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katieckb's review against another edition
5.0
This is a cute children’s picture book about the many different ways you can be kind to someone else. You could give gifts, donate old clothes, help with chores, compliment others, be patient, stick up for others, and more. Eventually, if you continue to be kind, the kindness spreads and makes its way back to you.
lmwalsh10's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
jembrickner's review against another edition
5.0
I really loved this book. The writing - the accessible definition of kindness and how it works in our world - was splendid in its' simplicity. The illustrations are a delight.
emcardle26's review against another edition
5.0
is there anything better than a story about female friendship? No!!!!!! There isn't!!!!!!
cjeziorski's review against another edition
4.0
Another Panda nominee, with a message about what it means to be kind to others. A good story for building classroom community.
laughinglibra84's review against another edition
4.0
I like the idea of "Be Kind". Like all good stories there's a conflict or problem that needs to be solved. An accident happens, but an adolescent doesn't know how to go about it. She thinks of all the possibilities. The ending is quite nice.
calistareads's review against another edition
5.0
It's easy to be Kind, but it's quite another to figure out how to be kind. It can be quite complicated. This warm little book explores how complex these 2 little words can be. I think this shows there needs to be real contemplation on the issue.
This book is so beautiful. It has a simple message. It explores the issue deeply for a quick book. I'm sold on it.
The kids enjoyed the story too. They started trying to think of things to do to be kind in the situations. It was fun to hear.
This book is so beautiful. It has a simple message. It explores the issue deeply for a quick book. I'm sold on it.
The kids enjoyed the story too. They started trying to think of things to do to be kind in the situations. It was fun to hear.
jeremychiasson's review against another edition
5.0
I really loved this book. Obviously no one can really object to the core message of this book--be kind. However there are umpteen children's books about being kind, and few are as effective in conveying their message as this story is.
Here are a few things this book does to help teach children what it means to be kind.
1. It frames kindness as a conscious act, something that requires thought and effort. Kindness isn't always easy:
"Everyone laughed. I almost did too, but Mom always tells me to be kind, so I tried."
"Sticking up for someone when other kids aren't kind is really hard (and really scary)."
2. Sometimes your first attempt to be kind to someone won't be successful, but that doesn't mean you stop trying, or that you failed:
I don't think it worked. I said "purple is my favourite colour." I thought Tanisha would smile, but she ran into the hall instead.
Later on the boy realizes:
Maybe I can't solve Tanisha's grape juice problem. Maybe all I can do is sit by her in art class. And paint this picture for her. Because I know she likes purple too.
3. Kindness can take many forms, and it requires us to recognize the needs of the situation/person in front of us:
Maybe it's giving: Making cookies for Mr. Rinaldi, who lives alone. Or letting someone with smaller feet have my too-tight shoes.
Maybe it's helping: Putting dirty dishes in the sink. Cleaning up after Otis, our class guinea pig (he's a messy eater).
Maybe it's paying attention: Telling Donald I like his blue boots. Asking the new girl to be my partner. Listening to aunt Franny's stories (even the ones I've head before).
4. There are small, easy ways to be kind, that you can make a habit of: Saying thank you, bless you, using people's names when you speak to them
5. Small acts of kindness matter, and can grow into something bigger and even spread around the world.
This is the perfect book to start a class discussion about kindness: it raises questions, gives suggestions, and frames kindness in a way that kids will understand.
Here are a few things this book does to help teach children what it means to be kind.
1. It frames kindness as a conscious act, something that requires thought and effort. Kindness isn't always easy:
"Everyone laughed. I almost did too, but Mom always tells me to be kind, so I tried."
"Sticking up for someone when other kids aren't kind is really hard (and really scary)."
2. Sometimes your first attempt to be kind to someone won't be successful, but that doesn't mean you stop trying, or that you failed:
I don't think it worked. I said "purple is my favourite colour." I thought Tanisha would smile, but she ran into the hall instead.
Later on the boy realizes:
Maybe I can't solve Tanisha's grape juice problem. Maybe all I can do is sit by her in art class. And paint this picture for her. Because I know she likes purple too.
3. Kindness can take many forms, and it requires us to recognize the needs of the situation/person in front of us:
Maybe it's giving: Making cookies for Mr. Rinaldi, who lives alone. Or letting someone with smaller feet have my too-tight shoes.
Maybe it's helping: Putting dirty dishes in the sink. Cleaning up after Otis, our class guinea pig (he's a messy eater).
Maybe it's paying attention: Telling Donald I like his blue boots. Asking the new girl to be my partner. Listening to aunt Franny's stories (even the ones I've head before).
4. There are small, easy ways to be kind, that you can make a habit of: Saying thank you, bless you, using people's names when you speak to them
5. Small acts of kindness matter, and can grow into something bigger and even spread around the world.
This is the perfect book to start a class discussion about kindness: it raises questions, gives suggestions, and frames kindness in a way that kids will understand.
ericaereads's review against another edition
4.0
This book is ripe with extension activity and discussion possibilities! Depicting a host of diverse characters engaging in small acts of kindness, the narrator explores how kindness affects others on both a micro and macro scale. The lack of a clear resolution and slightly non-linear narrative may be difficult for the youngest readers, but Miller's ability to depict the importance of kindness without becoming preachy makes this an excellent choice for libraries and classrooms.