What Is Empathy?: A Bullying Storybook for Kids, (Paperback)

“You can't make people feel empathy. You can only be kind and hope they learn from you,” Sofia is told in Amanda Morin's children's book, What is Empathy? A Bullying Storybook for Kids. ~ What ~ This fifty-page paperback targets children ages five to seven years old who enjoy books about relationships, especially when dealing with feelings. With no profanity or scary scenes, expressive illustrations are on almost every page. The ending includes the author and illustrator's biographies. This is a book about bullying, told from two different aspects. Sofia and Ava were best friends until one moved away and found a new friend. When school starts, both girls must deal with how their relationship has changed and why, especially because a third girl alters it with her bullying tactics. As the two girls grow further apart, they miss each other until they learn empathy can bring them together again. ~ Why ~ I love children's books that teach young ones, especially if they are about dealing with feelings being hurt, saying mean things to others, giving away secrets, and learning how to get along. The topic of bullying is well stated within the unique style of two different stories of each girl's viewpoint. With a six-year-old granddaughter who has dealt with a friend moving away and bullying, this was apropos to her situation and hopefully helped her. ~ Why Not ~ Some children will not like a tale about bullying, never considering they themselves may be the cause of discord. The book may be too hard to understand for some kindergarteners. Beginner readers may have trouble with some of the three- and four-syllable words. ~ Wish ~ I greatly appreciate this book that focuses on dealing with emotions. I wish a version of it containing boys would be available as it seems girls are often targeted as bullies when it is not always true. ~ Want ~ If you are looking for an excellent book that explains empathy from two aspects of a friendship, you will love giving this to a child who has been bullied. It may also help those children who are bullies so they can see how they are perceived. Adults who read it may be reminded to take a minute to think about other considerations in a hurtful situation. Thanks to Callisto Publisher's Club and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.