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
+
4.7

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 Bashful Doll

The Bashful Doll

9
 min
3
+
4.7

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 Unicorn Who Had a Secret

The Unicorn Who Had a Secret

11
 min
3
+
4.7

All the horses on the farm are pleased when a new friend arrives. Interestingly, the newbie is not an ordinary horse —  he’s a unicorn called Felix. Everyone likes him, and he’s immediately invited to join in their games. They all have enormous fun together. Indeed, Felix has a lovely character and gets along well with everyone. But he has a secret. Can you imagine what that secret might be? Let’s see if you’re right.

Here’s to the Ants!

Here’s to the Ants!

7
 min
5
+
4.69

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…

Appreciating Edith

Appreciating Edith

8
 min
5
+
4.66

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.

Friends from the Land of Eternal Winter

Friends from the Land of Eternal Winter

6
 min
3
+
4.63

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 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: 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!

Discovering the Emotions: Robots

Discovering the Emotions: Robots

6
 min
5
+
4.62

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 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 Rainbow-Loving Zebra

The Rainbow-Loving Zebra

8
 min
5
+
4.51

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.

Discovering the Emotions: Surprise

Discovering the Emotions: Surprise

9
 min
5
+
4.44

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.

The Halloween Pumpkin

The Halloween Pumpkin

10
 min
5
+
4.38

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: Anger

Discovering the Emotions: Anger

10
 min
5
+
4.36

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...

The Christmas Puppy

The Christmas Puppy

13
 min
5
+
4.97

The magic of Christmas is not hidden in many gifts, but in good deeds. One little puppy manages to melt the hearts of two adults, who until then hadn’t wanted to complicate life with a new family member, and especially not one like a dog, which as we all know can create be quite messy…

Tracking Love Down

Tracking Love Down

7
 min
5
+
4.9

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
+
4.88

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.

Paul the Pebble

Paul the Pebble

11
 min
5
+
4.88

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.