Can you donate £3 a month to help raise empathy-educated generations? Donate today
Can you donate £3 a month to help raise empathy-educated generations? Donate today
To celebrate the National Year of Reading, we’re Going All In for connection. Join us for NEW challenges, BRILLIANT author events,
EXCITING content and so much more! The Festival is FREE for all schools, libraries, bookshops, early years settings and families,
across the UK and beyond.
New to the Empathy Day Festival? Want to find out more about how to take part? Register and get access to a short webinar introducing the Festival and offering inspiration for your festival, your way!
THREE brilliant free live online events, each featuring two of your favourite authors,
sharing their brilliant characters and empathy inspiration
Thursday 4 June, 1.30-2.00pm
Recommended for ages 7-11, Key Stage 2/P5-7
Thursday 11 June, 1.30-2.00pm
Recommended for ages 11-14, Key Stage 3-4/ S1-3
Thursday 11 June, 2-2.45pm
Join Ed Vere, Mevan Babakar and Lisa Thompson for a fun & interactive session, hosted by Jenny McLachlan.
From 18 May, access ALL of our fabulous pre-recorded films for all ages,
from Early Years through to KS3. Watch in advance to help you start planning which
films you want to share and when.
Recommended for ages 7-13, Key Stage 2 & Lower KS3, P3-S2
Use our new assembly slide deck to jump into someone else’s story and read, connect and act.
Recommended for ages 7-13, Key Stage 2 and Lower KS3, P3-S2
Pre-recorded assemblies in English & Welsh with author/illustrator, Huw Aaron. Versions available for both primary and secondary.
Our annual empathy-themed draw along with superstar illustrator, Rob Biddulph.
Step-by-step inspiration for all ages.
10-20-minute interactive films featuring top authors & illustrators. Expect readalouds
and interactive activites. All films available to view from 18 May.
Recommended for ages 4-7,
Key Stage 1/ P2-3
Explore feelings and finding
connection with others
Recommended for ages 7-11,
Key Stage 2/ P5-7
Explore buried secrets
and long lost connections
Recommended for ages 7-11,
Key Stage 2/P5-7
Explore and celebrate families of all kinds
Recommended for ages 11-14,
Key Stage 3-4/ S1-3
Explore what happens when our online
and offline identities collide
Recommended for ages 4-7,
Key Stage 1/ P2-3
Explore a gentle story of grief
and how we can support each other
Recommended for ages 7-11,
Key Stage 2/ P5-7
Explore how to create your own
“Supa” graphic novel characters
Recommended for ages 11-14,
Key Stage 3-4/ S1-3
Explore the courage
of refugees in a true World War II story
Recommended for ages 11-14,
Key Stage 2-3/S1-3
Explore and celebrate
real-life stories of disability
Tameside Libraries
From 2-12 June 2025, culminating in Empathy Day itself on 12 June. This extended national campaign shared a flexible framework for widespread community participation, inspiring children to learn about empathy, put it into action and develop key empathy skills.
The festival featured nine Empathy Challenge activities, including brand new challenges for 2025, a nationwide assembly with Children’s Laureate, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, brilliant authors and illustrators to spark empathy inspiration, CPD webinars and more!
Teacher, Charlton Primary School
Taking place in June every year, Empathy Day celebrates and grows empathy’s power to create a better world. It shines a light on books’ role in raising an
empathy-educated generation.
Empathy Day inspires children to learn more about empathy, have transformational experiences through stories, and to put empathy into action!
