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What Does It Mean to Be...?
What Does It Mean To Be Kind?
In the newest addition to Rana DiOrio's "What Does It Mean To Be...?" series, DiOrio shows that every act of kindness is also an act of courage, and how small gestures can make a big difference to other people, animals, the planet, and even oneself.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 25, 2015
13 people are currently reading
363 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
October 24, 2017
A surprisingly practical book with lots of good (and simple) suggestions for showing kindness. It is very young-kid-friendly, and the illustrations keep things light and happy. My three kids like the book, and it has helped us talk about how to treat other people, animals, and the earth with kindness. I like the message that small acts make a difference, even when sometimes it feels like they don't.
November 14, 2020
"Being kind means having the courage to treat others the way you like to be treated."
November 23, 2023
I borrowed this book from the national library. I can see this book to be as a reading material for my pupils and my child who are learning English as a second-language. The illustrations helps a lot in understanding the sentences.
April 12, 2021
Featured in a grandma reads session.
There are so many ways to be kind. . . .even different meanings of the word "kind" - once these are discussed and the meaning the book intends to focus on is determined, the examples and encouragements are launched in full.
Filled with sweet, simple illustrations of the author's examples of many kindnesses, neighborly acts, friendship boosters, familial love and community builders, this little gem of a book is a joy to read out loud. The combination of picture and word caught the attention of my listeners as we started our reading this afternoon.
There are so many ways to be kind. . . .even different meanings of the word "kind" - once these are discussed and the meaning the book intends to focus on is determined, the examples and encouragements are launched in full.
Filled with sweet, simple illustrations of the author's examples of many kindnesses, neighborly acts, friendship boosters, familial love and community builders, this little gem of a book is a joy to read out loud. The combination of picture and word caught the attention of my listeners as we started our reading this afternoon.
November 12, 2020
My heart is full.
My biggest thank you for the creator.
"If we can all be kind to each other and ourselves, our world will be more loving, caring, and harmonious."
My biggest thank you for the creator.
"If we can all be kind to each other and ourselves, our world will be more loving, caring, and harmonious."
October 18, 2016
Great READ!!! Have you ever wondered what does it mean to be kind?
The children in this book ask a series of questions about what does it mean to be kind? Being able to Go ABOVE and BEYOND is the key to being kind!!! And not being rude to others! The book is a great reminder that we should treat others the way we want to be treated.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR HOW YOU TREAT OTHERS!!!
I would use this book during the first week of school as a reminder that we should be kind and respectful to our peers and teachers.
The children in this book ask a series of questions about what does it mean to be kind? Being able to Go ABOVE and BEYOND is the key to being kind!!! And not being rude to others! The book is a great reminder that we should treat others the way we want to be treated.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR HOW YOU TREAT OTHERS!!!
I would use this book during the first week of school as a reminder that we should be kind and respectful to our peers and teachers.
December 6, 2016
Great book. Really a good starting point to have good conversation with your kids about your values and teaching them to be a good person.
March 30, 2022
This is a very simple picture book with great, diverse illustrations. It gives a lot of examples about being kind like, smiling at a new student, being patient, encouraging others, celebrating differences, and noticing when someone is sad. The characters are all different races and ages, there is also a young girl in a wheelchair!
Great book for a child’s bookshelf!
Great book for a child’s bookshelf!
July 22, 2017
In bed reading--on vacation...Theodore and me. Very nice book. Theodore noticed the cat and dog on each page and also pointed out letters (o mostly).
January 17, 2018
A great book for kids in grades K-2. It can start a discussion on being kind and what we can do to be kind.
June 25, 2025
I thought the examples of kindness were sweet. 💗 the illustrations and story line were great!
November 14, 2021
An odd beginning.
January 26, 2022
A good book to initiate a in-depth conversation about kindness.
August 29, 2017
After reading the picture book titled "What Does It Mean To Be Kind". I feel this is one good animated way of bringing students and communities together. This book was written by author Rana DiOrio and illustrated by Stephane Jorisch. "What Does It Mean To Be Kind' has won no awards.This book is suitable for children of all ages.
The book shows animated characters who are children in the classroom and community . The characters in this book show what to do in different situations to be kind to one another. I rated this book three stars. The plot was effective I could get the message the author was sending. I really wish the author put in more language and dialog. The characters were a key part to this picture book, the illustrations looked good. The color of the book caught my attention.
This would be a appealing book to young readers. I think kids of any age would be excited to read this book because the characters do so much movement. If I was to work with children this would be a good book to help them understand how to interact with people.
