Kindness Making a Come-back
by Jane Nickodem
Kindness is making a come-back, but in the hearts of many, it never really went out of style. Political and social discourse have become quite uncivil in our country, but if children’s literature is any indication, there are positive signs that the tide is turning.
Although kindness has always been a reliable theme in children’s literature, in the past several years this topic has earned the term “trending”.
For all those optimists out there, the recent blossoming of well-written children’s books on kindness can be seen as an antidote to the dismaying rudeness which has trickled down from the world of adults to the realm of children.
Let’s take a look at four of the new books on kindness that have recently been added to the Children’s Library collection through the generous support of Milwaukee Friends Meeting.
Those Shoes
ages 7-9
Those Shoes has been around for a while but is new to us. There are so many great things about this book. Unlike the majority of children’s books about kindness and generosity, most of the characters are boys and even the school counselor is male. There is a multi-cultural perspective, as well as an opportunity to discuss concepts like materialism and simplicity.
This unassuming and gently-told tale ends with an unselfish act of generosity leading to a new friendship–in my opinion, one of the very best ways to end a story!
Don’t Say A Word, Mamá/No Digas Nada, Mamá
What’s not to love about this story, presented in both English and Spanish? Two sisters grow from young girls to grown-ups, choosing different paths in life, but good to each other throughout their lives. Mamá keeps a secret about her daughters’ generosity to one another until it involves an overabundance of chiles!
Esau Andrade Valencia.
Ages 5-8.
I Walk With Vanessa:
A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness
I love a good wordless picture book, and this is one of them! Never mind that a male bully and a female “target” (the suggested replacement for “victim” in the helpful appendix) is a bit of a cliché. Wordless picture books are best read in pairs where kids (and their parents) can talk about what they are seeing and feeling. The illustrations are wonderfully multi- cultural, and you’ll be feeling pretty positive by the last page!
Be Kind
This is the only book in the present review that actually includes the word “kind” in the title! A child muses, “What’s kindness, anyway?”. The answer? Simple, everyday kindnesses that catch on, encircle the world, and come back to where it all started! You will not want to miss this lovely book!
These books and more are available in the Children’s Library for a four-week loan with optional two-week renewal. Adult Friends are welcome to borrow and enjoy books from the children’s library collection. Reading makes everything better!