Compassionate Kids - Recommended Books


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CompassionateKids.com are compassionate about the Earth, People and Animals.

Recommended Books / Other Media
Please contact us to submit a book to be reviewed.

Many of the books and media recommended below touch on compassion in more than one area. Be sure to check all the recommendations to find the items of most interest to you. If you purchase any of these items by following these links to Amazon.com, a small part of the purchase price will benefit Compassionate Kids.

Earth | People | Animals | General

EARTH

Dear Children of the Earth
By Schim Schimmel

Written as a letter from Mother Earth to her children, this touching book contains exquisite paintings on every page. Winner of the Children's Book of the Year award from The Izaak Walton League of America, this book is a must for all environmentally-conscious families.

Discover the Seasons
By Diane Iverson

This beautifully illustrated book uses vivid language to describe elements of the changing seasons. With the addition of informative side notes and seasonal crafts and activities, this book goes beyond most children's story books.

Earth Child 2000
By Kathryn Sheehan and Mary Waidner, PH.D

This is an exceptional book for all professional educators, home educators, and parents who are interested in promoting compassion and connection towards the Earth. Over 400 pages of delightful activities, discussion topics, recommended books, teacher's guide, and more. A must have! Also touches on compassion towards people and animals.

Just a Dream
Written & Illustrated By Chris Van Allsburg

Beautifully illustrated, thought-provoking story about a boy who cares more about robots in the imaginary future than about recycling or planting trees. In his dreams, he takes a trip to the future and finds environmental disaster. A positive shift in his attitude changes his next futuristic dream-journey into a beautiful happy ending.

Our Big Home
Written By Linda Glaser
Illustrated by Elisa Kleven

Inspiring "Earth Poem" uses exquisite descriptions and verse to foster a connection to all of earth's elements and entities. The beautiful, colorful artwork is so detailed, kids will love finding secret treasures such as a flock of multi-colored birds nestled in tiny distant tree.

Sacred Planet
Documentary DVD by Walt Disney

This stunning film is a 47 minute visual journey around the Earth that shares impressive artistic scenes along with wisdom from indigenous people. Originally filmed for IMAX, the remarkable footage is an immersive experience, not your typical Disney fare. Fans of the outstanding film, Baraka (geared towards adults, but also highly recommended), will note many similarities, without the heaviness that could be inappropriate for very young children. Indeed, Sacred Planet can be thoroughly enjoyed by the whole family.

This is Our Earth
Written By Laura Lee Benson
Art by John Carrozza

PEOPLE

A Life Like Mine
By Unicef

This book gives a good feel for the lives of children around the world by using lots of evocative photos. The many details offered of the children's lives make this book a little more sophisticated than those geared for very young children.

Children Around the World
By Donata Montanari

This book offers a light introduction to different cultures around the world. Includes colorful paper-craft type illustrations.

Don't Laugh At Me
Written By Steve Seskin & Allen Shamblin
Illustrated By Glin Dibley

Poignant children's book comes with CD of moving song written in the perspective of people on the receiving end of stares and laughter from others. The very memorable and impressive song and book combo inspired Operation Respect, a non-profit organization (see our links page) to further enhance the impact of this movement.

Old Turtle
Written By Douglas Wood
Watercolors By Cheng-Khee Chee

Award-winning book with exquisite watercolor illustrations teaches tolerance of differing religious viewpoints. In an ancient world, the breeze, the stone, the mountain, and various other natural or animal elements argue over their differing definitions of God. A wise old turtle puts and end to the argument with an eloquent, inspiring, all-encompassing viewpoint. Then the Earth is inhabited by many different people of many different cultures and religious viewpoints. Their arguments cause great destruction. Finally, the natural elements speak the turtle's ancient wisdom of religious inclusion, and harmony follows.

A Rainbow of Friends
By P.K. Hallinan

This simple, colorful book carries a lovely sentiment and charming illustrations of children getting along and playing nicely, regardless of color, personality, physical handicaps, etc.

Say Something
Written By Peggy Moss
Illustrated By Lea Lyon

Helps children understand the bullying issue by showing a girl who was sympathetic, yet did nothing to help those being bullied. Then she experiences others bullying her and is inspired to help others in the future. Simple, empathy-inducing story is followed up by coaching on actual actions children can take when faced with bullying.

The Story of Ruby Bridges
By Robert Coles
Illustrated by George Ford

The story of school integration in Louisiana in the 1960 focuses on the perspective of little Ruby Bridges, an African-American girl who endured months of hostility from segregationists. This book is a good tool for discussing related historical events and race relations.

World Party
Music CD by Various Artists

This CD is filled with fun, upbeat children's songs from around the world. The cool, dance-worthy songs have everyone's feet tapping. It's a great aide to cultural appreciation.

We Can Get Along
By Lauren Murphy Payne, M.S.W.

This enjoyable book helps children think about how they like to be treated and how to make an effort to treat others well. Touching on concepts like making good choices when you have differences with others, this book helps children develop positive behavior.

Whoever You Are
Written By Mem Fox
Illustrated by Leslie Staub

This is one of our favorite books! It shows different cultures and touches on how we are all the same inside.

ANIMALS

Cows Are Vegetarian
Written By Ann Bradley
Illustrated By Elise Huffman

Ideal for vegetarian children and children interested in learning more about vegetarianism. Explains how the rain forests are destroyed for the meat industry. Touches on dealing with carnivorous friends and relatives. Attractive black and white illustrations.

Dr. White
Written By Jane Goodall
Illustrated By Julie Litty

This heartwarming tale of pet-assisted-therapy in a children's hospital in London is based on a true story. The watercolor illustrations are enchanting.

Making Kind Choices
By Ingrid Newkirk

This book is great for teens and adults who are interested in learning about "everyday ways to enhance your life through Earth- and animal-friendly living." Although it touches on compassion towards the Earth and people, the most value is in the area of helping to prevent cruelty to animals. This distinction is well-earned, as the book was written by the founder of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. This thought-provoking book simplifies some serious subjects by offering simple actions and tons of resources. Highly recommended.

Stray Dog
By Reiko Sassa

This is a sweet book about a family that rescues a stray dog. Based on a true story, this simple book is heartwarming. It just softly touches on the idea of homeless pets and what their life is like, effectively leaving any deeper discussion to the reader's discretion.

A Turkey for Thanksgiving
By Eve Bunting
Illustrated by Diane de Groat

This charming book tells of a group of animal friends seeking a turkey for Thanksgiving. The turkey is fearful and only discovers at the end of the book that he is a guest rather than the meal. All children will likely find this story amusing, while vegetarian children will see a deeper meaning.

'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving
Written & Illustrated By Dav Pilkey

Using the rhyming patterns of the old Christmas classic, this adorable book combines cute images with a lighthearted vegetarian message.

Wonderful Nature, Wonderful You
By Karin Ireland
Illustrated by Christopher Canyon

This interesting book combines animal facts with life philosophies and encouragement for children. It has a lot to offer!

GENERAL

Chicken Soup for the Soul The Book of Christmas Virtues: Inspirational Stories to Warm the Heart
by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Carol Rehme

This five-star book of heartwarming stories with a Holiday slant focuses on Joy, Simplicity, Love, Kindness, and Gratitude.

This book references Compassionate Kids on page 83.

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