The book shows animated characters who are children in the classroom and community . The characters in this book show what to do in different situations to be kind to one another. I rated this book three stars. The plot was effective I could get the message the author was sending. I really wish the author put in more language and dialog. The characters were a key part to this picture book, the illustrations looked good. The color of the book caught my attention.
This would be a appealing book to young readers. I think kids of any age would be excited to read this book because the characters do so much movement. If I was to work with children this would be a good book to help them understand how to interact with people.
October 8, 2017
This book is all about examples of what it means to be kind. The book’s theme is to tell children how to be kind to others, their environment, and how to forgive others by showing them kindness. The illustrations are important in this book because one child will do something unkind in the photo and words help show how they could be kind in that situation. The illustrations are also important because those same children who did something unkind on one page are shown forgiveness and kindness from others and learn how to be kind. My mother always taught us to live kindly and graciously and this book depicts that so I loved it and was really able to connect with it. It would be a great thing to use in the classroom to provide examples of kindness for children, but also reminds them to be kind to those who aren’t always kind and forgive those people too.
November 20, 2017
I would recommend this for the primary grades, second through third grade. I would categorize this book as contemporary realistic fiction.
I don’t think teachers can have enough books about being kind. I love how this book gives explicit examples of being kind. It also illustrates people from different ethnicities, and illustrates a character in a wheel chair. I like the examples, and the illustrations, but I’m not sure how I feel about the sentence structure. Many of the pages begin with an ellipses and end with a paragraph. For beginning readers, I think this would be confusing for them. I would still want to incorporate this book into my classroom, but would have to teach the students what an ellipses is, and how to use them. Other than that it would be a great mentor text, and an awesome book to keep on the classroom bookshelf.
I don’t think teachers can have enough books about being kind. I love how this book gives explicit examples of being kind. It also illustrates people from different ethnicities, and illustrates a character in a wheel chair. I like the examples, and the illustrations, but I’m not sure how I feel about the sentence structure. Many of the pages begin with an ellipses and end with a paragraph. For beginning readers, I think this would be confusing for them. I would still want to incorporate this book into my classroom, but would have to teach the students what an ellipses is, and how to use them. Other than that it would be a great mentor text, and an awesome book to keep on the classroom bookshelf.
September 26, 2018
This book explains how to be kind in actions, words, ideas and concept that young children can understand. Its anti bias with it's different nationalities, disabilities shown and even different animals shown. This is a great book for the ECE classroom because lessons can be made out of EVERY way it is stated to be kind.
December 28, 2017
Fun kid's book that helps conceptualize kindness for younger children. It gives some basic examples of kindness and helps open the dialogue about what it means (and doesn't mean) to be kind and show kindness to others. My boys, ages 2 and 4, enjoy it and it can be interactive.
February 1, 2019
This is a really nice story a counselor would enjoy using this one with a class to discuss the idea of kindness. There are lots of gorgeous illustrations and many examples of kindness in everyday life. Highly recommended for Grades K-2.
October 10, 2017
There's no real subtlety in this story and it kind of hits you over the head with how didactic it is.
September 8, 2019
Too didactic.
September 10, 2019
If you've been following along for any amount of time, then you know how much we absolutely love the book Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller, because it actually gives children examples of how they can be kind to others... As adults, we so often expect children to understand how to “be kind,” when the reality is that they often need explicit teaching and examples before they can truly understand. What Does It Mean to Be Kind? is another example of a great book that defines "be kind" for children.
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What Does It Mean to Be Kind? combines simple text from Rana DiOrio with soft watercolors and lots of white space in Stéphane Jorisch. This uncomplicated presentation allows children to focus on the important message, which is examples of how and why to be kind.
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Admittedly, some of this book is the abstract, such as when DiOrio plays on other meanings of "kind," and my children don't really understand that part. I'm okay with that, though, because they get the rest... they get the important part. They get the tangible examples of how they can be kind to others at school. They understand that sometimes, being kind isn't easy or straightforward, such as being kind to "people even when they are struggling to be their best" and "forgiving someone who has hurt you." DiOrio even presents ideas of how to be kind to ourselves, which is often overlooked in children's literature!
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And these trickier examples are why I appreciate What Does It Mean to Be Kind? so much! It's so much more difficult for children (and adults!) to be kind when someone treats them poorly, to be stand up for others when unjust is happening, to dig deep and find forgiveness for others... and for ourselves.
