Five children's books that teach kindness and empathy
Chumki and the Elephants by Lesley Biswas.
Elephants have long memories, but can they help someone remember things? Chumki's Dadi Maa has been forgetting many things lately — people, their names, and, sometimes, even her way back home. Then, one day, something unexpected happens: elephants escape from a nearby reserve. Could this unusual event turn out to be an unexpected boon and help Dadi remember? This story sensitively explores a serious subject like Alzheimer's with minimalist yet quirky illustrations by Anupama Ajinkye Apte and reflects the grandchildren's caring attitude towards their grandmother, while she struggles with forgetfulness.
Woof!: Adventures By the Sea by Aparna Karthikeyan
Told from the perspective of Shingmo, a puppy, this story follows a group of beach dogs who look after each other. The humans in the story are just as caring, creating a world where kindness extends beyond species. This unique perspective could help one develop empathy for animals and appreciate the bonds that connect all living beings. The illustrations by Sagar Kolwankar are minimalist but expressive.
Mambi and the Forest Fire by Nandana Sen
A shy little monkey who adores her jungle friends wonders if she could fly like Koko the crow or swim like Tonga the turtle. One day, a terrifying danger threatens the forest. Can the little monkey with a big smile and twinkling eyes save her friends? With delightful illustrations by Saskia Pekelharing, this story about conquering one's fears to help others also talks about courage, teamwork, and selflessness.
The Fantastic Freewheeler: Sixth-Grade Superhero! by Molly Felder
'You can say disability, it's not a bad word,' Drew says. A fun and inspiring story about Drew, a boy with cerebral palsy, shows that strength isn't just physical, but also about resilience and kindness. Drew is wheelchair-bound because of his condition, but it doesn't diminish his optimism and friendliness. The book, which also features aliens and bright bold illustrations by Scott Brown, helps one understand the daily experiences of someone with a disability, fostering empathy and inclusion.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Bruce Willis can no longer speak, read, or walk? Here's what his family really said — Complete truth
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Bruce Willis Health: A Timeline of Decline Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What Is Frontotemporal Dementia? Behavioral: Apathy, poor judgment, socially inappropriate behavior, neglect of hygiene Language: Difficulty in understanding or forming language, word-finding issues, sentence construction errors Motor: Muscle weakness, tremors, difficulty walking, laughing or crying inappropriately Family Shares emotional health updates Distinguishing Fact From Fiction Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Bruce Willis' family makes people aware of FTD FAQs What health condition has Bruce Willis been diagnosed with? How has Bruce Willis' condition impacted his daily life? Renowned for redefining action cinema through classics like Die Hard, Bruce Willis, now 70, is reportedly grappling with the severe progression of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). While alarming reports have surfaced suggesting the actor can no longer speak, walk, or recall his iconic career, his family has offered a more nuanced and heartfelt account of his speculation, largely fueled by social media and tabloid whispers, suggests total cognitive and physical decline. However, the Willis family, including wife Emma Heming Willis and daughters Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah, has not explicitly confirmed such extreme deterioration, as mentioned in reports by The Express Tribune and Gulf News. Their updates, though emotionally charged, aim to raise awareness about FTD and preserve the dignity of the Hollywood March 2022, Willis retired from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia—a communication disorder that affects speech and comprehension. Just a year later, his family shared an even more troubling update: Willis was living with frontotemporal dementia, a rare, degenerative brain condition that affects behavior, speech, and then, his public appearances have diminished. Family members have slowly become the primary source of information on his condition, often speaking not just to fans but to others grappling with dementia diagnoses in their families. Bruce Willis dementia diagnosis has brought attention to a condition still unfamiliar to many. Frontotemporal dementia, as defined by the Mayo Clinic, targets the brain's frontal and temporal lobes—regions associated with personality, language, and behavior. Unlike Alzheimer's, FTD typically strikes at a younger age, often between 40 and challenges can manifest rapidly and vary greatly from person to the grim prognosis, the Willis family remains resolute in their love and advocacy. Their social media