‘I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear' Martin Luther King

To celebrate Martin Luther King Day I have selected some beautiful children’s books that demonstrate love and empathy. Developing compassion and understanding of others feelings is so very important and should be fostered and nurtured at every possible opportunity, so here are a few book ideas to help for younger children.

A Thank You Walk, Nancy Loewen and Hazel Quintanilla

Duke's Tail wag-wag-wags. "He's telling us thank you for walking him," says Mummy.

A wonderful introduction for children to develop the idea of gratitude. A unique series of board books which responds to recent research that we can and should introduce emotional qualities to children as young as one year old. It provides parents and educators with the tools they need to engage with emotional intelligence during these early years.

I Am Human: A Book of Empathy, Susan Verde, Peter H. Reynolds

I Am Human shows that it’s okay to make mistakes while also emphasising the power of good choices by offering a kind word or smile or by saying “I’m sorry.” At its heart, this picture book is a celebration of empathy and compassion that lifts the flawed fullness of humanity and encourages children to see themselves as part of one big imperfect family.

A wonderful book that you are never ever to old for, and a great reminder of how we all make mistakes and yet we have the ability to say ‘I’m sorry’.

What Can a Citizen Do? Dave Eggers, Shawn Harris

I am rather interested in anything written by Dave Eggers, I find his work to be so intuitive and perceptive, so I was excited about this title and it is superb. The clear message for young readers is that citizens are made by helping others, you are not born a citizen, you become one and it doesn’t always happen when someone is watching! Packed with lots of positive ideas on how we can all be citizens and encouragement to think about how readers can contribute.

Last Stop on Market Street Matt De La Peña, Christian Robinson

There are so many parts to this story that should be celebrated. A truly touching story of a young boy on a bus ride through the city with his Nana. He spends the journey longing for the things he does not have and wishes he had but Nana beautifully shows him the beauty and joy of what he does have and the opportunity those things provide him with. I also adore the heart-warming bond between the two different generations reminding us how we can all learn from and appreciate our elders.

To buy these books or to get more book ideas feel free to get in touch.