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.

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…

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 Kind Knight With the Golden Cloak

The Kind Knight With the Golden Cloak

6
 min
5
+
4.66

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 Spiders in the Music Cabinet

The Spiders in the Music Cabinet

15
 min
5
+
4.65

In an abandoned house live two little spiders who want nothing better than to be left alone. They don’t like change, and they can’t stand noise. But one day, their peace is disturbed by the house’s new occupants. Find out how they get along with their new housemates in this tale that will teach you about the beauty of music and how it can affect and enchant us.

The Masquerade Ball

The Masquerade Ball

12
 min
5
+
4.65

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?

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.

The Bashful Doll

The Bashful Doll

9
 min
3
+
4.63

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: Joy

Discovering the Emotions: Joy

6
 min
5
+
4.61

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!

The Noble Tower Crane

The Noble Tower Crane

9
 min
3
+
4.6

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…

Discovering the Emotions: Robots

Discovering the Emotions: Robots

6
 min
5
+
4.59

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 Rainbow-Loving Zebra

The Rainbow-Loving Zebra

8
 min
5
+
4.54

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
+
4.53

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
+
4.48

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
+
4.41

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
+
4.9

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
+
4.89

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
+
4.89

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.

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.