BOOK ONE OF THE COMPASSION SERIES

Grandpa, Why Are There Homeless People?

A tender, true-hearted picture book that helps children ages 5-8 understand homelessness - and grow into adults who don’t just care, but act.

Ages 5-8 - Paperback picture book - Available now on Amazon

Book cover titled 'Grandpa, Why Are There Homeless People?' depicting a cartoon scene of four characters outside a store: a cheerful homeless man sitting on a bench holding a cup, an elderly woman with a shopping cart, a young boy with a backpack, and a man wearing a U.S. Army cap standing with a walking cane.

A hard question, answered with love

THE BOOK

On a sunny morning walk through San Francisco’s Inner Richmond, a boy named Adam notices people living on the street — and asks his grandpa the question so many children ask.

What follows is a gentle, honest conversation: about how homelessness can happen to anyone, how every person carries a story and deserves dignity, and the small, real ways a family can help. The book was inspired by a young U.S. military veteran the author came to know while serving meals during the 2020 pandemic.

Solution Time

Simple, safe, age-appropriate ways for children to help — building the habit of compassion early.

A cartoon illustration of an elderly man with glasses and a black U.S. Army hat smiling and giving money to a young boy. The background shows a city street with cars and a building, and there's a sign on the building with a toy boat logo. Subtitles at the bottom read, 'Grandpa stops and gives the homeless man some money.'

Art with Heart

Hand-drawn illustrations by an Emmy- and Clio-winning animator whose work spans Disney, MTV, Sesame Street and Nickelodeon.

Talk Time

Gentle discussion prompts that help grown-ups keep the conversation going, long after the last page.

Logo featuring a heart with an open book inside, and the text "The Compassion Series" below.

“Every person we pass has a name, a story, and a reason to be treated with dignity. This series was written to help children see that — early.”

CRYSTLE WONG VITARI, AUTHOR