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K Is for Kindness
Debut author/illustrator and sister duo have crafted a sweet ABC book that expresses how kindness can be found anywhere.
Ape picks an apple for Aardvark below.
Bat puts a bandage on Brown Bear’s big toe.
From aardvark to zebra, this delightful cast of animal characters illustrates the many ways to show kindness to others, while teaching the youngest readers their ABCs.
Debut author/illustrator and sister duo Rina Horiuchi and Risa Horiuchi have crafted a warm and tender gift that affirms kindness can be found anywhere.
Ape picks an apple for Aardvark below.
Bat puts a bandage on Brown Bear’s big toe.
From aardvark to zebra, this delightful cast of animal characters illustrates the many ways to show kindness to others, while teaching the youngest readers their ABCs.
Debut author/illustrator and sister duo Rina Horiuchi and Risa Horiuchi have crafted a warm and tender gift that affirms kindness can be found anywhere.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published April 26, 2022
2 people are currently reading
5534 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 9, 2022
K is for Kindness is an alphabet book with huge heart.
The pages are warm, inviting, and fun. Soft lines and curves with a light palette of colors bring these illustrations of sweet animals and even sweeter acts of kindness to life. Like N’s…
“Narwhal takes Newt, his new neighbor, to lunch.”
Or one of my favorites…
“Seahorse sings sweetly to Shark, who feels sad.”
The text’s rhyming words and lines link every letter and act of kindness together creating an easy to read book. Easy to read and love!
Highly recommended.
January 27, 2022
I received an electronic ARC from Viking Books for Young Readers through Edelweiss+.
Sweet story that emphasizes ways to be kind as it takes readers through the alphabet. Each page offers an example of how to care for others. The illustrations are softly done and will appeal to younger readers. A terrific addition to a family's library and a lovely gift for new families.
Sweet story that emphasizes ways to be kind as it takes readers through the alphabet. Each page offers an example of how to care for others. The illustrations are softly done and will appeal to younger readers. A terrific addition to a family's library and a lovely gift for new families.
December 23, 2022
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways. Thank you!
What a delightful book! The pictures of the animals are adorable. The ideas of simple ways to spread kindness are great for kids to hear. I love the variety of animals used and the author had to get pretty creative for some letters! The rhyming tongue-twisting text makes it both fun and challenging for parents to read to their little ones. I'm going to enjoy reading this book with my daughter for years to come.
What a delightful book! The pictures of the animals are adorable. The ideas of simple ways to spread kindness are great for kids to hear. I love the variety of animals used and the author had to get pretty creative for some letters! The rhyming tongue-twisting text makes it both fun and challenging for parents to read to their little ones. I'm going to enjoy reading this book with my daughter for years to come.
December 21, 2022
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. A great book for any library including the one at home! A fun rhyming alphabet book for all ages to enjoy! I really enjoyed seeing different animals doing kind things for other animals. It wasn't your typical alphabet animal book. I really liked that it was different animals.
December 23, 2022
Received from a Goodreads Giveaway
What a wonderfully cute book that teaches the alphabet and the different ways you can be nice to others. The pictures are adorable and the words are simple so that beginner readers can enjoy being read to and reading also.
A wonderful book that will be read in my house many many times
What a wonderfully cute book that teaches the alphabet and the different ways you can be nice to others. The pictures are adorable and the words are simple so that beginner readers can enjoy being read to and reading also.
A wonderful book that will be read in my house many many times
December 3, 2025
This K is for Kindness book teaches people how to be kind to one another. Even small acts of kindness and help can have a major impact on people's lives and the environment. The book begins with each letter from the alphabet. The letter of the alphabet shows a kind action by different animals in this book, such as sharing, helping others, and taking care of friends. I like how the story reminds us that even small acts of kindness and by doing nice things can make someone feel happy. While children and adults can learn the alphabet letters easily and remember them by seeing the cute pictures of different animals showing kindness to one another. It also helps show that anyone can be kind anywhere. The major themes in the book were empathy and helping others. Throughout K is for Kindness, the book shows the alphabet letter by talking about different animals and at the same time it shows how different types of animals understand, support, and care for one another by helping whenever they need. For example, all of this information from the book can help us be kind to one another and help each other, which can bring us closer to the people around us. The main genre of this book is children’s poetry because the words rhyme like a poem and help children by understanding the alphabets and by knowing the letter through the pictures of animals being kind to one another. Through reading this book, I learned to be kind to people and animals because it is important to show kindness. People can recognize that you care about them, and you can always offer help and show them you are there for them if they need help. Also, children reading this book could learn to be kind to each other and learn, understand, and remember the alphabet easily by seeing different animals that help each other and seeing the pictures in the book. This book was a WOW book for me because it showed the important lesson of kindness and helpfulness. I really love all the cute different animals, and they were able to understand one another and help each other as they needed. Also, I love the way the author Rina Horiuchi used animals in alphabetical order, which can help children learn the alphabet easily and remember it because of the cute animals. Children always like seeing different animals, and this book did a good job by making learning the alphabet interesting and easy to learn.