messages, particularly on milestones like Father's Day, offer glimpses into their private struggles and enduring Willis wrote on Father's Day 2025, 'I wish I asked you more questions while you could still tell me about it all... I'll try to just be grateful.' Her words reflect not only the grief of a daughter but also the quiet acknowledgment of irreversible Heming Willis, Bruce's wife, has openly described the emotional weight of caregiving. In a June update, she wrote, 'I want it all back.' She added, however, that even in silence, Bruce continues to inspire: 'He teaches us strength in new ways every day.'Emma has announced an upcoming memoir titled The Unexpected Journey, chronicling her path from partner to caregiver and Willis, the youngest daughter, recently shared rare family photos and described a recent day as 'filled with smiles,' suggesting there are still good moments, however reports claim Bruce Willis is now completely non-verbal, immobile, and disconnected from his surroundings. However, the family has not issued a formal statement confirming such specifics. The most consistent message they convey is one of slow decline, difficulty in communication, and continued emotional his public engagements have ceased, those close to him suggest that he still responds to music and sensory stimuli. These small reactions may seem minimal to the outside world, but they hold immense value to his loved ones, as per the report by The Express attention surrounding Bruce Willis has elevated public discourse about dementia, particularly frontotemporal dementia. His family's transparency has offered much comfort and clarity in dealing with their own diagnoses. Through foundation work and interviews, they continue to spread awareness, destigmatize cognitive decline, and encourage empathy for advocacy is especially crucial because FTD is often misdiagnosed as a mental illness or Alzheimer's due to overlapping symptoms but has a different course of treatment and Willis has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a progressive neurodegenerative condition that affects behavior, communication, and cognitive condition has significantly altered the course of his personal and professional life. He has retired from acting, and now depends heavily on family support for daily care and emotional well-being.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Time of India
General Hospital spoilers: Carly gets shocking news, Lucas finds Marco, and Willow defends Drew; what secret could unravel next?
Wednesday's episode of General Hospital will be full of shifting alliances and surprising revelations. Jason brings Carly a startling update, Willow stands by Drew despite disturbing truths, and Lucas makes a move that could turn the tide on Marco's case. All this unfolds as Sonny faces increasing pressure from all sides. Jason's Britt sighting raises questions Jason confides in Carly about seeing someone in Paris who looked a lot like Britt. Carly finds the idea hard to believe and suggests it was likely just someone with a passing resemblance. While most of Port Charles has accepted Britt's supposed death at Heather's hands, Jason remains uneasy. He believes there's more to the story and refuses to dismiss what he saw as coincidence. Willow stands firm with Drew At General Hospital, Portia opens up to Willow and reveals that Drew had pressured her into changing Michael's blood test results. Though initially surprised, Willow does not turn away. Instead, she justifies Drew's actions, convinced that he's simply trying to bring their family back together. She argues, 'Michael didn't fight fair, why should I?' as she commits to moving forward with the wedding — no matter what. Drew needs a new financier for his crusade against Sonny. Click to watch today's intense, new #GH - RIGHT NOW! ⤵️ #GeneralHospital Meanwhile, Nina corners Drew to discuss Sasha and Daisy's unexpected exit. She suspects it wasn't just a personal decision, and even hints that Michael's child might have been at risk. While Drew denies involvement, Nina grows more doubtful, especially after picking up on Willow's defensive behavior. Lucas finds Marco in a shocking rescue Elsewhere, Lucas acts on a tip and reaches a new location. When knocking fails, he uses a key to get in — and finds Marco inside. Furious and relieved, Lucas helps him escape, raising serious questions about who orchestrated the ordeal. Clues point toward both Sidwell and Sonny, suggesting a much deeper plan in motion. WATCH: Sonny won't let Laura tank her career on his account. #GH Sonny draws the line, Rocco's meetings raise concern As ADA Justine Turner presses Sidwell for information about Marco, Dante begins questioning his own father. Sonny, however, refuses to open up, reminding Dante that some matters must stay off-limits between them. Meanwhile, Dante and Lulu worry about Rocco's ongoing interactions with Liesl. They learn of another planned meeting, unsure of what's being said — and how it may affect their son.
