A Small Kindness

by Stacy McAnulty, Wendy Leach (Illustrator)

Teach the importance of goodwill with this impactful picture book with a solid pay-it-forward message to encourage kindness in young children—from the award-winning author of Excellent Ed and Sun! One In a Billion.

It was like a game of tag, with one small act of kindness spreading throughout a small community of kids and teachers alike. Award-winning children's book author Stacy McAnulty packs a powerful punch with minimal text, providing a sweet message about all the small ways one can be kind. Illustrator Wendy Leach creates a diverse cast of characters while using color as a visual cue to how kindness is able to spread, even in a small community like a school. Overall, A Small Kindness is sure to speak to this new generation of children and their parents.

Genres: Picture Books, School, Friendship, Storytime, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Fiction

35 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2021

About the author

Stacy McAnulty is a children’s book author, who used to be a mechanical engineer, who’s also qualified to be a paleontologist (NOT REALLY), a correspondent for The Daily Show (why not), and a Green Bay Packer coach (totally!). She is the 2017 Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor Recipient for Excellent Ed, illustrated by Julia Sarcone-Roach. Her other picture books include Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years, illustrated by David Litchfield; Brave and Beautiful, both illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff; Mr. Fuzzbuster Knows He’s the Favorite, illustrated by Edward Hemingway; and 101 Reasons Why I’m Not Taking a Bath, illustrated by Joy Ang. She’s also authored the chapter book series Goldie Blox, based on the award-winning toys, and The Dino Files. Her debut middle grade novel, The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl, will publish in 2018. When not writing, Stacy likes to listen to NPR, bake triple-chocolate cupcakes, and eat triple-chocolate cupcakes. Originally from upstate NY, she now lives in Kernersville, NC with her 3 kids, 2 dogs, and 1 husband.

Reviews

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Age: Preschool-1st grade

Muted tones are energized with color as one girl's act of friendly kindness spreads to her whole school. Another lovely addition to the kindness shelf showcasing simple and easy ways to spread joy.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching look at how the sharing and passing on of a kind act is like a game of tag, where everyone wins.

[Norah Baron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute simple book to share with students on how to be kind to others. Easy read.

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our book today is A Small Kindness, written by Stacy McAnulty and illustrated by Wendy Leach, a sweet story about how even the smallest acts of goodwill can have a huge impact.

“It was like a game of tag”, our story begins, over a sepia-toned schoolyard where Ms. Jones’s new class has congregated; all the children are sepia-toned as well, with the exception of Alice. But when Alice smiles at Lucas, a bit of bright color spreads to him. When Lucas says hello to Jasmine, the color spreads to her as well. And on it goes, with every small act of kindness – a joke, a compliment, an act of service, a word of encouragement, etc. – bringing more and more pigments to the students, adults, and the school itself. By the time class lets out, the dullness has faded away and left a world of color – and it all started with one small act of kindness.

Lovely. McAnulty’s story is just perfect for young readers – the “game of tag” metaphor and the simple, short sentences to narrative the “movement” of the kindness create a concept that is as easily recognized as it is universal. Leach does a nice job with the illustrations, showing a diverse group of kids and giving them individual styles and expressions, helping to distinguish them from each other as the kindness moves through the class. The length is perfect for a storytime, and JJ really enjoyed it. This would be a great addition to any classroom or home library, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when children’s authors continue to write books that are timeless and ones that I will keep in my book bin forever. McAnulty’s book is so important, it should be required reading in every home and classroom.

There are very few words on the pages, but the illustrations tell just as much of the story. It all starts with the kids lining up to go into the school building for the day. The author likens it to a game of tag. Leach’s first double-page spread shows the kids in line, the playground, school building, and teacher. All of them are in a sepia tone except one girl in the front of the line, named Alice. Once the kids are in the building putting their bags in their cubbies, Alice smiles at Lucas. What we see in the illustration is the continued sepia-tone except for now Alice’s colors are spreading onto Lucas. His shirt is starting to turn red and his backpack, orange. Lucas then greets Jasmine and the color train continues. By the end of the school day, everyone is in full-color including the janitor and the teacher.

