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.

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.

Shizuko the Sea Creature

Shizuko the Sea Creature

13
 min
5
+
4.7

In this underwater story, you will learn about a special fish with a meaningful name. And besides hearing about the wonders of the underwater world and about interesting four-toothed creatures, you will also discover some ways to manage boredom.

Little Sophie and the Great Fear

Little Sophie and the Great Fear

6
 min
3
+
4.69

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 Candle That Saved Christmas

The Candle That Saved Christmas

8
 min
3
+
4.68

Christmas is coming, and all the decorations are looking forward to it – there are sparklers, baubles and angels. There is also a little old candle who is too small and not fancy enough for the others to want to be friends with her. Until something happens that means they all need her help… this story was written for you by our young reader Anička. This is one of the three winning stories in our winter writing competition in Slovakia, winner in the “Creative writing” category.

The Masquerade Ball

The Masquerade Ball

12
 min
5
+
4.66

Dennis, a model and well-behaved pupil, is very much looking forward to the school masquerade. He disguises himself so well that none of the children recognise him. And so he discovers that suddenly he doesn't have to be polite or good. After all, no one can see him. But is this really true?

Discovering the Emotions: Robots

Discovering the Emotions: Robots

6
 min
5
+
4.66

Martin has now searched the entire apartment building but still hasn’t found what he thought he was looking for. So where on earth are the emotions hiding? To distract his focus, his mum is taking him to see a robot exhibition at the local museum. And in this unexpected setting, everything becomes clear.

Friends from the Land of Eternal Winter

Friends from the Land of Eternal Winter

6
 min
3
+
4.65

Oliver is a little penguin who likes to play with his best friend, Minnie the seal. One day, when Minnie starts behaving strangely, Oliver sets out on a quest to find out what has changed. Can he accept his friend’s new friend? Learn more about friendships and jealousy in this story for very young children.

The Bashful Doll

The Bashful Doll

9
 min
3
+
4.65

Lily’s toys gained a new addition: a doll named Amelie. But there is a small problem — Amelie chooses not to play with the other toys, and doesn’t even speak to them. The other toys don’t have a clue as to what is going on. So they decide to find out why Amelie is acting so aloof. Let’s discover what’s holding her back!

The Rainbow-Loving Zebra

The Rainbow-Loving Zebra

8
 min
5
+
4.63

The black and white zebras are happy in their black and white world and don’t need any more colours. At least that’s what they think. But Matilda is no ordinary zebra. She decides to show her friends how beautiful colours can be.

The Kind Knight With the Golden Cloak

The Kind Knight With the Golden Cloak

6
 min
5
+
4.62

Do you know the story of St. Martin and why we still remember him today? Take a trip back in time with us to explore this legend about the kindness of the human heart, about generosity and helping others.

Discovering the Emotions: Disgust

Discovering the Emotions: Disgust

10
 min
5
+
4.62

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.

The Noble Tower Crane

The Noble Tower Crane

9
 min
3
+
4.61

Work on the construction site is about to get underway, and the machinery is ready to go. Two diggers are showing-off their skills. Only the crane stands apart, as his time has not yet come — he must wait until the foundations are in. The diggers start to make fun of the crane, teasing him about being useless. But then the tables suddenly turn, forcing the snarky diggers to recognise their ill-behaviour…

The Halloween Pumpkin

The Halloween Pumpkin

10
 min
5
+
4.59

Sisters Laura and Emma are enjoying a stay at home without their parents, like big girls do. But their joy turns to horror when they hear strange noises. And then a... real ghost appears outside the window? Or was it? Read this thrilling autumn tale about fear.

Discovering the Emotions: Joy

Discovering the Emotions: Joy

6
 min
5
+
4.55

On his journey to his neighbours’ apartments in the quest for feelings, Martin has one more floor of the building left to visit. Let’s see who lives on the fifth floor. And let’s hope that it will be a pleasant experience, maybe even Joyful!

Discovering the Emotions: Surprise

Discovering the Emotions: Surprise

9
 min
5
+
4.52

Which of the feelings will Martin find out about today? On the third floor of the apartment building, a Surprise awaits him in the form of a very resourceful neighbour — an inventor, in fact! Join him as he experiences much in the way of astonishment.

Discovering the Emotions: Anger

Discovering the Emotions: Anger

10
 min
5
+
4.47

Young Martin doesn’t understand what emotions are and decides to undertake a search. What are these so-called feelings and where are they located? He sets out on this exploration in the apartment building where he lives, very much hoping that his neighbours can help him unravel the mystery...

Tracking Love Down

Tracking Love Down

7
 min
5
+
4.88

Violet is bothered by something she doesn’t understand: love. What is it and what does it look like? Do you have to buy someone a bunch of roses if you want there to be love at home? To answer her worries, she and her daddy play a game of detectives, and together they find out whether there’s any love at home or not, and if so, what it actually looks like. Let’s join the three of them and find out!

Nory, Who Was Never Bored

Nory, Who Was Never Bored

8
 min
5
+
4.87

Nory looks like an ordinary boy, but his friends say he has a unique superpower: he never gets bored. Nory reckons he just doesn't know how to be bored, so his friends take on the challenge of teaching him. Find out how that goes in this fun story.

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.