Today is Empathy Day! We’re proud to have partnered with EmpathyLab to help develop empathy through books – encouraging everyone to read, share books, and put empathy into action. EmpathyLab has created a series of useful resources, guides, and activities for schools, libraries, and bookshops – and recommended No Ballet Shoes In Syria, by Catherine Bruton in the Read for Empathy collection. You can find out more on the EmpathyLab website, here.
And to celebrate Empathy Day, we’ve asked our staff to put on their Empathy Day Glasses and recommend some Nosy Crow books that encourage empathy.
Here are some Empathy Day recommendations from the Crow’s Nest:
The Suitcase, by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros
“This book is one of my favourites because it is so relevant to the world we live in right now. It tells a story about the importance of hope, kindness and friendship and shows us how a little bit of empathy can go a long way.” – Sophie Banks, Senior Production Executive
The Rabbit, the Dark and the Biscuit Tin, by Nicola O’Byrne
“The Rabbit, the Dark and the Biscuit Tin is a beautifully written and illustrated story which helps children understand the needs of others, and teaches them that the dark is actually very important… even to those who don’t like bedtime!” – Sophie Linneker, Design Assistant
Incredible Jobs You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of, illustrated by Natalie Labarre
“The last two months spent in the midst of a global pandemic has emphasised just how important every job and every individual’s role in society is. Through the introduction of weird and whacky professions, this books serves as a wonderfully funny and incredibly important reminder and celebration of that fact.” – Erin Murgatroyd, Rights Manager
Talking to the Moon, by S.E. Durrant
“S. E. Durrant is one of my favourite writers; she tackles topics that are real and difficult with a warmth and lightness which always leaves me feeling hopeful. If you love the seaside, this is the PERFECT read for you.” – Rebecca Mason, Publicity Manager
“Told from the point of view of Cosmo, a golden retriever that reminds me of my own labrador, this a moving family drama. I cried!” – Catherine Stokes, Head of Sales & Marketing
Baxter’s Book, by Hrefna Bragadottir
“Baxter’s Book is a lovely story about self-acceptance that I’ve read to my children many times. It helps children to understand the importance of being yourself and to like who you are.” – Stella Alekova, Financial Controller
When a Dragon Comes to Stay, written by Caryl Hart and illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw
“This is one of my favourite picture books! It teaches little ones about kindness, respect, and how to empathise with people who might look or act differently to you.” – Sam Payne, Digital Marketing Assistant
Earth Heroes, by Lily Dyu
“This book is not only very much needed In the current ‘climate’ but shows that empathy with action can literally change the world!” – Nur Ben-Hamida, Senior Contracts Executive
This Zoo is Not For You, by Ross Collins
“This is a fun book to read aloud, but also has an important moral undertone about understanding others who may be different to you – and that it is unkind to exclude them because they are.” – Imogen Blundell, Head of Operations
The Same But Different Too, written by Karl Newson and illustrated by Kate Hindley
“I’ve chosen The Same But Different Too by Karl Newson and Kate Hindley, which embraces, as the title suggests, what makes us similar and what makes us different with a delicious mix of warmth and wit.” – Kate Wilson, Managing Director
You can find out more about Empathy Day on the EmpathyLab website, here. What are your favourite books that encourage empathy?