The kids at school are from various diverse backgrounds and abilities. No two kids look alike except for their huge smiles on their faces. I especially loved how the illustrator made the kids’ faces light up once someone had been kind. You can see it in their eyes.

This important message of a small act of kindness making a difference in the lives of others is so simple and yet so profound. Kids will understand the simple effort of saying “Hi” or sharing and then see it play out on the pages with that kindness being shared over and over again. Adults will be touched and reminded of how easy it really is to be kind. In this current state of our world, we could all use a little nudge to be kind.

Check out my blog for photos and links to an activity kit: https://www.sincerelystacie.com/2021/...

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book takes an unusual approach to the topic of kindness. Instead of simply suggesting that youngsters treat each other with kindness and talk about how kindness spreads, the images show how the world blossoms and literally fills with color as acts of kindness spread. The first double-page spread shows a group of schoolchildren lined up to go inside the building. Ten of them and their teacher are painted in muted tones, almost sepia-colored while one girl is depicted in color. As the story unfolds, that child, Alice, beams a smile at another classmate, Lucas, and color starts to spread over him. On and on, it goes, this game of kindness tag, spreading from one child to another, and even involving the children's teacher and the school custodian. By the time each character has been touched by some act of kindness, the pages are completely filled with color as are the characters, and the book concludes with a reference to that game of tag again, but this time no one loses and everyone is a winner. This title would be ideal to share on the opening day of school or alongside or in addition to other books on kindness. The ripple effect of a kind word or deed as well as that of a cruel word or deed cannot be denied, and this book offers tangible proof of what can happen as the result of the simplest act of kindness. And how hard is to follow the lead of these youngsters?

[Ellon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know McAnulty from her middle grade novels but this picture book shows that she is an author of many talents! I love the concept of this book. All the characters are in black and white except one who does an act of kindness for a classmate. As the act of kindness is done, the color spreads to the recipient and repeats until all the characters are in color. I love how it shows that kindness can have a domino effect. I also like how spreading the kindness is referred to as a game of tag where everyone wins. Simply adorable.

Oh, also, I love the inclusion in the illustrations!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the first day of school and everyone is feeling a little shy and insecure, then Alice smiles at Lucas. This is an uplifting picture book that demonstrates that being kind is like playing a game of tag: when everyone plays, everybody wins. A wonderful book to read on the first day of school along with All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and First Day Critter Jitters by Jory John. Also add to units on kindness along with Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller, If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson, Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers, and The Power of One by Trudy Ludwig.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children in a new classroom at a new school begin the day in shades of brown, but each kindness adds color to their world. These illustrations by Wendy Leach with color blending across the sketches of children and adults in a school are magically done. The concept of each act of kindness adding light and love to our lives is simple and begged to be shared in a picture book form. I am so thankful for author Stacy McAnulty and illustrator Wendy Leach offering a sweet and thoughtful addition to library shelves.

[Alissa Tsaparikos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a unique take on the idea of paying it forward. Wendy Leach's illustrations are sweet and diverse, and as each person passes on kindness, that kindness manifests itself by coloring in the characters one by one. A gray4ed out classroom becomes a rainbow of colors as everyone continues to share kindness. I think this would be a great addition to storytime about friendship and kindness. A wonderful story that hits just the right spot.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic story to read with Pre-K and Kindergarten kids, whether at home, school, or in the library. At school it could be a great one to read right before or after a rousing game of sticky popcorn in the gym. Great for learning kindness but also social emotional awareness--what makes you happy? how can you make others happy? The illustrations are also great and really capture happiness and use colour well to show the difference a friendly gesture can make in someone's mood.

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a simple concept and it illustrates such a big idea. I love it. We meet a new class of kids going to school on the first day and they are all in black and white. Then one kids smiles at another and that kid turns color. That kid passes a kindness to another and that kids turns color. We can see throughout the day the small kindness that pass that good feeling on to the next person.

It's such a wonderful idea. I mean the concept is simple and the heart of the idea is set. Stacy is amazing.

I enjoyed the artwork. It's nice seeing more and more kids in full color as the day goes on. Bravo.

