How early is too early to start building empathy, compassion, and character? According to author Donna L. Botteen, the answer is simple: it’s never too early, and her new book proves it.
Caring Critters and the Alphabet They Share is a delightful, heart-centered picture book that turns the alphabet into a springboard for emotional growth. With the help of 26 lovable animal guides—from Honest Hunter the Hamster to Patient Parker the Panda, young readers discover the power of kindness, self-awareness, and respectful relationships.
Rather than preach or lecture, this book teaches through storytelling and play. Each letter introduces a charming character whose actions illustrate a meaningful life lesson. Children not only learn their ABCs but also explore what it means to apologize, be inclusive, and treat others fairly.
Illustrated by Alexis Droege, the book’s gentle rhymes and vibrant imagery make it perfect for ages three to eight. Parents, teachers, and counselors alike will appreciate how easily it integrates into homes, classrooms, and social-emotional learning settings.
A standout feature of Caring Critters and the Alphabet They Share is the interactive “Buddy Page”. This special page invites children to become co-creators, extending the lessons of empathy, kindness, and compassion beyond the story itself.
Young readers can invent their own animal character, choose a “Buddy Word” that represents a value they want to explore, and write or illustrate a short story inspired by the book’s themes. Teachers and parents can use it as a fun writing prompt, a discussion starter, or even a classroom activity to deepen understanding of character-building values.
The inspiration behind Caring Critters and the Alphabet They Share is personal. After the tragic Columbine High School shooting, Botteen felt a calling to do something lasting and positive. This book is her answer—an accessible, heartfelt tool to promote understanding and healing in an often divided world.
Caring Critters and the Alphabet They Share is available now in print and digital formats.
About the Author
Donna L. Botteen lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband Ray, her mother, and two beloved cats, Henny and Tucker. Married for over 40 years, Donna is a proud mother of four and grandmother to seven. Her family has been a constant source of inspiration for her writing. Caring Critters and the Alphabet They Share is her debut children’s book, written to plant seeds of kindness in young hearts and minds.