Human Kindness: True Stories of Compassion and Generosity that Changed the World

by John Francis, Josy Bloggs (Illustrator)

Be inspired by incredible stories of kindness from around the world, and throughout history.

Join the Planetwalker, John Francis, on an exploration of kindness, great and small. From the kindness John has experienced in his own life to the history of how kindness has helped to shape our laws, morals and communities from around the world.

Over the whole history of humankind, kindness has been key to the survival of our species, and to making our world a better place. Learn about Harriet Tubman, who risked her life to help others escape from slavery, the Nomads Clinic, which sends doctors trekking into the Himalayas to tend to patients, The Linda Lindas, a group of young musicians who use their talent to speak up for the rights of others, Joshua Coombes, a hairdresser who gives free haircuts to the homeless, and many others. The joyous and awe-inspiring stories in this book will encourage young readers to be kind to others. And being kind, even in small ways, turns out to be healthy for you, yet another reason to practice kindness every day. It’s our planet to share together—let's be kind.

65 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 6, 2022

Reviews

[Juanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read Your World January 2025

This month What on Earth Books @whatonearth_books graciously #gifted me Human Kindness by John "Planet Walker" Francis for one of my #ReadYourWorld reviews.

This book is beautiful and is so needed today as I wake up to a world touched by violence. Dr. John Francis spent seventeen years of his life walking the planet, and experiencing kindness from those around him. In this children's book, he visits the history of kindness around the world and offers many examples of what kindness looks like.

While this book is aimed primarily at children, it's perfect for all ages. I learned quite a lot about kindness in history that I never knew before. The illustrations throughout are colorful and engaging. I love the diversity and inclusiveness of every picture.

This book is a five-star must-read! It will inspire you do pass along a little kindness to those you meet in life.

#gifted #readyourworld #johnfrancis #planetwalker #kindness #bookreviews #childrensbooks #picturebooks

[Yeveen Shin]

개인이 얻는 어떠한 이익 없이 다른 사람을 위해 무언가를 하는 것을 이타주의라고 해요. 그러나 친절한 행동을 하는 사람이 모두 이타적인 것은 아니예요. 때로 우리는 그저 기분이 좋아지기 때문에 친절을 베풀기도 하거든요. 어떤 과학자는 우리가 친절한 행동을 하는 이유가 그것이 건강에 좋고, 행복을 느끼게 하기 때문이라고 말해요. 친절을 베풀 때 신체의 고통이 줄어든다고도 하고요. 어찌 됐든 우리는 한낱 인간일 뿐이고, 자신의 행복을 추구한느 것을 나쁘다고 말할 수는 없겠지요. 만약 그 때문에 다른 사람에게 친절을 베풀고 착한 일을 하게 된다면, 그것보다 멋진 일이 어디 있겠어요?

의료계에서 일하는 사람은 전 세계를 통틀어 수백만 명이 넘어요. 이들은 온종일 남을 도우며 하루를 보내요. 그들은 환자의 통증을 덜어 주고, 상처를 치료하고, 질병을 예방하는 일을 하지요.

우리는 한낱 인간일 뿐이예요. 이 말은, 누구도 항상 모든 것을 다 잘할 수는 없다는 뜻이지요. 하지만 그래도 괜찮다는 사실을 잊지 마세요. 완벽한 사람은 아무도 없거든요. 우리가 할 수 있는 일은 단지 최선을 다하는 것뿐이죠. 인간은 융통성 있는 동물이라 과거에서 배울 줄 알아요. 그러니 혹시 누군가에게 상처를 줬다거나, 생각 없이 행동했다 할지라도 걱정하지 말아요! 그냥 진심으로 사과하면 돼요. 자신을 용서하고, 다음에 더 잘하면 되는 거죠. 우리는 실수를 통해서 배우니까요.

친절이 없었다면 나는 인생의 여정에서 지금까지 살아남지 못했을 거예요. 어찌어찌 살아남았다고 해도, 그 삶은 무척 절망적이었을 테죠.

"보상을 기대하지 말고 친절을 베푸세요. 언젠가는 누군가가 당신에게도 친절을 베풀 거예요."
다이애나 스펜서

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me feel good while reading it. Kindness is everywhere and anywhere. It discussed different people and how they spread kindness through living. It has fun facts, quotes, and colorful and bright illustrations! We NEED more books like this for young readers. Even as an adult- it was fun to read! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

[Cheryl Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a keeper... one of the few books I'll reread. While it is intended for children, I found it a heartwarming and inspirational reminder of the goodness of humans. I'm going to add a copy to my school library, even though it's a grade 7-8 school. Everyone should read this book. It's accessible even though it discusses some heavy and disturbing topics such as war and slavery. It highlights the brave heroes who shone in times of darkness. In a word, it's inspiring.