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.

Nory, Who Was Never Bored

Nory, Who Was Never Bored

8
 min
5
+
4.82

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.

The Day the Queen Met a Magic Dog

The Day the Queen Met a Magic Dog

11
 min
5
+
4.8

This story was prepared as a loving tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. According to her classmates, Clara is not a special girl. So everyone is surprised when she gets a special task: to welcome the Queen to their school! How will Clara rise to this challenge and face her classmates’ ridicule?

The Snow Monster

The Snow Monster

8
 min
3
+
4.77

Elizabeth loves winter. She loves making snowballs and building snowmen. But one day, something she hears at her nursery school makes her afraid of them. Luckily, she trusts her father, and he sets things straight. A story for very young children about how to cope with fear.

Grandma’s Magic

Grandma’s Magic

8
 min
5
+
4.76

Read the story of Matt and his magical grandma. She owns neither a wand nor a wizard´s cloak. So how could she be magical? In this tale, you'll learn the importance of wonderful family relationships, and also about curiosity, learning, and dealing with emotions.

The Dandelion

The Dandelion

7
 min
3
+
4.76

A little dandelion grows happily from a crack in a sidewalk and enjoys every day. Then mocking words of the flowers in a flowerbed make it wonder if it should really be ashamed of its ordinariness. But as it turns out, even ordinary flowers can bring a lot of joy.

The Prince of Football

The Prince of Football

10
 min
3
+
4.75

Adam has managed to lose all of his potential friends because of his unreasonable temper, snobbishness, and unwillingness to share. He really acts like a spoiled little princeling. But thanks to a newcomer in the neighbourhood and a love of football, he finally discovers the benefit of calming himself down and gradually learns how to make friends.

High Water

High Water

9
 min
5
+
4.72

A big disaster unexpectedly strikes in the forest: a heavy rain washes away a rabbit burrow - and a family of rabbits finds itself homeless. The other animals are in shock and don't know what to do. But the quick-witted fox explains that everyone can do their bit to help the unfortunate rabbits.

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 Quarrelling Letters

The Quarrelling Letters

8
 min
5
+
4.69

One day the letters in books start arguing and a huge mess ensues. Because of their fights, the books cannot be read at all. But one clever little girl decides to put it all in order - and solve the big alphabet quarrel.

Swan Love

Swan Love

14
 min
8
+
4.69

Come and visit a lovely lake where a bevy of white swans live. One day, they receive an unexpected swan visitor. And would you believe it? He’s all black! How will he fit in among the other swans on the lake?

Justine the Octopus

Justine the Octopus

8
 min
5
+
4.68

It would be to have more hands, wouldn’t it? However, Justine the octopus doesn't think so at all. She has exactly eight tentacles, but she is always so clumsy with them. She doesn't even know how to fit into the groups of other underwater friends. But then she suddenly finds out that she's really good at something else. What is it? You'll find out in this fairy tale from the sea.

The Fawn Who Learned to Be Brave

The Fawn Who Learned to Be Brave

8
 min
3
+
4.67

Little Hoof, the youngest fawn in the family, breaks his tooth on a stone and has to visit the forest dentist for the first time. He is scared out of his wits. Not quite knowing what to expect, he imagines the worst. However, thanks to his mother’s patience and advice, and a splendid tip from his rabbit friend, he manages to address his fear and overcome it.

Charlie and the Dark

Charlie and the Dark

5
 min
3
+
4.66

In this story, the dark is actually afraid of the light. It’s up to young Charlie to reassure the dark that it has nothing to worry about. He achieves this by showing the dark that it has a magic of its own and that the light cannot hurt it. The dark could then relax, which made them both happy.

Lara, the One Who Wasn’t Afraid

Lara, the One Who Wasn’t Afraid

7
 min
5
+
4.65

Lara is a special girl who would always say she’s a secret agent. But some of the other children constantly tease her or run away. However, when an earwig appears on a cherry tree, brave Lara is the only one who isn't afraid of it. She shows the other children that there is no need to be afraid of things, just because they're different.

Which Dragon Is the Real Dragon?

Which Dragon Is the Real Dragon?

10
 min
5
+
4.61

Two unexpected creatures meet on the top of a sacred mountain. They both claim to be dragons, but each of them looks completely different! Which one is the real dragon? Get to know them better and learn more about dragons in Eastern and Western cultures.

Falkor’s Journey

Falkor’s Journey

14
 min
5
+
4.6

In this beautiful story about the circle of life, we get to know two inseparable buddies, Jason and his dog Falkor. As years go by, Jason learns about the never-ending cycle of birth and death, which helps him understand the passing of his trusty companion Falkor when his time comes one day.

The Little Superhero

The Little Superhero

8
 min
5
+
4.6

Although little Mark is still only a kindergartener, he so very badly wants to be a superhero. However, he’s afraid of many things, and his elder brother makes fun of him for that. How can a superhero ever be scared of anything? But when the boys go for a day-out at the theme park, Mark learns something very important about superheroes... You too will learn what that is after reading this story!

Jake’s Big Ears

Jake’s Big Ears

6
 min
5
+
4.59

Jake’s classmates laugh at him because of his ears. They are too big, unlike the small ears of his friends. However, everything changes the moment Jake turns the mockery to his advantage. Find out what he can do, thanks to his ears, in this story about tolerance and diversity.

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.

Mio tip: install the Readmio