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Are you looking to help your children boost their understanding of what it means to "be kind" this school year? Then What Does It Mean to Be Kind? may be just the book you need! I believe this could be powerful for all ages!
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If you liked this, check out:
* Be Kind
* Good People Everywhere
* Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed
* Most People
* Because Amelia Smiled
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What Does It Mean to Be Kind? combines simple text from Rana DiOrio with soft watercolors and lots of white space in Stéphane Jorisch. This uncomplicated presentation allows children to focus on the important message, which is examples of how and why to be kind.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Admittedly, some of this book is the abstract, such as when DiOrio plays on other meanings of "kind," and my children don't really understand that part. I'm okay with that, though, because they get the rest... they get the important part. They get the tangible examples of how they can be kind to others at school. They understand that sometimes, being kind isn't easy or straightforward, such as being kind to "people even when they are struggling to be their best" and "forgiving someone who has hurt you." DiOrio even presents ideas of how to be kind to ourselves, which is often overlooked in children's literature!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
And these trickier examples are why I appreciate What Does It Mean to Be Kind? so much! It's so much more difficult for children (and adults!) to be kind when someone treats them poorly, to be stand up for others when unjust is happening, to dig deep and find forgiveness for others... and for ourselves.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Are you looking to help your children boost their understanding of what it means to "be kind" this school year? Then What Does It Mean to Be Kind? may be just the book you need! I believe this could be powerful for all ages!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
If you liked this, check out:
* Be Kind
* Good People Everywhere
* Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed
* Most People
* Because Amelia Smiled
October 3, 2019
What Does It Mean to be Kind is about the value and impact that our actions can have when we are kind with one another. The author, Rana DiOro, gives a lot of specific examples about what we can do to show our kindness to each other. She uses short and simple terms to show the readers that being kind costs nothing, and that there is magic in our actions. She talks about how being kind takes courage, but at the end of the day, this courage has its positive outcomes and brings us blessings, like seeing someone smile. It talks about the Golden Rule, which is to treat others like we would want to be treated. DiOro talks about the importance of kindness using bright and delightful pictures and specific suggestions on what it means to be kind and puts them together to show children that kindness is one of the most important qualities there is.
The overall theme in this book is the magic that kindness brings and how we can use it to change the world, little by little. It mentions the value of having courage and spreading love because if we can all be kind to each other and to ourselves, our world will fill up with love and harmony.
As I read What Does It Mean to be Kind, I actually felt very happy that this book was written, and I felt identified with a girl who took the courage to talk to the new student in class. I found myself wanting to be more like her because sometimes, an action that means nothing to us, can mean the world to another person. Spreading love and kindness costs nothing and to think that we were the reason behind someone’s smile is all the reward we need.
I would definitely recommend this book because it shows the importance and the value of our actions. It shows how a small and random act of kindness from our part can change things for a person for the better and I feel that this is something very important that kids need to learn from a young age.
The overall theme in this book is the magic that kindness brings and how we can use it to change the world, little by little. It mentions the value of having courage and spreading love because if we can all be kind to each other and to ourselves, our world will fill up with love and harmony.
As I read What Does It Mean to be Kind, I actually felt very happy that this book was written, and I felt identified with a girl who took the courage to talk to the new student in class. I found myself wanting to be more like her because sometimes, an action that means nothing to us, can mean the world to another person. Spreading love and kindness costs nothing and to think that we were the reason behind someone’s smile is all the reward we need.
I would definitely recommend this book because it shows the importance and the value of our actions. It shows how a small and random act of kindness from our part can change things for a person for the better and I feel that this is something very important that kids need to learn from a young age.
December 28, 2024
What Does It Mean to Be Kind? by Rana DiOrio is a story that will strike a chord with everyone. It conveys what kindness looks like. Kindness doesn't mean that we belong to a different category or give something in return other than money to repay kindness. Kindness means using magic words like thank you, sorry, and please. It's about being patient when standing in a queue for lunch. It means standing up for someone who is being bullied. It means being the first person to greet someone. Being kind is about embracing and celebrating differences. Picking up trash that isn't yours.
It's about allowing yourself to make and learn from mistakes. It's going beyond yourself and understanding if someone is sad and cheering them up. Counting your blessings and giving them to society like taking care of less fortunate ones. Last but not least, having the courage to treat others the way you want to be treated. So show your family, friends, and neighbors what kindness is all about and build a loving and harmonious community.
PS- It's a must-read. Also, it's a quick read.
