Review - Be Kind

Be Kind
by Pat Zietlow Miller
illustrated by Jen Hill
Date: 2018
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

“These days, it seems more important than ever for books to show young people how to act with thoughtfulness, civility, and kindness.” —The New York Times Book Review

When Tanisha spills grape juice all over her new dress, her classmate wants to make her feel better, wondering: What does it mean to be kind?

From asking the new girl to play to standing up for someone being bullied, this moving story explores what kindness is, and how any act, big or small, can make a difference—or at least help a friend.

With a gentle text from the award-winning author of Sophie's Squash, Pat Zietlow Miller, and irresistible art from Jen Hill, Be Kind is an unforgettable story about how two simple words can change the world.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This is a really sweet book. What starts out as a little girl wondering how to help her upset friend turns into a gentle meditation on kindness, and shows the reader all the little things--just small acts of kindness--that can have a ripple effect in the world. Sometimes it's offering a helping hand; other times, it's as simple as addressing someone by name.

In today's world, books like this are a welcome breath of fresh air. We shouldn't need to be reminded to be kind, but sometimes we do. This book demonstrates the little acts of kindness that all of us can do (even when it's not convenient, or even a little scary), showing people being kind through charming illustrations. The cast of characters is very diverse, and the overall message is... well, kind.

This is definitely one to check out.

Quotable moment:

Premise: 5/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4.17 out of 5