[Jared White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple text and lovely pictures illustrate how small acts of kindness can ripple out to help inspire other small acts of kindness. I love that there is a lot of racial diversity and also a boy who uses a walker and a girl who has cochlear implants. The illustrator's use of adding color as a means of showing the acts of kindness spreading was quite lovely and also the pictures beautifully capture emotions on the characters' faces (anxiety, nervousness, happiness, delight, etc.).

[Zan Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was like a game of tag, with one small act of kindness spreading throughout a small community of kids and teachers alike. Award-winning children's book author Stacy McAnulty packs a powerful punch with minimal text, providing a sweet message about all the small ways one can be kind. Illustrator Wendy Leach creates a diverse cast of characters while using color as a visual cue to how kindness is able to spread, even in a small community like a school"-- Provided by publisher.

[Madison Paprzycki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughout this book, the illustrations were very in-depth. Each time as the children would do something kind for another student, their would bring more colors to the page. This is showing children how kindness and friendships work and how it is important to be kind to your friends. This can be used in the classroom in the beginning of the year for a set of expectations showing the way you are supposed to act towards your friends and teachers.

[Courtenay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple good deeds rewarded with "passing it on." I love the idea of paying it forward, and I especially liked the illustrator's choice to use bolder color as each person receives a small kindness. Endearing, simple story in a time when it seems people have forgotten how to be kind. Such an important lesson for today's youth, told in a way that is not at all preachy.

[Saritza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the very clear depiction of how a kindness can be passed from one to another while brightening up their day and surroundings. This isn't a wordless picture book but the visual cues alone tell the story as each kid passes a kindness to another akin to a game of tag. A wonderful book to read aloud or simply leaf through whenever you're needing to see kindness spread.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story, simply told, about how sharing a small act of kindness with another can create a ripple effect. The illustrations perfectly reinforce this concept, as each person goes from black-and-white to color as they are touched by a classmate's kindness. Features kids (and grown-ups) of different races and abilities. Recommended for the preschool set.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful book shows children the transformative effect of kindness visually. The illustrations of the children and their teacher start off in sepia and as they receive kindness, half of them shows up in colour. Once they have given kindness, they are completely coloured in. Simple acts of kindness are laid out in language children can understand. By the end of the book, everyone and everywhere is vibrant with colour. I think every child should be exposed to this book!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK IS AMAZING. It shares such a positive and important message. The illustrations are beautiful. The characters are diverse, and it makes for a great read aloud. Share it, share it, share it! ♥

[Linda Chance · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simply sweet lesson

You never know how a little encouragement can change someone’s day as this story shows when kids being kind to each other sends out ripples of color like a stone tossed in water.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Limited text with strong visual appeal. Gives an easy-to-understand message of spreading kindness for children. Will definitely share as a read aloud with my elementary classes and add to our school library.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 4 out of 5]

9/6/2021 ~ A visually appealing story of the impact and spread of acts of kindness throughout a class. I loved the way the illustrator made use of sepia tones and color to show how kindness adds a sense of light and joy to a community.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful simple story about how a small act of kindness, even saying hello, can "brighten" someone's day. Such an easy way to express being kind to children, who may feel overwhelmed by the "Be Kind" movement

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful black & white illustrations with color moving from one individual person to another through simple acts of kindness. Powerful and easy to read without being didactic, this is a great individual or group read aloud!

[Lisa Mcbroom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A take on Pay it Forward on how kindness grows! I loved how in the beginning of the book the world is drab and gray but as each child does kindness the world becomes bright and colorful! Great visual!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a class who spreads kindness throughout the day until everyone is happy. I would keep this book in my classroom to help kids remember the importance of being a good friend and having a positive attitude, because kindness is contagious and everyone deserves to be happy.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was kind of a cool way to illustrate how kindness can be passed along. Everyone starts out in kind of a colorless state, and as they treat one another with kindness, they become more vibrantly colored. points for originality and creativity.

[Lisa D · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute book about kindness! Loved it!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A chain of kindness runs through the school, and like ripples on a lake, it multiplies. Super sweet story. Can't wait to read it to the kids