Because Brian Hugged His Mother: The Perfect Kindness Book for Children

by David L. Rice, K. Dyble Thompson (Illustrator)

The ideal kindness book for children and the ideal "be kind" book for kids! Because Brian Hugged his Mother is an uplifting tale that makes children more aware of their special effect on the world, and how any act, big or small, can make a difference. Watch the "ripple effect" of a simple act of kindness in this book that teaches children about the importance of kindness! Kindness is contagious, and this story shows how even young Brian can start a chain reaction that brings a bit of joy to people he does not even know. It all starts out one morning when Brian wakes up and gives his mother a hug. A hug from Brian touches many people and even impacts Mrs. Johnson's cat Tiffany and her dog Jumbo! If you like to hug and share your joy with children, this book is for you―and for them.

Genres: Picture Books, School, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1999

Reviews

[Jordanel]

This was a great children's book, however there were several points in which I believe the wrong message is being brought to children.
Firstly, the stock clerk. Who does he think he is handing free food to a customer? The manager is probably stocking shelves and this guy just hands some old lady a free can of dog food!

The auto mechanic clearly has no idea how cars actually work as he is referring to a manual depicting a wind up toy car; clearly not certified. There are also mice inside the customers car, likely building a nest and chewing wires and god knows what else in there!
I also feel Brian's older brother wasn't really given a chance to shine in this story. Unlike all the other characters, he doesn't get any redemption in the story. What did he do afterwards? I hope the sequel explains it.

Lastly every scene in this book seems infested with mice, even the grocery. Safety violations run amuck in this whole thing. There's even one part where a guy in the background of the restaurant is carrying a stack of glasses precariously, obviously trying to show off because he has absolutely no business leaving the kitchen with that many glasses. Totally reckless and dangerous.

Overall though this was an adorable book, and I liked the artwork. If not for he discrepancies It would get 5 stars from me.

[Briarwood]

I loved it! - G, age 7

I loved reading this to the kids and talking about how our choices can change the world in subtle ways. - Mom, age 36

[Rose Mary Turner]

This book makes me want to give everyone a hug! another great book to have in a classroom library.

[Melanie]

Kindness is contagious.

[Barbara]

As in the case of David Ezra Stein's Because Amelia Smiled and Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, Brian's hug of appreciation for his mother sets off a chain of events in which everyone feels better. Because of being noticed, singled out or understood, every character in this book behaves in a nicer, kinder way. As the kind acts spread throughout Brian's family, his classroom, his school, and the community, eventually, all that love comes back to Brian, allowing him to start the positive chain of events once more. This book is a terrific reminder of the consequences of our actions, for good or for bad. The colorful illustrations and text will make young readers smile and maybe be kinder to one person today.

[Missmath144]

Because Brian hugged his mother . . . she made their favorite breakfast, so daughter helped teacher, so teacher let kids do a special project for the principal, etc. A lovely book about paying it forward.

[Hillvan]

Kindness is contagious.