The story looks at some of the many ways to be kind, each double page spread shows a beautifully illustrated scene, and the repeated text kindness is… followed by an example relatable to children, such as saying hello at the park, cheering at a race, swapping snacks and sharing crayons.
The retro styled illustrations shine with diversity; showing community based scenes filled with kind interactions between people of differing race and ability. A scene featuring a child in a wheelchair happily playing clarinet alongside a howling puppy is one of the many images which made my heart beam.
Australian author/illustrator Sophie Beer the creator of Love Makes A Family, brings us this equally uplifting book with consistent design and format. It delivers an important message about being kind and how collaboratively, it makes us strong. It’s perfect for preschool-age children, great for reading in a group and as a basis for discussion about community and kindness. With a thick board cover and card pages it’s strong and ready for repeated use by tiny hands.
For more of Sophie's creations, see Arthur the Tiger, Wren and Amazing Australian Women.
Title: Kindness Makes Us Strong
Author/Illustrator: Sophie Beer
Publisher: Hardie Grant Egmont, $16.99
Publication Date: 1 April 2019
Format: Board Book
ISBN: 9781760504144
For ages: 1+
Type: Picture Book