A World of Kindness

by Ann Featherstone (Editor), Rebecca Bender (Illustrator), Suzanne Del Rizzo (Illustrator)

There are many ways children can show kindness to others – human, animal, young, and old. With art from nine celebrated children's book illustrators including Rebecca Bender, Suzanne Del Rizzo, and Wallace Edwards, this lavishly illustrated book will invite frequent re-reads to examine the joyful and inspiring illustrations. In a series of thoughtful questions, the text reminds readers of the impact they can have through everyday actions and words. From simply saying "please" and "thank-you" to helping, comforting, and protecting others, A World of Kindness goes beyond mere platitudes and politeness to examine, in a kid-friendly way, the most powerful of social interactions. All royalties will be donated to the World Kindness Movement.

Many of the original images in this book have been donated by the artists. The custom cover art was created and donated by award-winning author-illustrator Suzanne Del Rizzo.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Childrens, Canada, Art, Emotion

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 5, 2018

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nine illustrators of children's books share their interpretations of what it means to be kind. I loved the different takes on kindness and empathy that are depicted here, whether through being polite or courteous or through simple acts of kindness toward an animal, reaching out to a new friend or comforting someone in pain. There isn't a misstep among any of the images as all of them will make readers consider their own actions or lack of actions. Not only will each page and image provide examples of how to be kind, but the questions being posed and the scenarios depicted provide plenty of food for thought and room for discussion at home or in the classroom. Ultimately, young readers are sure to realize that kindness starts with one small action, but it can surely spread to fill the world and make it a better place. What better lesson to learn than that?

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

beautiful, thoughtful, hopeful

[Michelle (FabBookReviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A World of Kindness is a picture book written by the editors of Pajama Press with artwork by numerous acclaimed Pajama Press artists. A World of Kindness "asks children how they will show kindness and consideration for others": anything and everything from reaching out to help someone older or younger, waiting for your turn, saying 'please' and 'thank you', or being a friend to someone who might need an ally or support. Each sentiment involving kindness is accompanied by an illustration from a Pajama Press artist (some are original works, some are illustrations taken from previously published works). Critically acclaimed My Beautiful Birds author and artist Suzanne Del Rizzo created (and donated) the original cover, and provides a featured illustration; other artists featured include Rebecca Bender, Wallace Edwards, Kim La Fave, Manon Gauthier, Brian Deines, and more. A World of Kindness is perhaps not as workable or potent as a straightforward read aloud story: rather than telling a story, or necessarily following a narrative structure, this picture book is more attuned to making its simple, important, strong messages/sentiments known, and thus would likely function well in preschool or elementary classrooms for further discussion and exploration. The themes in A World of Kindness also allow for the book to be effectively paired and examined with similarly-themed picture books such as David Ezra Stein's The Nice Book, Pat Zietlow Miller and Jen Hill's Be Kind, or All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman. As per Pajama Press's website, "Royalties from the proceeds of this book will be donated to Think Kindness". You can learn more about the organization, its mission and team through the Think Kindness website. Extras: There is a downloadable poster available through the Pajama Press website.

I received a copy of this title courtesy of Pajama Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many ways children can show kindness to others – human, animal, young, and old. With art from nine celebrated children's book illustrators including Rebecca Bender, Suzanne Del Rizzo, and Wallace Edwards, this lavishly illustrated book will invite frequent re-reads to examine the joyful and inspiring illustrations. In a series of thoughtful questions, the text reminds readers of the impact they can have through everyday actions and words. From simply saying "please" and "thank-you" to helping, comforting, and protecting others, A World of Kindness goes beyond mere platitudes and politeness to examine, in a kid-friendly way, the most powerful of social interactions. All royalties will be donated to the World Kindness Movement.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

genre: poetry
grade range: kindergarten-2nd grade
personal review: this book is very well written, especially for children to understand the concept of kindness. I love how the book addresses all kinds of scenarios for children to see how to act kindly. What I love most about this book is the illustrations. From the table of contents, I can gather that there are all sorts of different illustrators that contributed to this book. Each one is so unique and just adds so much for children to look at through the whole book.

[Jamie Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great story that encourages young kids to be kind. It asks kids about if they are kind in specific situations. For example, “Will you watch over someone else?” or “can you say ‘I’m sorry’ if ever you are wrong?’ This is a great example to young kids to show them how to be kind instead of just telling them. Being a friend to others, being gentle with animals, sharing special things with others, helping out people who are shy, and so many other things. All around this is a great book to read to young kids to encourage kindness.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that this asked concrete questions about ways kids can be kind and asks the kids directly if they are doing those things. I also thought the different illustrators for each page was a fun idea, kind of continuing the idea of collaboration and working together. A little simplistic, but sweet.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a simple text yet so effective! It's really a list of ways to be kind, written as a series of questions. Put together with these lovely illustrations, the text does make me think. A perfect book for read alouds in the classroom. Bonus points for the lovely cover!

[Kate Hastings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grades Pre-K to 2. We ask our children to "be kind." But what does kindness look like? How do you know if you are being kind? Several illustrators show the most basic acts of kindness and how simple it is to help others by thinking and predicting others' needs.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Age: Toddler+

"Do you wait your turn? Are you gentle with animals big and small? But...can you say 'I'm sorry' if ever you're wrong?" Pajama Press compiles a variety of illustrators and examples of kindness that are structured around questions asked to the audience.

[Fahula · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a simple book of direct questions that invite people to show kindness in specific ways. What makes this book shine is the use of different illustrators for each page. It highlights the role that diversity and individual expression may play in choosing kindness.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nine illustrators contribute to this series of thoughtful questions reminding readers of the impact they can have through everyday actions and words.

[Lisa Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful story with each page illustrated by another Pajama Press author.

[Karly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful message for young and old. Simple phrases to describe kindness in every shape and size. Beautiful use of art from other familiar stories and original artwork.

[Celeste · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely message, but little beyond message. I like the highlighting of different illustrators.

[Joan Arbogast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a simple, but perfect book to share with preschoolers about kindness. One that can lead to discussions, and awareness of actions. I like that the illustrations are done by a number of artists.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful in its simplicity. Great read aloud for primary grades.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An accessible book for youngsters to think about how to be kind to others. Illustrations are by various artists.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This simple toddler and up book features ways kids can be kind to one another

[Paula Hollohan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful combination of illustrators and questions about kindness. A lovely book for Pre-K to Grade 3.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nine illustrators inspire meaningful discussion and storytelling about the powerful ways in which children influence the world around them.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how each illustration is different.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

VERY good book to discuss kindness with young children.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple text to help others understand the impact of kindness around the world.

[Nichole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book by the publisher. I am donating it to my school library.

Sweet, beautifully illustrated book.

[Dusty Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy
Read with Em & Jo

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the illustrations!!

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple yet effective conversation starter about all the different ways we can be kind to one another.