieve our dreams.

Questions about

Emotions and empathy

Why are stories about emotions and empathy important for children?

Stories about emotions and empathy help children understand their feelings and build strong social connections. For example, The Girl with the Almond Eyes encourages children to appreciate diversity and embrace differences, fostering emotional intelligence.

Do these stories also appeal to adults reading with children?

Definitely! Many stories from this category can resonate with adults as well, reminding them of their own experiences with anxiety and how they overcame it.

How can stories help children deal with fear or anxiety?

Stories can provide relatable scenarios where characters overcome fear or anxiety. Little Sophie and the Great Fear addresses a child’s worries about change and the unknown, offering a comforting message about resilience.

Can these stories be used as tools for starting family discussions?

Absolutely! Stories in the Emotions and Empathy category are designed not only to entertain but also to encourage meaningful conversations within families. These stories often include situations children can relate to, making it easier for parents to address sensitive topics. By creating a safe and open space for discussion after reading, families can use these stories as stepping stones to explore values, emotions, and the challenges of growing up. Parents can also share their own experiences related to the story themes, deepening the conversation and making the lessons learned even more impactful.