Empathy And Inclusivity And Indonesian Children’s Literature: Study Of The Moral Values Of The Book Merpati Of Arul

Abstract

The children’s storybook Merpati untuk Arul (A Dove for Arul) by Wartono (2022) presents a touching narrative about empathy, friendship, and acceptance of differences through a simple yet emotionally engaging storyline. This study aims to explore the character education values and moral messages embedded in the story, as well as its relevance to the development of socio-emotional literacy in early childhood. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach with content analysis, both textual and visual elements were examined. The findings indicate that the characters Ibal and Arul reflect universal human virtues such as empathy, solidarity, sincerity, and perseverance in overcoming limitations. Arul, a child with Down syndrome, is portrayed as joyful and determined, while Ibal represents compassion and respect for diversity. The story serves as an effective tool for inclusive literacy education that fosters social awareness, tolerance, and positive character formation from an early age. Through expressive illustrations and accessible language, Merpati untuk Arul enriches Indonesian children’s literature and aligns with 21st-century educational goals centered on empathy and humanistic values.