The author used multiple literary devices and other forms of writing craft in this book. First, the author used the writing craft technique of rhyming words. An example of this writing craft from this book is when the author uses words that sound the same at the end of the sentence, like a poem. This writing craft technique enhanced the quality of the book by making the reading and learning, remembering the alphabet easier, and understanding kindness by seeing different animals that help each other as friends. Second, the author used the writing craft technique of colorful and cute illustrations. An example of this writing craft from this book is when the author shows different types of animals helping each other and by being kind to one another in the pictures. This writing craft technique enhances the quality of the book by helping children understand the message of kindness and making learning the alphabet more fun and interesting, so they continue reading and learning. I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because it shows that kindness is important and it is part of life to live happily and understand one another. No matter who they are, we should always show and spread kindness around us. This book helps us, and it can help children, by showing different types of animals who help each other with respect and kindness. This teaches children to be kind to people and to care for others around us.
The author used multiple literary devices and other forms of writing craft in this book. First, the author used the writing craft technique of rhyming words. An example of this writing craft from this book is when the author uses words that sound the same at the end of the sentence, like a poem. This writing craft technique enhanced the quality of the book by making the reading and learning, remembering the alphabet easier, and understanding kindness by seeing different animals that help each other as friends. Second, the author used the writing craft technique of colorful and cute illustrations. An example of this writing craft from this book is when the author shows different types of animals helping each other and by being kind to one another in the pictures. This writing craft technique enhances the quality of the book by helping children understand the message of kindness and making learning the alphabet more fun and interesting, so they continue reading and learning. I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because it shows that kindness is important and it is part of life to live happily and understand one another. No matter who they are, we should always show and spread kindness around us. This book helps us, and it can help children, by showing different types of animals who help each other with respect and kindness. This teaches children to be kind to people and to care for others around us.
November 24, 2025
K is for Kindness pulled me in with its warm message and bright illustrations. In this book, each page shows different animals performing small acts of kindness, like an ape picking an apple for a friend, or even a jaguar cheering others while juggling . I really liked how simple the examples were, because they showed that kindness doesn’t have to be a huge action, it can be something tiny that changes someone’s day. The major themes in the book were kindness and community. Kindness showed up on every page through the way the characters treated each with patience and performed a good deed for them. Community was another big theme, because the book keeps showing that when people help one another, the whole group becomes happier and stronger. The main genre of this book is a novel in verse. Children reading this book could learn that kindness is something everyone can practice daily, and that being kind can create a more welcoming environment for everyone around them. This book was a WOW book for me because it felt joyful and meaningful and it was so simple to read at the same time it reminded me how powerful even the smallest, good deed can be.
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First, the author used the writing craft technique of alliteration. An example of this from the book is when the author uses the featured alphabet letter to create characters or actions that start with the same letter. For instance, when the book focuses on the letter R, it mentions “Rhino reads rabbit…” which matches the sound of the letter being taught. This writing craft technique enhanced the quality of the book by creating a consistent theme throughout the story and making the pages more fun to read and providing an engaging way to read the book.
Second, the author used the writing craft technique of connotation. An example of this from the book is how the author uses positive, warm, and nice actions that all the animals are doing throughout the book which all carry happy and comforting feelings. These actions help create an emotional tone that makes kindness feel inviting and good. This writing craft technique enhanced the quality of the book by helping young readers associate kindness with positive emotions, making the message more powerful and encouraging them to act kindly themselves.
I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because it includes non-stereotypical characters who are usually seen as the “bad” or tough animals, yet in this story they all show positive attitudes toward one another. Instead of following common stereotypes, the book shows every animal big or small, being kind and caring. This helps teach readers that you shouldn’t judge others based on how they look or what you assume about them.
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First, the author used the writing craft technique of alliteration. An example of this from the book is when the author uses the featured alphabet letter to create characters or actions that start with the same letter. For instance, when the book focuses on the letter R, it mentions “Rhino reads rabbit…” which matches the sound of the letter being taught. This writing craft technique enhanced the quality of the book by creating a consistent theme throughout the story and making the pages more fun to read and providing an engaging way to read the book.
Second, the author used the writing craft technique of connotation. An example of this from the book is how the author uses positive, warm, and nice actions that all the animals are doing throughout the book which all carry happy and comforting feelings. These actions help create an emotional tone that makes kindness feel inviting and good. This writing craft technique enhanced the quality of the book by helping young readers associate kindness with positive emotions, making the message more powerful and encouraging them to act kindly themselves.
