A selection of children's books that include themes of empathy. They sit on a light red background with a large red shape which features a star pattern inside it.

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Children's reading lists

17 books that demonstrate empathy

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Features

A day in the life of author and illustrator Sophy Henn

Ladybird Readers Level 1 - Pom Pom is Grumpy (ELT Graded Reader)

Ladybird Readers is an ELT graded reader series for children aged 3­-11 learning English as a foreign or second language. The series includes traditional tales, favourite characters, modern stories and non-fiction. Written by experts, it uses proven methods to help children learn English and grasp key grammar and vocabulary points. 
 <ul><li>Perfect for learning English in school or at home</li><li>Develops reading, writing, speaking, listening and critical thinking skills</li><li>Features much-loved characters and authors such as Peter Rabbit, Peppa Pig, Roald Dahl and Eric Carle </li><li>Eight levels follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR)</li><li>Language activities in every book provide preparation for the Cambridge English Pre-A1 to A2 (YLE) tests</li><li>Features free online resources including audio, answer keys, lesson plans and tips for parents</li></ul>Pom Pom is Grumpy, a Level 1 Reader, is Pre-A1 in the CEFR framework and includes practice for the Cambridge English Pre-A1 Starters tests. Short sentences contain a maximum of two clauses, using the present tense and some simple adjectives. 
 
One morning, Pom Pom wakes up, and he is VERY grumpy. He does not play with his friends, because he is too grumpy! 
 
Visit the Ladybird Education website for more information.

Sophy Henn (Author) 
Sophy Henn lives and works in Sussex, England. 
She studied Fashion at Central Saint Martins, accidentally had a London-based career as an Art Director in advertising, then completed an MA at University of Brighton in Illustration. Now she writes and illustrates children's books in her studio, with a large cup of tea by her side, and can't quite believe her luck. 
Where Bear?, her first book, was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize in 2015. She is also the World Book Day Illustrator for 2015 and 2016. 
 
Ladybird (Author) 
We make growing up the best story ever! Here at Ladybird, we publish books to inspire curious minds. From first words to fluency, we're here for young readers at every step. As the home of Read it yourself, Ladybird Readers and First Words with Peppa, we guide learners from one story to the next - sparking plenty of smiles along the way.

Ladybird Readers is an ELT graded reader series for children learning English as a foreign or second language. The series includes traditional tales, favourite characters, modern stories and non-fiction - featuring Spot, Peppa Pig and Peter Rabbit and classic authors such as Roald Dahl. 
 
Recommended for children aged 3-11, the eight levels of Ladybird Readers follow the CEFR framework(Pre-A1 to A2+) and include extra learning activities that develop key skills and provide preparation for the Cambridge English tests. Each book is Lexile measured and introduces key vocabulary and character names at the start of each reader. The books are written by language learning experts and include access to online audio, supplementary activities and learning resources including role plays, phrase cards and lesson plans. 
 
This Level 1 Reader is Pre-A1 in the CEFR framework and includes practice for the Cambridge English Pre-A1 Starters tests. Short sentences contain a maximum of two clauses, using the present tense and some simple adjectives. 
 
One morning, Pom Pom wakes up, and he is VERY grumpy. He does not play with his friends, because he is too grumpy!

Ladybird Readers Level 2 - Pom Pom the Winner (ELT Graded Reader)

Ladybird Readers is an ELT graded reader series for children aged 3­-11 learning English as a foreign or second language. The series includes traditional tales, favourite characters, modern stories and non-fiction. Written by experts, it uses proven methods to help children learn English and grasp key grammar and vocabulary points. 
<ul><li>Perfect for learning English in school or at home</li><li>Develops reading, writing, speaking, listening and critical thinking skills</li><li>Features much-loved characters and authors such as Peter Rabbit, Peppa Pig, Roald Dahl and Eric Carle </li><li>Eight levels follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR)</li><li>Language activities in every book provide preparation for the Cambridge English Pre-A1 to A2 (YLE) tests</li><li>Features free online resources including audio, answer keys, lesson plans and tips for parents</li></ul>Pom Pom the Winner, a Level 2 Reader, is A1 in the CEFR framework and includes practice for the Cambridge English A1 Movers tests. Short sentences contain a maximum of two clauses, introducing the past tense and some simple adverbs. 
 
Pompom likes being the winner! When Pompom's friends are the winners, Pompom is not happy. 
 
Visit the Ladybird Education website for more information.

Ladybird Readers is an ELT graded reader series for children learning English as a foreign or second language. The series includes traditional tales, favourite characters, modern stories and non-fiction - featuring Spot, Peppa Pig and Peter Rabbit and classic authors such as Roald Dahl. 
 