India Today
11 hours ago
- India Today
Exclusive: Sara Ali Khan says trusting Anurag Basu in Metro In Dino came naturally
Sara Ali Khan is no stranger to playing complex characters, each with their own quirks, conflicts, and contradictions. From the small-town charm of Somya in 'Zara Hatke Zara Bachke' to the layered chaos of Rinku in 'Atrangi Re', Sara has been on a mission to explore every shade of the modern Indian woman. In Anurag Basu's 'Metro... In Dino', she slipped into the shoes of Chumki - a character that's equal parts relatable and an exclusive interview with India Today, the actor opened up about why Chumki's story resonated deeply with her, what it was like working with the maverick Basu, and how every role is a journey of unlearning and surrendering to the magic of ON HER CHARACTER CHUMKI'Chumki thinks she has it all figured out, but life has other plans'. Sara began by reflecting on how 'Metro... In Dino' captures the ever-shifting terrain of modern relationships. 'I think the overall theme of confusion, overthinking, and overplanning is something people will relate to a lot more today than maybe a few years ago,' she says. Chumki, she adds, is a mirror to this generation's need to control and calculate everything, until life forces them to just let go.'And, you know, Chumki believes she has it all figured out,' Sara shares, adding, 'But life has other plans! And ultimately, her attempt to go with the flow and follow her heart is what I resonate with I find that inspiring.' Photo: Instagram/Sara Ali Khan SARA CALLS ANURAG BASU 'GENIUS'Working with Anurag Basu, renowned for his emotional depth and whimsical storytelling, was, as expected, a dream come true. ' Dino' marked their first ever collaboration. Describing him, Sara couldn't help but call him "a true genius".'Basu Da is a true master, and I've always known that,' says Sara. She enthusiastically added, 'But watching the film made me truly realise what a genius he is. It's incredibly liberating to surrender to his vision, and trusting him comes so naturally.'The director's signature storytelling, she says, creates a space where actors can simply be. That sense of freedom translated directly into the rawness and vulnerability of Chumki's ' Dino', Chumki is a conflicted young woman navigating emotional abuse - both at work and in her toxic relationship with colleague Anand. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with Parth (Aditya Roy Kapur), a traveller and theatre artiste. Photo: Instagram/Sara Ali Khan SHE ALWAYS EXPLORES VERSATILITYVersatility isn't just a buzzword in Sara Ali Khan's career - it's a conscious pursuit. From romantic comedies to intense dramas, her roles have swung across a wide emotional spectrum, but her approach remains asked how exciting it was to explore the many shades of herself on screen, Sara explains, "I've always aspired to explore versatility and have prayed for opportunities that would challenge me."She adds, 'Whether it's Somya, Rinku, Bambi, or Chumki, what draws me to any film is always the story. I believe I'm just one of the storytellers, and it's my responsibility to approach each character with freshness and honesty.'She adds, 'With every new role, there's a need to unlearn, surrender to the director's vision, and allow yourself to flow with it. At least, that's always what I attempt to do.'"IT WAS A BLAST WORKING WITH ADI"Sara's pairing with Aditya Roy Kapur in 'Metro... In Dino' might've raised a few eyebrows initially, but on screen, the chemistry feels effortless and deeply rooted. The credit, she says, goes to the comfort and spontaneity that defined their working dynamic.'Adi was just easy, spontaneous, and non-judgemental,' she adds, 'So working with him was a blast. More than anything, Basu Da and he never forgot to fully have fun while on set, and the rest was just surrendering to Basu da and letting his magic take over.' Photo: Instagram/Sara Ali Khan advertisementAsk her about the Gen Z love for Chumki (her character in Metro), and Sara beams with gratitude. She says, 'I've always wished for roles that are versatile, different, and something that audiences will like to watch and know more about. I truly feel lucky that I've had the chance to explore that genre - because every character of mine has been so different from the other. The common thread has been the attempt to approach them with honesty and a sense of newness. Chumki was a result of just that.'Besides Sara, ' Dino' also features Aditya Roy Kapur, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Ali Fazal, Anupam Kher, Konkona Sensharma, Pankaj Tripathi and Neena Gupta. The film's music has been composed by Pritam.- EndsMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Sara Ali Khan
