Creating Empathy in a Children’s Book

Empathy is a key factor in a children’s book.

Why should we care about the character or what happens to him/her?

The character should resonate in our hearts the same way a great song does.

Here are some ways to create empathy in a children’s book and some examples that I have added (you can do better.)

Thank you to Brandilyn Collins at https://jerryjenkins.com/create-character-empathy/

1. Perhaps your characters displays a valued characteristic such as loyalty, love, or courage. Put it right at the beginning.

Everyone was afraid of Rex the bulldog. Everyone except for Madeleine. 

2. Perhaps your character is particularly good at something. – Show us what it is.

Susan could draw anything. Even monsters. Especially monsters.

3. Treated in an unjust or mean fashion.

Children at camp picked on Jeremy because he was from out of town.

4. Wishing for something universally understood, such as love, purpose, friendship.

Cynthia dreamed of having a friend.

5. Thrust into danger. – Either by nature, misfortune, or someone.

One day, the lion came to visit. Knock, knock, knock. 

6. Thrust into grief – make sure first that we know a little bit about the character.

Freda had only one brother and when he became sick with tuberculosis, she became sick with grief.

7. Caring for others, especially at a cost to oneself.

Even though Ethel was hungry, she still gave the bread to her younger sisters.

8. Unique, attention-getting, unusual. This works best in combination with other traits.

Jennifer answered in perfect Arabic. How did she know Arabic? 

9. Attempting to overcome a fear or to make a change.

“I have come to help fight the hyenas,” said the old wildebeest.

10. Facing an inner struggle.

No one was looking. The purse was still there. Should she take the money?

more:

Create sympathy

suffering from undeserved misfortune.

Put the character in jeopardy

life threatening, risk of exposure, embarrassment, or loss of something important.

Make the character likeable

• Show them as kind and good hearted
• Show them as well liked by others
• Make them funny

Make the character highly skilled

Show the character in touch with their own power

• Power over other people
• Power to do what needs to be done
• Power to express one’s feelings regardless of other’s opinions
• Superpowers

-but nevertheless, with a common touch

Place the character in a familiar setting

Give the character flaws and foibles

In Hebrew:

Thank you for reading my book!

Read more about me and see ALL my books on Ourboox (I have many)

Or even better, create a book of your own!!!

www.ourboox.com

You can always write me here >>

[email protected]