Wise Beyond Their Years – How Reading Nurtures Children's Empathy In this episode, I explore the link between reading and empathy — and why some kids seem to carry emotional insight well beyond their age. It turns out, reading doesn’t just help with language — it reshapes the way we understand others, make decisions, and handle life’s challenges.

I get into:

• The Sally-Anne test and the roots of perspective-taking

• How stories help kids recognize and name emotions

• The power of interactive fiction to simulate real-life consequences

• What research says about reading and long-term success — in school, work, and wellbeing

• And why, even in a digital age, books still matter

This one’s for anyone passionate about child development, education, or the future of storytelling. Thanks for listening — and as always, hug the ones you love.