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10 Empathy Picture Books for Elementary Teachers in 2024

Reading aloud children’s picture books to your elementary students is a great way to introduce and teach empathy. Below is a list of our favorite picture books to teach this social emotional learning topic. They all lend themselves well to facilitating rich classroom discussions around empathy. Adrian Simcox Does Not Have a Horse, We’re All Wonders, A Chair for My Mother and Those Shoes are part of our empathy SEL Unit, which includes interactive read aloud lesson plans among tons of other resources for teaching empathy. Learn all about these empathy picture books below and how you can use them to teach empathy!

10 Empathy Picture Books

Below are 10 quality empathy children’s books for elementary teachers. Your kids will love these read alouds! They are great for teaching empathy, as well as many other concepts and skills.

1. Adrian Simcox Does Not Have a Horse by Marcy Campbell

Told from the perspective of a peer, we see Chloe get upset each time Adrian talks about having a horse since she knows he is lying. Her mom brings her to Adrian’s house, where she realizes how small and battered it is. The author teaches that understanding and empathy are key ingredients to friendship in this beautiful story. My Empathy SEL bundle includes an SEL lesson based on this picture book!

Adrian Simcox Does Not Have a Horse book coverWe're All Wonders book cover

2. We’re All Wonders by R.J. Palacio

This story is told from the point of view of a boy who gets made fun of for being different. The boy is unique, and he knows that he is a wonder. However, kids still hurt his feelings. When his feelings get hurt, he and his dog blast off into space and look at the Earth from a distance and admire all the different, unique people who live on Earth. This story will remind students that everyone is different, unique, and has feelings that can greatly be impacted by others. My Empathy SEL bundle includes an SEL lesson based on this picture book!

3. A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams

Rosa and her mother experienced a fire in their apartment. The community helped to support them, but they kept a jar for money to be saved. Their goal was to buy comfortable chairs and couches once it was full. By the end, the jar filled to the top and they were able to make their hope a reality. This beautiful story teaches us the importance of promoting empathy and support within our own communities. My Empathy SEL bundle includes an SEL lesson based on this picture book!

A Chair for My Mother book coverThose Shoes activity

4. Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts

Everyone in Jeremy’s class is getting new high-top sneakers, and he really wants a pair. His grandma says the new shoes are a want, not a need. Even though Jeremy is disappointed, he quickly changes his mindset when he gives a pair of shoes he loves to a friend in need. This story teaches readers about the difference between wants and needs, along with being empathetic for others. My Empathy SEL bundle includes an SEL lesson based on this picture book!

5. Watercress by Andrea Wang

The fifth on this list of empathy picture books is Watercress. This book tells the story of a girl traveling in a car, until her parents see watercress growing on the side of the road. She is annoyed, but they all pick and harvest to eat later that night. At the table, her family shares memories of people who have died during the famine in China. The girl, along with readers, will be reminded how important it is to empathize with others before rushing to judgment. Check out these Watercress activities!

Watercress book coverThe Boy With the Big Big Feelings book cover

6. The Boy with the Big, Big Feelings by Brittney Winn Lee

A little boy experiences feelings so deeply, that the feelings can come out of his fists and his eyes. One day on the playground, he sees a little girl who also experiences these feelings. They bond over their mutual emotions and learn that everyone feels happy, scared, afraid, and sad! Students can make connections between this character and other familiar characters in books, as well as their own experiences with managing emotions. Seeing these thoughts and feelings, students can empathize with the boy and girl from the story, remembering that these emotions are normal and we all experience them! Check out these The Boy with the Big, Big Feelings activities!

7. Owl Babies by Martin Waddell

One night, three baby owls wake up to find their mother is not there. Feeling nervous at first, the baby owls decide their mother must be out hunting. However, the longer they wait the more scared they feel. Finally, Owl Mother swoops down and comes home to her babies and they are relieved to have her home. Students can empathize with these feelings that the baby owls experience, and the relief they share when the mother owl comes home. Check out these Owl Babies activities!

Owl Babies book coverNerdy Birdy writing paper

8. Nerdy Birdy by Aaron Reynolds

This book tells the story of Nerdy Birdy, who has small wings and big glasses. Nerdy Birdy enjoys reading, video games, and reading about video games. He admires the other birds like eagles, cardinals and robins but they are not kind to him. Nerdy Birdy feels lonely, until he meets a friend that can empathize with him. This story reminds others that empathy and understanding each other can create meaningful friendships, which many students will relate to! Check out these Nerdy Birdy activities!

9. Imogene’s Antlers by David Small

No one can figure out why Imogene has grown antlers! We see that the maid and cook’s reactions to Imogene’s antlers are very different from her mother’s. Imogene’s mom fainted multiple times, and said that she needed to cover them with a hat. The staff encouraged Imogene to use them in fun ways. We are reminded that when we show empathy, people feel more comfortable and confident, allowing them to be their true selves! Check out these Imogene’s Antlers activities!

Imogene's Antlers book coverDiary of a Worm book and activity

10. Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin

This story follows the days of the worm through diary entries. The worm is just like human boys and girls. He has a best friend, goes to school, spends time with his family, and enjoys telling jokes and being silly. His mother teaches him about the Earth and how it provides everything that they need. As readers, students can empathize with the worm and make connections to his problems throughout the story. Check out these Diary of a Worm activities!

Integrated SEL and Literacy Activities

Below are some integrated SEL and literacy resources for elementary teachers.

SEL Unit

Our Empathy Unit, which is available individually or as part of a year-long SEL bundle, includes lessons for the first four books on this list. This unit is packed with lesson plans, teaching resources, games, and activities. Click an image below to either get this individual empathy unit or get ALL 30 SEL units!

Empathy SEL UnitSocial Emotional Learning Units Bundle
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SEL Book Companions

As I mentioned earlier, I love teaching SEL skills using picture books. That’s why I created the Starts With a Story Collection. High quality children’s literature supports elementary teachers in delivering meaningful and accessible SEL lessons. All of the read alouds on this list are part of this book companion collection. Check out the book companions below!

Adrian SimcoxWe're All WondersA Chair for My MotherThose Shoes book companionWatercress
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The Boy with the Big Big FeelingsOwl BabiesNerdy BirdyImogene's AntlersDiary of a Worm
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In closing, we hope you found this list of empathy picture books helpful! If you did, then you may also be interested in these posts:

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