Congratulations to Amy H, Sandy G, Lona S, Laura N, and Roz E for winning copies of this book and thanks to all who entered!
KIWI Magazine Review:
Brace yourself.
The word bully is trending at the top of everyone’s radar. It’s in the news, in documentaries, in books, and on television. Sometimes, however, it is a hard concept to explain to younger children. What is kindness? How does another child feel at school? What is empathy?
This book is strong yet subtle. A new girl starts at school, but the narrator already has two best friends. They don’t open their hearts to the new girl. The even resort to mocking her in the school yard. Then, the little girl no longer comes to school. The teacher talks about kindness, and how the smallest act of kindness counts. Every act we take (or even some we don’t) ripple into the world and have an effect.
I cried when I read this book. I felt the pain from both sides. As a child who had befriended someone on the fringe, I suffered for my choice. And, looking back, I am sure I didn’t always offer a smile or a kind word to others. I see this book in me. I see it in my daughter. I see it everywhere.
Powerful messages come through in the simple text and amazing illustrations. It is a fascinating story that doesn’t feel like a lecture, but may make the reader stop, think, and rethink his or her interactions.
I shared this book with an elementary school guidance counselor, and she provided her thoughts about this book: ” I just sat down and read “Each Kindness” and LOVED it!!! It is such a wonderful book with a different twist. Pointing out mistakes is a very helpful way for children (and adults, too!) to be aware of things that we shouldn’t do and things we should be doing instead. I am going to use this book on Monday in a lunch group as a motivator to help some 4th graders make wiser choices socially!”
Book Description
Publication Date: October 2, 2012 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up
Each kindness makes the world a little better
Chloe and her friends won’t play with the new girl, Maya. Maya is different–she wears hand-me-downs and plays with old-fashioned toys. Every time Maya tries to join Chloe and her gang, they reject her. Eventually, Maya plays alone, and then stops coming to school altogether. When Chloe’s teacher gives a lesson about how even small acts of kindness can change the world, Chloe is stung by the lost opportunity for friendship, and thinks about how much better it could have been if she’d shown a little kindness toward Maya.
This unforgettable book is written and illustrated by the award-winning team that created The Other Side and the Caldecott Honor winner Coming On Home Soon. With its powerful message and striking art, it will resonate with readers long after they’ve put it down.
