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.

How the Sunshine Made Friends with the Rain

How the Sunshine Made Friends with the Rain

6
 min
3
+
4.7

Annette is grumpy, because it is going to rain all week while she is on holiday with her family. But on the way to the campsite she learns some new things about why rain is important. And then she sees something magical in the sky! Read this story to find out what it was.

The Ladybird With One Spot Missing

The Ladybird With One Spot Missing

11
 min
5
+
4.7

Leonora is different from the other ladybirds in her village — she was born with six spots instead of seven. Some of the others mocked her for this, even though it was simply her natural appearance. But gradually, their attitudes changed. Let’s read the story and find out how Leonora dealt with this difference of hers.

Shizuko the Sea Creature

Shizuko the Sea Creature

13
 min
5
+
4.69

In this underwater story, you will learn about a special fish with a meaningful name. And besides hearing about the wonders of the underwater world and about interesting four-toothed creatures, you will also discover some ways to manage boredom.

The Candle That Saved Christmas

The Candle That Saved Christmas

8
 min
3
+
4.68

Christmas is coming, and all the decorations are looking forward to it – there are sparklers, baubles and angels. There is also a little old candle who is too small and not fancy enough for the others to want to be friends with her. Until something happens that means they all need her help… this story was written for you by our young reader Anička. This is one of the three winning stories in our winter writing competition in Slovakia, winner in the “Creative writing” category.

The Kind Knight With the Golden Cloak

The Kind Knight With the Golden Cloak

6
 min
5
+
4.68

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.

The Masquerade Ball

The Masquerade Ball

12
 min
5
+
4.68

Dennis, a model and well-behaved pupil, is very much looking forward to the school masquerade. He disguises himself so well that none of the children recognise him. And so he discovers that suddenly he doesn't have to be polite or good. After all, no one can see him. But is this really true?

The Unicorn Who Had a Secret

The Unicorn Who Had a Secret

11
 min
3
+
4.68

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.

The Bashful Doll

The Bashful Doll

9
 min
3
+
4.65

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!

Discovering the Emotions: Surprise

Discovering the Emotions: Surprise

9
 min
5
+
4.65

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.

Friends from the Land of Eternal Winter

Friends from the Land of Eternal Winter

6
 min
3
+
4.64

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.

Discovering the Emotions: Joy

Discovering the Emotions: Joy

6
 min
5
+
4.64

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
+
4.64

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
+
4.6

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.

The Halloween Pumpkin

The Halloween Pumpkin

10
 min
5
+
4.57

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
+
4.46

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...

Tracking Love Down

Tracking Love Down

7
 min
5
+
4.88

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!

The Christmas Puppy

The Christmas Puppy

13
 min
5
+
4.87

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…

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.