Looking for the perfect picture book to inspire empathy in kids?

Picture books are a powerful way to help young readers understand and feel compassion for others. These stories bring emotions to life, allowing children to see the world from different perspectives and learn the importance of kindness and understanding.

As a 3rd-grade teacher, I know how impactful it is to find resources that make complex ideas like empathy relatable and engaging. These picture books support your students’ journey in understanding empathy, whether they’re just starting to explore it or need a gentle reminder about the value of putting themselves in someone else’s shoes.

The List of Picture Books to Teach Empathy

Each Kindness

You’ll probably see this book is literally every list of picture books to teach empathy – this one is powerful and makes me cry every time. Each Kindness is such a heartfelt story that really gets kids thinking about kindness and how their actions affect others. In the book, Chloe misses a chance to befriend Maya, a new girl who just wants to belong. When Maya leaves, Chloe realizes she can’t go back and change things, and she learns how important it is to show kindness when we have the chance. It’s a powerful message that sticks with kids and gets them talking about empathy in a way they understand.

When I read this with my class, the kids really connect with the story, and it sparks real, honest discussions about how we treat each other. It’s a gentle way to remind them that every little act of kindness matters and that we never know how much it might mean to someone else.

Suggested Use in a Social-Emotional Lesson:
After reading, I like to ask the students to share ideas for how they can show kindness to others—things as simple as inviting someone to play or saying something nice. We even started a “kindness chain” in class, adding a link each time someone notices or does a kind act. It’s a fun, hands-on way to help them see how their actions can create a supportive classroom where everyone feels valued.

Check it out HERE.

Hey, Little Ant

Hey, Little Ant is a super relatable story that gets kids thinking about empathy from a totally different angle! It’s about a boy who finds an ant and has to decide whether or not to squish it. The ant, surprisingly, talks back and tries to convince the boy to spare his life, explaining his own tiny world and why he matters. The story ends with the question, “What do you think that kid should do?” leaving it up to the reader to decide.

When I read this with my class, they get so into it! It’s a simple, playful way to get kids talking about empathy and understanding someone else’s perspective—even if it’s just an ant. They love debating whether or not the boy should squish the ant, and it’s amazing to see them start to think more deeply about other points of view.

Suggested Use in a Social-Emotional Lesson:
For a follow-up activity, I ask my students to draw or write about a time they had to make a choice about being kind or considering someone else’s feelings. Then, we share our thoughts and talk about why it’s important to “walk in someone else’s shoes.” It’s such a fun, hands-on way to help them practice empathy and think about their actions!

Check it out HERE.

Maddi’s Fridge

Maddi’s Fridge is a heartwarming story that gently introduces kids to the idea of empathy and helping others. It follows two friends, Sofia and Maddi. When Sofia finds out that Maddi’s family doesn’t have enough food at home, she feels torn between keeping Maddi’s secret and finding a way to help her friend. It’s a story about friendship, compassion, and learning that sometimes it’s okay to ask for help.

The kids really connect with the characters, and it opens up a caring discussion about empathy and looking out for each other. The story helps them understand that not everyone’s circumstances are the same and that, as friends, they can be there to support one another in different ways.

Suggested Use in a Social-Emotional Lesson:
After reading, I have the students brainstorm ways to help others, like sharing, being a good listener, or even finding small ways to help in their community. We talk about why it’s important to notice when someone might need a friend’s support. Sometimes we even make kindness cards to remind each other that we’re here for one another, building a sense of community in the classroom.

Check it out HERE.

The Invisible Boy

The Invisible Boy is a touching story about a boy named Brian, who feels unnoticed and left out. No one seems to see him—until a new student named Justin arrives. Justin reaches out to Brian, and suddenly, Brian begins to feel more included and valued. This story beautifully illustrates how small acts of kindness can make a huge difference and how everyone deserves to feel seen and included.

This book is a wonderful way to help kids think about empathy and the power of simply reaching out to someone who might be feeling left out. It encourages them to reflect on how their actions affect others and shows how a little kindness can help someone feel like they truly belong.

Suggested Use in a Social-Emotional Lesson:
For an activity, students can write or draw about a time they felt left out or a time they included someone who was on their own. Then, we discuss ways to make sure everyone feels included at school. A great follow-up is creating an “inclusion pledge” as a class, with each student promising to look out for others and help everyone feel like part of the group. It’s a simple but impactful way to reinforce empathy and build a strong, caring community.

Check it out HERE.

Need A Resource on Kindness?

I have the perfect resource to complement your gratitude read-alouds—a collaborative kindness coloring poster! After reading stories that explore empathy, students can work together on this poster to reinforce how understanding others leads to acts of kindness. As each student contributes their piece, they’ll see how their individual efforts create a unified, positive outcome. This hands-on activity brings the lessons of empathy to life, encouraging students to express understanding and kindness toward one another in a meaningful way.

• Check it out HERE

I hope this list of picture books brings a little extra warmth and empathy to your classroom this season. Teaching kids about empathy can be challenging, but with these engaging stories, we can make the concept stick in a fun and memorable way.

If you have any favorite books or activities for inspiring empathy, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Let’s keep supporting one another as we help our students grow into kind, understanding individuals. We’ve got this!

Don’t forget to check out my blog post on how to bring gratitude into the classroom using picture books HERE!

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