Quarto Group partners with EmpathyLab on empathy-building handbook for children

Words & Pictures, an imprint of The Quarto Group, has signed We’ve Got This: Six Steps to Build Your Empathy Superpower — written by Rashmi Sirdeshpande and illustrated by Juliana Eigner — in partnership with EmpathyLab, the founders of Empathy Day.

The deal to publish the book was done directly with Empathy Lab, the rights for the story was acquired from Lydia Silver at the Darley Anderson Children’s Book Agency and illustrations by Juliana Eigner were acquired from Advocate Art. UK publication is scheduled for May 2023 in time for Empathy Day on 8th June, with a US edition to follow in 2024.

The publisher describes the book as “a practical and accessible book that helps children aged seven to 12 build their empathy skills, especially their ability to imagine and share someone else’s feelings and perspectives.

“The book helps children to learn the skills necessary to engage positively with the people around them. It draws on ideas and activities from the Empathy Day programme, such as making empathy glasses to see through others’ eyes. It is written by Sirdeshpande, drawing on EmpathyLab’s materials, and features empathy-boosting advice and quotes from some of the world’s best-loved children’s authors.”

Willsher said: “We are so excited to be publishing We’ve Got This and it has been a real joy to work with Rashmi and the EmpathyLab team on a topic that is close to their hearts. Rashmi is a hugely talented writer and her passion for EmpathyLab’s message and work shines throughout the book.

"Empathy is an essential part of helping children, families and communities to thrive, and with Rashmi’s insight, alongside EmpathyLab’s expert input, this book will be a huge help to understanding the importance of empathy."

Empathy Day co-founder Miranda McKearney commented: “We want every child to have the chance to practice and develop empathy skills – imagine the world run by an empathy-educated generation! This book is an important development in EmpathyLab’s drive to inspire children to understand and embrace their empathy superpower, and build a kinder and less divided world."

Sirdeshpande added: “It’s such an honour to be involved with this important project. I’m so proud of the book we’ve made together and I hope it goes on to create whole waves of empathy in our homes, schools and communities, helping to break down barriers and build a kinder, more connected world.”