Recommended for children aged 3-11, the eight levels of Ladybird Readers follow the CEFR framework(Pre-A1 to A2+) and include extra learning activities that develop key skills and provide preparation for the Cambridge English tests. Each book is Lexile measured and introduces key vocabulary and character names at the start of each reader. The books are written by language learning experts and include access to online audio, supplementary activities and learning resources including role plays, phrase cards and lesson plans. 
 
This Level 2 Readeris A1 in the CEFR framework and includes practice for the Cambridge English A1 Movers tests. Short sentences contain a maximum of two clauses, introducing the past tense and some simple adverbs. 
 
Pompom likes being the winner! When Pompom's friends are the winners, Pompom is not happy.

Almost Anything

George can't roller-skate, George can't paint, and George most certainly can't dance! 
 
But Bear is very wise. She thinks that, with a little help, George can do all these things - and more! 
 
And, luckily for George, Bear has just a little magic to help . . . 
 
An empowering book about the power of self-belief from picture-book star, Sophy Henn.

A gentle message of empowerment with an appealing coterie of woodland pals; look out for the legwarmer-loving hedgehogs.

Sophy's books are in their simplest form an utter delight. They should be on the bookshelves of every family everywhere. Pom Pom is part of my children's childhood now and Pass It On is in our minds a gentle masterpiece. She has an immense talent with beautiful and original ideas. Lucky children.

This is a beautifully illustrated story of self-belief, perfect for encouraging little ones to try new things.

Henn invests a flat graphic design style with emotion and cuteness.

A gorgeous picture book that is perfect for sharing this spring.

Sophy Henn (Author, Illustrator) 
 Sophy Henn lives and works in Sussex, England. 
She studied Fashion at Central Saint Martins, accidentally had a London-based career as an Art Director in advertising, then completed an MA at University of Brighton in Illustration. Now she writes and illustrates children's books in her studio, with a large cup of tea by her side, and can't quite believe her luck. 
Where Bear?, her first book, was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize in 2015. She is also the World Book Day Illustrator for 2015 and 2016.

George can't roller-skate, George can't paint, and George most certainly can't dance! 
 
But Bear thinks that, with a little help, George can do all these things - and more! And, luckily for George, Bear has just a little magic to help . . . 
 
An empowering book about the power of self-belief from rising picture-book star, Sophy Henn.

Edie

Sophy Henn lives and works in Sussex, England. 
She studied Fashion at Central Saint Martins, accidentally had a London-based career as an Art Director in advertising, then completed an MA at University of Brighton in Illustration. Now she writes and illustrates children's books in her studio, with a large cup of tea by her side, and can't quite believe her luck. 
Where Bear?, her first book, was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize in 2015. She is also the World Book Day Illustrator for 2015 and 2016.

Hello! My name is Edie. I am EVER so helpful. 
 
In fact I think helping is one of the things i am best at. 
 
Edie certainly is a very good helper, whether it's helping Mummy wake up bright and early, helping Daddy to get everything at the shops or helping her little brother with sharing and knowing what's what. 
 
Sophy Henn's Edie is a stunning and stylish picture book that will be instantly familiar to parents and small children

Pom Pom is Super

Pom Pom was excited. So excited . . . all his friends were coming round to play and he couldn't wait! 
 
And when they arrive in superhero costumes, Pom Pom thinks he might quite like to be super too. There's just one problem: Pom Pom isn't exactly sure what he's super AT. 
 
This is a sweet and funny story all about finding your talents, that will strike a chord with parents and young children alike.

Pass It On

A joyful and uplifting picture book about finding happiness in the smallest of things, from picture book star Sophy Henn - World Book Day illustrator and shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize.

a joy of a book...the simple text and refrain work beautifully in urging readers to celebrate and share the joys and everyday discoveries that life brings

A joyful and uplifting picture book about finding happiness in the  smallest of things, from picture book star Sophy Henn - World Book Day  illustrator and shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize.

Sophy Henn

I've known you since you started. 
I've seen a thing or two . . . 
. . . or three or four or five or six! 
In fact, I've seen a few . . . 
 
Sometimes we are loud, sometimes we are quite, sometimes bold and clanky, sometimes soft and cuddly. Sophy Henn celebrates all the different, extraordinary and sometimes contradictory things we are in this joyful and colourful rhyming picture book. Perfect to read aloud - and then read again, and again!

Sophy Henn

Books by Sophy Henn

Articles featuring Sophy Henn

17 books that demonstrate empathy

A day in the life of author and illustrator Sophy Henn

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