The Value of Compassion: The Story of Florence Nightingale

ValueTales Series

by Ann Donegan Johnson

The story of the English girl who became a famous nurse, emphasizing the role of compassion in her dedication to the alleviation of suffering.

Genres: Biography, Childrens, Picture Books, Nonfiction

63 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1987

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isabella has enjoyed this book a lot. She's asked to read it multiple times.

I didn't know that Florence was born in Florence, Italy.

[C.G. Fewston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when I was a kid and remember it fondly, and will have to revisit it with my children.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kids all gave this a 5 star rating, so I averaged it with my own 3 star. I love a good biography, and this was pretty good. There are things, however, that make these less enjoyable for me as the reader. First, I’m not find of the talking creatures or inanimate objects that show up in each book. In this one, it was a lamp (apropos for Nightingale, but still). Even though the author makes it clear these things don‘t really talk, it’s unnecessary. Second, the length is far. too. long. for a picture book. Breaking it up into 3 or 4 chapters would have been better. At least with this one, the named value of compassion did feel fitting to the story. Despite the annoyances, it was a worthwhile read.

[Mircah Foxwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written for kids, these books give a gentle introduction to reading biographies, and teach about various historical figures. My kids loved them.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story of Florence Nightingale. I love how people like her helped change our society for the better. Not only saving many people and not only making nursing a more esteemed profession and more life-saving profession, but also making it more acceptable dedicate your life to helping others.