Handbooks for Little Humans: Compassion by Zanni Louise. Illus. by Kim Drane

Compassion is imagining how someone else feels and wanting to help them.

This simple yet powerful sentence sums up this delightful first book in a new series for young children. With the title Handbooks for Little Humans, this first smallish picture book about compassion is an easy to follow resource to guide both adults and children in engaging in meaningful conversations about things that are important in daily life.

Beginning with examples of what compassion might be and then flowing onto what does compassion feel like, the accompanying vibrant illustrations, diagrams and graphic-style images will help reinforce the ideas being discussed. It is important to note that the feeling of compassion can be different from one person to the next.

Ideas for discussion and examples are given throughout the book that young readers will be able to relate to. These include walking around in someone’s shoes, how to show compassion, as well as asking for help from a trusted grown-up. There is valuable insight about self-compassion that is gently shared plus an opportunity to reflect on what has been learnt about compassion.

Early years educators and parents will find this book about compassion a valuable tool that will support emotional literacy both in the classroom and at home. The second book in the series Handbooks for Little Humans: Confidence is due out late November 2025. Two further books in the series will be released in 2026: Handbooks for Little Humans: Integrity and Handbooks for Little Humans: Inclusion.

A fabulous resource for home, school and public libraries.

Themes: Survival Guide, Purposeful Conversations, Compassion, Conversations, Support, Feelings, Relationships, Emotional Literacy.

Kathryn Beilby