Finding Kindness

July 1, 2019
Friends, neighbors, and family members in a variously diverse neighborhood are seen engaging in quiet acts of kindness. A child appears at her window, releasing a ladybug using the cup-and-card trick: “Kindness is sometimes/ a cup and a card.” On the next page, a firefighter rescues a cat from a tree: “or a ladder,/ a truck,/ and a tree.” A boy rakes leaves for an elderly woman, and his kindness is repaid with a cookie. Elsewhere, a woman is seen giving up her train seat to another passenger with a baby; a child leaves a tip for a bear performing on a unicycle; and two children plant trees in a park: “It’s dirt and a shovel,/ petunias and pails,/ it’s trees that will someday give shade.” Chan illustrates in a loose style that captures a feeling of warmth, community, and goodwill. One act of kindness begets another, Underwood gently conveys, including acts of self-care and forgiveness. Ages 4–8.

July 15, 2019
"Kindness is sometimes / a cup and a card." Wait! What? Yes, kindness is a cup and a card--when someone uses them to gently trap a ladybug inside and release it outside. With a simple rhyming text and softly colored illustrations of community scenes, each page shows neighbors, professionals, and strangers modeling simple acts of kindness toward people and animals. A child rakes leaves for an older neighbor, another brings soup to someone who is "sneezy," and one even shares a book via a clever bucket delivery system. As neighboring businesses, a flower seller swaps a bouquet for peaches with a grocer. A fireman rescues a cat from a tree, park security helps a lost child, and an ice cream vendor gives a cone to a young skater who has fallen. Even strangers act with kindness and return a dropped key, snap a picture for a vacationing family, and adopt a dog that "others ignore." From infants to grandparents, people in this busy and diverse community come together to enjoy one another and their common interests. Illustrations show a girl wearing a hijab, a child in a wheelchair playing badminton with friends, and interracial families. Simple acts of kindness that warm the heart. (Picture book. 3-6)

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October 1, 2019

PreS-K-Kindness can be shown in many ways, as demonstrated in this charming picture book. A girl uses a card and a cup to release a ladybug out of her apartment window. As she looks out, she witnesses community helpers and neighbors engaging in different acts of kindness ranging from small gestures, such as offering a seat on the train or holding a door, to more extensive volunteer work, such as helping build a house for someone or planting trees and plants at a community park. The book eventually circles back to the girl from the beginning, and readers learn the card was given to her by her sister, who she thanks with a kiss. Underwood's rhymes are short and sweet with a natural rhythm. The examples offer simple ways in which children and adults can be generous and compassionate toward others. Chan's illustrations are featured on expansive spreads, with bright, bold colors that pop. Depicted is a tight-knit community with members of varying races, ages, ethnicities, and genders. VERDICT With its positive message, simple rhymes, and eye-catching art, this is a wonderful choice for a kindness-themed storytime.-Laura J. Giunta, Garden City Public Library, NY

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.