The Gentle Distance of Story

Sometimes the best way for a child to face something big is through someone else’s story. When a character in a book feels lonely, scared, jealous, or brave, a child gets to practice those feelings safely—like dipping a toe into a pool rather than being thrown in.

Stories give emotional distance, which creates room for reflection. A child who might shut down if asked, “Are you scared?” can open up when asked, “Do you think Bear was scared when he got lost?” Empathy begins in that gap between the story and the self.

.