Today is officially Kindness Day but don’t you think that people should be kind everyday??
It is never to early to encourage children to be kind and a perfect place to begin is with this retelling of the classic Aesop’s fable:
The Lion and the Mouse
Written and Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Jerry Pinkney’s version of this story of kindness is visually stunning. The almost wordless book tells of a little mouse set free by a lion and then returns to repay the favor, is told through luminous watercolor illustrations. It is a special book to share with children who will want to discuss and tell the story in their own words. This book won the Caldecott Award in 2010.
26 Big Things Small Hands Do
Coleen Paratore (author) and Mike Reed (illustrator)
This is an alphabet book that shows how children can make a difference from A to Z. The concepts are simple but meaningful to little ones and include things that children can actually do. I have shared this book for years and it has never failed to inspire students to go out of their way to help others. The illustrations include children of all ethnic groups and shows a broad range of emotions. Unfortunately, it is no longer in print but can be found at the library or secondary market.
Here are some more Kindness Books to share with children and some inspiration- Kindness costs nothing: Photos capture acts of compassion from around the world which will melt your heart
My teacher/writer friend, Margaret O’Hair, is busy with her transitional kindergarten class being kind to animals.
I have found that traveling provides many opportunities to be kind. Next time you are on a field trip, consider:
- Cleaning up – I learned as a Girl Scout to always leave a place cleaner than it was upon arrival.
- Sending a postcard – who doesn’t want to receive a nice note in the mail?
- Sharing an umbrella, a seat, or a smile.
What are some of your favorite ways to show kindness? Have you been the recipient of a random act of kindness?
Sending a postcard could count among my favourite, yes! ;D
Aesop was right: any act of kindness goes a long way. And children learn a lot from adults who offer random acts of kindness through the day. One of my favorites to be frank is to witness drivers letting someone – sometimes it’s me:) go through when a street or parking lot is packed. Too often when in our cars we forget about others or see them as obstacles. I always try to be courteous and kind when I drive and often let someone go, even though I have the right of way but see how stuck they are. And people always appreciate the small gesture. But I love the postcards too!
And I adore the photo of the little girl and her umbrella with the cat.
OH those illustrations are adorable, i want them all! thank you for sharing!
Claire, again you have written a very creative post. Thanks for always pointing out such wonderful books to go along with your themes and ideas.