“Unfortunately, children often experience a lack of empathy for their differences, both among their peers and among the adults in their lives. Empathy is a learned skill; it can, and should, be taught. These four children’s books about empathy are excellent ways to introduce empathy skills and an appreciation for everyone’s differences.”
My favorite of the recommendations is actually a set of three board books that feature gorgeous photographs of inclusive families and children of all types and abilities. “The Families book portrays LGBTQ+ families, grandparents, and families of many races. Hair celebrates all the various shapes and places and ways hair can be. On-the-Go, pictured here, is a powerful visual celebration of all the ways our bodies can move, and all the different apparatuses that can get us there. At only 14 pages each, and just the right size for tiny hands, these books are great for toddlers and preschool classrooms. On-the-Go can also be paired with this diverse abilities figure set to extend the visual normalization of disability through play. Teaching acceptance and empathy can begin at any age, and the best way to begin for babies and toddlers is through exposure.”