It's about allowing yourself to make and learn from mistakes. It's going beyond yourself and understanding if someone is sad and cheering them up. Counting your blessings and giving them to society like taking care of less fortunate ones. Last but not least, having the courage to treat others the way you want to be treated. So show your family, friends, and neighbors what kindness is all about and build a loving and harmonious community.
PS- It's a must-read. Also, it's a quick read.
November 8, 2025
What Does It Mean to Be Kind? introduces young readers to the power of kindness in everyday life. It defines kindness not as a single act, but as a mindset — treating others with compassion, patience, and understanding. The story is simple yet profound, showing children that small, thoughtful actions can make a big difference.
Stéphane Jorisch’s illustrations complement the text with warm, engaging images that depict kindness across different settings and cultures. I love how this book reinforces empathy and emotional intelligence — both essential social skills for young learners.
This book is perfect for teaching character education and emotional development. It encourages children to see kindness as a choice they can make every day, helping create more caring and inclusive learning environments.
Stéphane Jorisch’s illustrations complement the text with warm, engaging images that depict kindness across different settings and cultures. I love how this book reinforces empathy and emotional intelligence — both essential social skills for young learners.
This book is perfect for teaching character education and emotional development. It encourages children to see kindness as a choice they can make every day, helping create more caring and inclusive learning environments.
November 25, 2019
The story is about ways to be kind and what it means to not be kind. The author gives a lot of different examples of how to display both. For example, the author poses the question,
does it mean paying with something other than money" and "being kind means smiling at the new student in class!" The story gives a really good message to young students who are discovering what it means to be kind.
I gave this story a 5 due to the important message that it gives off in a kid-friendly way! The illustrations are multi-cultural and represent the words well! The story is easy to read and is easy to follow along with!
I would use this story as a read-aloud to teach the importance of being kind! I would also want to have this story in my classroom library for all ages!
does it mean paying with something other than money" and "being kind means smiling at the new student in class!" The story gives a really good message to young students who are discovering what it means to be kind.
I gave this story a 5 due to the important message that it gives off in a kid-friendly way! The illustrations are multi-cultural and represent the words well! The story is easy to read and is easy to follow along with!
I would use this story as a read-aloud to teach the importance of being kind! I would also want to have this story in my classroom library for all ages!
October 2, 2019
A girl is kind to a new student in her class. Her kindness spreads, an act of kindness after an act of kindness, until her whole community experiences the magical change that happens when everyone understands and act on, what means to be kind.
A charming, simple and to-the-point book explains what it means to be kind. Lot's of good and simple examples of kindness.
A great book to have in every classroom, home, or library.
"And spread the word- if we can all be kind to each other and to ourselves, our world will be more loving, caring, and harmonious."
A charming, simple and to-the-point book explains what it means to be kind. Lot's of good and simple examples of kindness.
A great book to have in every classroom, home, or library.
"And spread the word- if we can all be kind to each other and to ourselves, our world will be more loving, caring, and harmonious."
November 13, 2019
What Does It Mean to be Kind? is such a great book! I really appreciated the diversity in the illustrations and examples that were given. I read this book as a read-aloud to my second grade class, and the story really appeared to stick with them because they instantly started showing kind notions to others in the classroom. Some vocabulary words like "harmonious" and "fortunate" may need to be decoded and explained to students, however, the rest of the story would be age appropriate for primary students.
November 15, 2023
Book: What Does it mean to be Kind?
Author: Rana DiOrio
Genre: Picture books, Children’s Books
Recommend: Yes
Amount of Pages 32
My feelings:
I really enjoy children's books.
And read them to my kids every night. But one thing I don't do is review them.
Why I don't know, but I decided it was time to start.
I grabbed this book at the bookshop here in Australia, which I cannot remember now. But I grabbed it for my Joey scouts so that we could learn more about being kind to others.
This was fantastic.
Highly recommend.
Author: Rana DiOrio
Genre: Picture books, Children’s Books
Recommend: Yes
Amount of Pages 32
My feelings:
I really enjoy children's books.
And read them to my kids every night. But one thing I don't do is review them.
Why I don't know, but I decided it was time to start.
I grabbed this book at the bookshop here in Australia, which I cannot remember now. But I grabbed it for my Joey scouts so that we could learn more about being kind to others.
This was fantastic.
Highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2023
This book expresses many ways that people can be kind to one another. The book addresses things in the classroom and outside of the classroom. Some of the examples that the books uses, include opening the door for someone, waving at someone new, and forgiving people. I thought this book had a great message, and would be great to use in the classroom. This book can teach students simple ways that they can be kind to their fellow classmates including those that are different from them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews