Compassion

By  Zanni Louise & Kim Drane

Reviewed by Margarite Igras

Australian author Zanni Louis has written over forty books spanning all ages from picture books to teen fiction. This is the first in a new series called Handbooks for Little Humans, a picture book designed to guide meaningful conversations between adults and children. The Handbooks for Little Humans: Compassion, explores the language, feelings and behaviour associated with imagining how someone else feels and wanting to help them.  Together with some inclusive and playful illustrations the book it is well aimed at four- to eight-year-old children.

The cover illustration is eye-catching and the pages that follow, are arranged into simple headings with questions and answers. Compassion is not just a word, it is a connection of thoughts, feelings, and behaviour, including self-care. We feel compassion in our bodies when we have a sinking heart, or watery eyes. Donating or sharing is behaviour that can make us feel good and asking for help from a trusting grownup when not sure what to do, is okay.

Kim Drane has used vivid colours to depict clear and inclusive imagery, as well as a variety of visual effects, from comic strips, to cameo scenes, charts, and diagrams. The bright headings and visually supported text can be easily understood by the reader.

This is a well- written book, providing emotional literacy, safe and kid friendly illustrations and many opportunities for further discussion. A useful book for home and school, and even in a therapy session, empowering children to look after each other, recognising how others feel, and acting with kindness and compassion.

Affirm Kids 2025

Zanni Louise

Kim Drane