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.

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.

Discovering the Emotions: Robots

Discovering the Emotions: Robots

6
 min
5
+
4.69

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.

The Unusual Racer

The Unusual Racer

6
 min
5
+
4.68

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.

The Masquerade Ball

The Masquerade Ball

12
 min
5
+
4.68

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?

The Day Roamer Got Bored

The Day Roamer Got Bored

8
 min
3
+
4.66

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.

The Spiders in the Music Cabinet

The Spiders in the Music Cabinet

15
 min
5
+
4.65

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.

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.

Discovering the Emotions: Disgust

Discovering the Emotions: Disgust

10
 min
5
+
4.65

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 Halloween Pumpkin

The Halloween Pumpkin

10
 min
5
+
4.64

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.

The Rainbow-Loving Zebra

The Rainbow-Loving Zebra

8
 min
5
+
4.64

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 Noble Tower Crane

The Noble Tower Crane

9
 min
3
+
4.62

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 Bashful Doll

The Bashful Doll

9
 min
3
+
4.62

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!

Discovering the Emotions: Joy

Discovering the Emotions: Joy

6
 min
5
+
4.62

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!

The Kind Knight with the Golden Cloak

The Kind Knight with the Golden Cloak

6
 min
5
+
4.61

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.

The Square House

The Square House

8
 min
1
+
4.54

Who lives in this square house? Let’s learn about square shapes together with little Pip, who is getting ready to celebrate his fourth birthday.

Discovering the Emotions: Anger

Discovering the Emotions: Anger

10
 min
5
+
4.54

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...

Discovering the Emotions: Surprise

Discovering the Emotions: Surprise

9
 min
5
+
4.32

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.

Paul the Pebble

Paul the Pebble

11
 min
5
+
4.85

Paul isn’t any ordinary hero — he’s a tiny pebble. Actually, he’s not really a hero. Unlike all the other pebbles that live on the banks of the creek, he is extremely afraid of the water, and he generally feels quite useless. But then Paul encounters a beetle called Mr Shiny and discovers how to be useful and how to work through his fear at the same time! At long last, Paul realises how wonderful life can be.

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.