I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because it includes non-stereotypical characters who are usually seen as the “bad” or tough animals, yet in this story they all show positive attitudes toward one another. Instead of following common stereotypes, the book shows every animal big or small, being kind and caring. This helps teach readers that you shouldn’t judge others based on how they look or what you assume about them.
November 20, 2025
The simplicity of this book really brings out its good qualities. In this book the author walks readers through the alphabet using examples of kindness for each letter, showing how simple actions like sharing, helping, or using kind words can brighten someone’s day. I liked how simple the book was and that it basically can be used a s learning tool to teach the alphabet in a fun way while also teaching kids a valuable lesson. The major themes in the book were kindness as an everyday habit and building a caring community. The animals helping each other without being asked shows how kindness should be an important part of daily life. The book also shows the animals cooperating and showing empathy to one another which in turn creates a more positive community.
The main genre of this book is a children’s poetry book.
Children reading this book could learn that even small acts of kindness matter and that everyone has the ability to make the world a little better. They can also learn that kindness helps build strong friendships and a more understanding classroom or community. This book was a WOW book for me because of how simple it was. The author took two things to teach kids and combined them together for an engaging story basically "killing two birds with one stone."
The author used the writing craft technique of using the alphabet. An example of this is how each page uses a different letter to introduce a new act of kindness. This really enhanced the quality of the book by creating a fun rhythm and helping kids stay engaged, letting them predict what comes next. Secondly, the author used repetition and positive language throughout the story. For example, uplifting phrases appear more than once which reinforce the idea of being thoughtful and caring. This really strengthened the book by making the message memorable and easy for children to internalize.
I would consider this book to be an anti bias book because it just finds a simple way to teach kids to be kind and also teach them their letters. it is nothing crazy or ground breaking but it does what it needs to and makes it enjoyable.
The main genre of this book is a children’s poetry book.
Children reading this book could learn that even small acts of kindness matter and that everyone has the ability to make the world a little better. They can also learn that kindness helps build strong friendships and a more understanding classroom or community. This book was a WOW book for me because of how simple it was. The author took two things to teach kids and combined them together for an engaging story basically "killing two birds with one stone."
The author used the writing craft technique of using the alphabet. An example of this is how each page uses a different letter to introduce a new act of kindness. This really enhanced the quality of the book by creating a fun rhythm and helping kids stay engaged, letting them predict what comes next. Secondly, the author used repetition and positive language throughout the story. For example, uplifting phrases appear more than once which reinforce the idea of being thoughtful and caring. This really strengthened the book by making the message memorable and easy for children to internalize.
I would consider this book to be an anti bias book because it just finds a simple way to teach kids to be kind and also teach them their letters. it is nothing crazy or ground breaking but it does what it needs to and makes it enjoyable.
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September 30, 2025My grandchildren received this free book from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library via the Dollywood foundation. What a wonderful idea that was.
I was afraid, based on the title, that this book would be mushy and too much like some of the badly written books my kids used to bring home from school, but I was pleasantly surprised. The artwork is nicely done, the alliteration in the text is charming and the art enhances the text.
I felt good once I finished the book, and the children to whom I was reading enjoyed the book and all the things they found in the illustrations which they could name. I don’t think I realized how important baked goods are in the life of our animal friends.
I highly recommend this book for littles aged two and up. That’s who I was reading to, and they enjoyed it very much, repeating new words over and over.
Thank you, Dolly Parton, for the wonderful and generous idea for your Foundation. And thanks to the Horiuchi sisters for the lovely book.
I was afraid, based on the title, that this book would be mushy and too much like some of the badly written books my kids used to bring home from school, but I was pleasantly surprised. The artwork is nicely done, the alliteration in the text is charming and the art enhances the text.
I felt good once I finished the book, and the children to whom I was reading enjoyed the book and all the things they found in the illustrations which they could name. I don’t think I realized how important baked goods are in the life of our animal friends.
I highly recommend this book for littles aged two and up. That’s who I was reading to, and they enjoyed it very much, repeating new words over and over.
Thank you, Dolly Parton, for the wonderful and generous idea for your Foundation. And thanks to the Horiuchi sisters for the lovely book.
November 14, 2023
What if we were bringing up children in Heaven? If they needed to learn how to read, this might be their alphabet book.
* Plenty of pictures? Sure, we expect that from any alphabet picture book.
* Tons of animals, doing human things like juggling? Sure, we expect that too.
* Rhymes? No big shock encountering that, right?
* But how about child-sized acts of kindness and consideration?
FOR EXAMPLE
Unicorn shares her umbrella with friends.
Vulture helps vacuum and clean Viper's den.
Although I've found many alphabet book that I liked, this is the first one that I've loved.
