Developing compassion and empathy in all people is critically important, and something we need sorely.

In our present world riddled with sarcasm, greed, hate, deceit, a sense of entitlement and self-centeredness, compassion and empathy is something that seems to be slipping away.

The most certain course to populating a world filled with compassionate and empathetic people is to begin by teaching children this essential code of ethics. Books can be very instrumental in this regard, such as those reviewed today. Of equal importance is the compassion and empathy displayed by the influential adults in a child’s life.

Children imitate what they are most often exposed to both in actions and words. Be the kind of example the child in your charge and the world as a whole needs. Together we can make a needed change.

Books to BorrowThe following book is available at many public libraries.

“Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog” by Pamela S. Turner, illustrated by Yan Nascimbene, Houghton Mifflin, 32 pages; read aloud: age 4 and older; read yourself: age 7 to 8 and older.Hachiko was still a puppy when he came to live with Dr. Ueno.Dr. Ueno worked at Tokyo Imperial University, and every morning Hachiko walked with him to the train station, and every afternoon Hachiko was waiting for Dr. Ueno when he got off the train.One day Dr. Ueno died while at work, and Hachiko, waiting for him to return, would not leave the station until the last train had gone.Every day thereafter, Hachiko went to the station in the morning and waited for Dr. Ueno until the last train of the day. Hachiko’s loyalty was boundless, for the dog maintained his daily ritual for 10 years until he, too, died.Told through the eyes of a fictional boy, this true story of Hachiko’s is at once sad and wonderful.To this day, there is a special Hachiko festival held every year at the statue erected in his honor at the train station in Japan.Powerful and perfect in every way, this selection will long be remembered.

Librarian’s Choice

Library: Prospect Community Library, 357 Main St., Prospect

Library Director: Jeanne Sarnese

Children’s Librarian: Jill Hambley

Choices this week: “Bear Feels Sick” by Karma Wilson;

“Treasured Horses” series by various authors;

“Elmer” by David McKee

Books to BuyThe following books are available at favorite bookstores.

“Snook Alone” by Marilyn Nelson, illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering, Candlewick, 2010, 44 pages, $16.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 7 and older; read yourself: age 8 to 9 and older.Abba Jacob was a monk who lived on an island with his little terrier, Snook. Snook and Abba Jacob were best friends and did everything together, from morning prayers, to working in the fields all day, and to evening prayers. The two were inseparable.One day Abba Jacob and Snook were summoned to help with research on numerous outlying islands. Snook’s job was to catch the rats and mice that were eating the seabirds’ nest eggs.Both friends were busy at work on the island of Avocaire when a dreadful storm caused them to be separated. Suddenly Snook found himself all alone, and for countless days and nights Snook longed for the loving sound of his friend’s voice.Beautifully written and illustrated, “Snook Alone” is a moving, satisfying story of the power of friendship, faith, and ultimately of love.

“The Blue House Dog” by Deborah Blumenthal, illustrated by Adam Gustavson, Peachtree, 2010, 32 pages, $15.95 hardcover; read aloud: age 4 and older; read yourself: age 8 and older.Cody, a young boy, watches the stray dog roam the streets of his neighborhood.The dog had lived with the old man in the blue house, but the man died, and now the dog struggles to survive. The dog is alone, having lost the one person he loved and the one person who loved him.Cody knows how it feels to lose someone, too. Cody’s best friend was his dog, Teddy. But Teddy died, and Cody misses him very much.Watching the stray dog, Cody’s heart opens again and he patiently tries to win the stray dog’s trust and love with food, human touch, and a safe place to call home. Will the dog accept Cody’s offer of love and friendship?Inspired by a true story, The Blue House Dog is perfectly rendered in every way and will strike a deep and powerful chord with readers both young and old alike.Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children’s literature. She can be reached at www.greatestbooksforkids.com.