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 King’s Secret

The King’s Secret

8
 min
5
+
4.58

This Irish legend tells of King Maon and the secret he was extremely ashamed of. However, no secret can be kept secret forever. Eventually, the king has to face his greatest fear – the fear of shame and ridicule.

The Girl with the Almond Eyes

The Girl with the Almond Eyes

5
 min
3
+
4.56

Little Meg has a new classmate who looks different from the other children. Meg is curious why the girl has such strange eyes. However, her father has an explanation. Meg learns why all eyes are beautiful, even if they might be different.

Rumpel Stiltskin

Rumpel Stiltskin

8
 min
5
+
4.55

Children at school laugh at Rumpel because of his name - he sounds just like a famous fairy tale. But Rumpel decides to make the best of this disadvantage and let the children know their teasing doesn't bother him. In the end, it turns out that his ability to guess every name comes in really handy!

Johnny and the Talking Musical Notes

Johnny and the Talking Musical Notes

8
 min
5
+
4.53

Johnny is a talented pianist and likes to play, but when he has to play at a concert in front of a lot of people for the first time, he suddenly learns a completely new feeling: anxiety. In order for Johnny to deal with it, someone quite unexpected comes to his aid...

Jules on Wheels

Jules on Wheels

11
 min
5
+
4.52

Everyone likes Jules. He exudes positivity and a zest for life. However, some people don’t know how to treat him because Jules is in a wheelchair. One day, his good friend sees him in the park and introduces him to her cousin, who is initially confused — he’d never seen a wheelchair before. But that is easily explained. And soon the wheelchair becomes the focus of all the fun that day.

Little Blue

Little Blue

4
 min
5
+
4.43

What does it mean to feel blue, and what can we do if a feeling of sadness suddenly comes over us? This short story about a child’s temporary bout of the blues, shows us a way to interpret this and even overcome it.

The Magic Ball

The Magic Ball

9
 min
5
+
4.31

An old man with an odd hat has been watching a group of kids fighting for a while now. When the fight gets more serious, the ball rolls away from them and right towards the old man’s bench. And that’s exactly when the magic comes in to play. We are the only ones who are in control of our time and we decide how we spend it: whether on fighting, or on positive energy.

Princess Sunny

Princess Sunny

9
 min
3
+
4.23

Do you know how the freckles that adorn the faces of many of us came into being? You'll find out the reason in this story about Sunny. You'll read about how her freckled face was a reminder of a magical fruit, and how her parents were able to find her when she disappeared.

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.

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