FIVE STARS, of course.
* Plenty of pictures? Sure, we expect that from any alphabet picture book.
* Tons of animals, doing human things like juggling? Sure, we expect that too.
* Rhymes? No big shock encountering that, right?
* But how about child-sized acts of kindness and consideration?
FOR EXAMPLE
Unicorn shares her umbrella with friends.
Vulture helps vacuum and clean Viper's den.
Although I've found many alphabet book that I liked, this is the first one that I've loved.
FIVE STARS, of course.
June 3, 2022
I love this book! Its endearing animals convey a sweet message about kindness, but without being preachy. The illustrations are warm and engaging, with the animals engaged in all different kinds of acts of kindness (and looking so joyful and pleased). The verses are short, rhyming, and incorporate the letter of the alphabet multiple times to help teach ABCs. While the publisher's information says that it's for ages 3-7, I heard of a teacher who read it to a class of fifth graders who all enjoyed it. So I think this is a picture book that a wide range of ages will appreciate.
January 5, 2023
This book is just so charming. It is a great way to learn the alphabet along with all of the ways that we can be kind. The book doesn't feel didactic, and it was enjoyable for me, as an adult reader. There aren't just simple animal names on each page, but instead, they read like this: "“Narwhal takes Newt, his new neighbor, to lunch.” The repetition is really helpful for young readers. I've been having my 6-year-old read it to my 3-year-old, and it makes my heart swell. I love the ending, in which readers are asked how they are kind--this allowed for some great discussions in our house.
September 6, 2025
I don’t usually go for alphabet books because they almost always lack narrative, but this has a simple and important story to tell: animal friends help each other. There’s wonderful rhyme, alliteration, and sweet illustrations that are detailed enough to be interesting without being overstimulating. I love the crazy combinations of animals in different situations. My 22-month-old daughter asked to read it again immediately!
February 1, 2022
A sweet alphabet story with several animals/actions/words on each page that start with that letter of the alphabet. Will be a great book to use with younger children. Appreciate that it asks at the end what YOU can do to show kindness. Pair with When We Are Kind, A Small Kindness, & Be Kind for more picture books with examples of multiple ways we can show kindness.
October 31, 2025
This alphabet book uses playful rhymes and colorful illustrations to show kindness in action—from helping friends to caring for nature. Each letter shows different acts of kindness between different animals that build empathy and compassion. A joyful, inclusive read that encourages children to make the world brighter, one kind act at a time.
May 30, 2022
picked up this little gem at a Little Free Library because I thought it looked cute. It was cute. It was also filled with great ways to show kindness and consideration for others without being preachy. Just lots of cute animals and sing-song rhymes.
November 10, 2022
A cute little book one of my rep friends sent to me to "cheer me up". What can I say? November has spawned a monster and we are only 9 days in. This book has great illustrations and again, gets the message out to the kids to be kind. Never too late to get that message across!
February 9, 2023
This is a cute children’s book set up as an A-Z book. Each set of pages rhymes and follows the theme of kindness. The graphics and illustrations are eye catching and I like the pastels and clean lines each pages presents.
January 9, 2024
Such a sweet, cute book! I received this for free from one of the giveaways. My son loves this book and often picks it out for us to read. Nice illustrations and it rhymes, which I love in children's books. It features a lot of different animals doing nice things for each other. Highly recommend!
November 7, 2024
This book teaches different ways to show kindness and teaches the alphabet. The book has cute pictures that match the sentences, which helps young readers use context clues to read. We enjoy reading this together!
September 10, 2025
I LOVED this book; it has great illustrations with emphasis on the letter in the alphabet you are reading and it is also a rhyming book and children love those. It also teaches you the importance of kindness, which I thought was great!
November 4, 2025
I loved this book!!! This is a sweet alphabet book that teaches about kindness. Each page shows a different way to be kind, using simple words and cute pictures. It’s easy to read and helps kids learn positive behaviors.
January 2, 2026
Our August 2025 Imagination Library book (little bit of a backlog whoops). Very cute alphabet book of animals doing nice things for each other. I like having both upper and lowercase versions of letters!
July 28, 2022
This was fun! I loved the alliteration and the rhyme scheme.
October 23, 2022
An ABC book about ways to be kind, from an ape climbing a tree to give an aardvark an apple to a zonked out baby zebra. Cute illustrations. Both Elliot and I enjoyed this one a lot
November 12, 2022
Lovely! Story is so sweet and the illustrations are soft and heartwarming! Thank you!
June 5, 2023
Toddler and preschool
July 4, 2023
Very cute book for kids. My friend's kids (2 and 3) loved it.
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September 2, 2023a cute abc book where each letter features two animals helping each other while using that letter. preschool and up
December 23, 2023
Cute abc book for kids
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews