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Kindness Grows: A Peek-through Picture Book
Angry words cause a crack to open up and widen, but find out what happens when kindness begins to blossom in this thought-provoking book by Brittany Teckentrup.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2019
3 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Britta Teckentrup
264 books245 followersBritta Teckentrup was born in Germany and moved to England in 1988. She is the author and illustrator of many books for children. She now lives in Berlin with her husband and young son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
May 20, 2021
Very clever use of the cut-outs in the page -- one side features a crack that grows larger with each unkindness... the other features a tree trunk that grows stronger with each kindness.
"Friendships can be damaged
by a mean
or ugly work,
Once it has been spoken,
it cannot be unheard.
*
Words of encouragement,
sweetness,
warmth
and care
Blossom, grow and flourish
As they spread love everywhere."
I love the conclusion when
"Friendships can be damaged
by a mean
or ugly work,
Once it has been spoken,
it cannot be unheard.
*
Words of encouragement,
sweetness,
warmth
and care
Blossom, grow and flourish
As they spread love everywhere."
I love the conclusion when
October 23, 2019
This book is BRILLIANT!! Its all about how angry words can create a crack that can get bigger and bigger and separate us from others. But if we are kind and talk to others then the crack can turn into a tree and something that can flourish. This book is very clever how it uses on side for the sadness and showing this in dark colours in the illustrations. And the other side is of happiness and this is shown using bright happy colours. The crack is cut out throughout the book and gets bigger and bigger throughout and each illustration is centred around the crack but we can see how it can be used for their good or bad. Then at the end of the book we see the two sides of the page joining together as the we see the importance of telling others how we feel, how there is forgiveness surrounding kindness and how we can all come together to be happy. This is such a beautiful book and I would love to read it with children and see what they make of it. There are so many different aspects of it that could be picked up and i'd encourage everyone to read it!!
October 30, 2020
Using color and cut-outs, Britta Teckentrup creatively captures the poignancy of kindness. Her trademark visual art is a marvel to explore. I really appreciate how the rhymes and images create movement and flow within the story.
September 21, 2020
Beautiful. Inclusion, kindness, friendship
May 11, 2021
There are just sooo many that readers can see and feel in this short picture book.
I love the illustrations, I love the poetry, I love the moral of the story so much!
I love the illustrations, I love the poetry, I love the moral of the story so much!
March 28, 2024
It's a great book to read with kids of all ages.
November 1, 2020
See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfi...
KINDNESS GROWS is a picture book that visually shows the power of kindness - and the trouble with being unkind. On the left side of the book, it shows a crack that grows with negative behaviors such as saying mean words. On the right side, it shows how kindness can make a tree grow bigger and bigger. The book ends when the children on both sides come together for even more kindness.
What I loved: The artwork here is subtle but beautiful in Teckentrup's unique style. I love the juxtaposition of the two sides of the book and the poetic writing that presents both sides so well. The die-cut peek-throughs in the book line up so beautifully and add to the overall experience. The book takes the complex topic of kindness and gives a visual representation of the growing tree/crack to show its power and how kind actions add up over time. The end is particularly beautiful when all the children join together. I also appreciated the diversity of the children shown as well as the easy to read text, printed in a large and highly readable size on each page.
Final verdict: KINDNESS GROWS is a beautiful lesson about kindness and that actions, both good and bad, have consequences. Highly recommend for picture book readers who enjoy lovely art and poetry.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.
KINDNESS GROWS is a picture book that visually shows the power of kindness - and the trouble with being unkind. On the left side of the book, it shows a crack that grows with negative behaviors such as saying mean words. On the right side, it shows how kindness can make a tree grow bigger and bigger. The book ends when the children on both sides come together for even more kindness.
What I loved: The artwork here is subtle but beautiful in Teckentrup's unique style. I love the juxtaposition of the two sides of the book and the poetic writing that presents both sides so well. The die-cut peek-throughs in the book line up so beautifully and add to the overall experience. The book takes the complex topic of kindness and gives a visual representation of the growing tree/crack to show its power and how kind actions add up over time. The end is particularly beautiful when all the children join together. I also appreciated the diversity of the children shown as well as the easy to read text, printed in a large and highly readable size on each page.
Final verdict: KINDNESS GROWS is a beautiful lesson about kindness and that actions, both good and bad, have consequences. Highly recommend for picture book readers who enjoy lovely art and poetry.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.
October 18, 2020
This book teaches the reader that mean words and arguments cause a crack to form between friends, but kind words and working together makes a tree of friendship grow. Thoughtlessness and selfishness only tear people apart, but forgiving and smiling at one another results in a happy atmosphere of support.
The moral message seems like it would be too preachy, but the poetry of the writing makes it so light and fun that it doesn't feel too heavy for a children's book. The writing is in good rhyme, with good rhythmic lines. I am very picky about rhyming text in children's books, but this writing is excellent. The poetry flows along nicely.
I always love books with die-cut openings, and this book uses the peek-through openings so cleverly to enhance the story and lead the reader into the next page. It's really beautifully designed and I was so pleased with the arrangement of the pages.
The illustrations are colorful and emotional as they depict the contrast of the darkness of anger and the sunshine of friendship. I like the textured art style with blocks of color and blurry lines. It gives the book a dreamy quality that is soothing.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
The moral message seems like it would be too preachy, but the poetry of the writing makes it so light and fun that it doesn't feel too heavy for a children's book. The writing is in good rhyme, with good rhythmic lines. I am very picky about rhyming text in children's books, but this writing is excellent. The poetry flows along nicely.
I always love books with die-cut openings, and this book uses the peek-through openings so cleverly to enhance the story and lead the reader into the next page. It's really beautifully designed and I was so pleased with the arrangement of the pages.
The illustrations are colorful and emotional as they depict the contrast of the darkness of anger and the sunshine of friendship. I like the textured art style with blocks of color and blurry lines. It gives the book a dreamy quality that is soothing.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
July 7, 2021
Well known author and illustrator of other picture books like How big is the World and Get out of my Bath, has a book comparing kindness to a tree growing in nature opposed to unkindness and the divide it can cause. Through simple rhymes a spread shows what it means when we are unkind to one another. Both sides are depicted through a cutout in the page. The kindness side is growing and the illustrations around it are brighter whereas the unkindness side is dark and the cutouts look like they stay much the same. In the end the content flows over from the dark to the bright side, inviting children of all skin colors to spread the seed of friendship. “If we all join together, we can chase our dreams.”
The use of the cutout is done very cleverly but might not reach the audience the book is intended for. The story is still appropriate and could be used in any social emotional lessons.
The cutout is small enough that a copy of this could be at home in a school or public library.
Written
R
Kindergarten through 3rd grade
The use of the cutout is done very cleverly but might not reach the audience the book is intended for. The story is still appropriate and could be used in any social emotional lessons.
The cutout is small enough that a copy of this could be at home in a school or public library.
Written
R
Kindergarten through 3rd grade
August 14, 2021
Originally published in the UK in 2019, this book about how acts of kindness can help overcome disagreements and difficult feelings made the leap across the Atlantic in 2020.
Using cutouts on each page, readers will visually see the rift/disagreement between children on the left side of the 2-page spread and how words of kindness to others can help this feeling grow (as if a tree). With each turn of the page, both the rift and the mending get larger, until the children see how large the tree is and all head over to the side of kindness.
Teckentrup's rhyming poetry reads aloud smoothly. Her digital artwork is flat and primitive, almost appearing as if woodblock prints. The children shown are diverse in nature, interacting with hostility on the left shown in darker colors and with kindness and lighter colors on the right.
Useful for units on kindness and inclusion. An excellent choice for the beginning of a school year.
For Preschool-grade 3.
Using cutouts on each page, readers will visually see the rift/disagreement between children on the left side of the 2-page spread and how words of kindness to others can help this feeling grow (as if a tree). With each turn of the page, both the rift and the mending get larger, until the children see how large the tree is and all head over to the side of kindness.
Teckentrup's rhyming poetry reads aloud smoothly. Her digital artwork is flat and primitive, almost appearing as if woodblock prints. The children shown are diverse in nature, interacting with hostility on the left shown in darker colors and with kindness and lighter colors on the right.
Useful for units on kindness and inclusion. An excellent choice for the beginning of a school year.
For Preschool-grade 3.
October 23, 2020
Sweet, wonderfully presented book contrasts what the world looks like when we are mean and selfish vs. when we are kind and helpful. Creative illustrations paired with a message we can all get behind. A great idea for a read-aloud, as well as public and school libraries.
May 19, 2023
This is a great die-cut peek through picture book.
The story is about being kind and friendship. It shows a visual aid to what happens when we are kind and what happens when we let anger consume us. This is demonstrated by use of a crack on one side. There is a tree on the other, which grows and flourishes with each act of kindness. Whereas the crack on the opposite side grows with bad words and sadness. This is a great visual aid and a great opportunity to discuss with children about what we say & how we behave and the effects our words and actions can have on others. The end of the book shows both sides coming together, and the importance of telling others how we feel. How to forgive and how we can all come together to be happy.
Britta has woven text alongside her visual trademark art. The illustrations are diverse and the text is easy to follow. I think this is a great book for children’s bookshelves.
The story is about being kind and friendship. It shows a visual aid to what happens when we are kind and what happens when we let anger consume us. This is demonstrated by use of a crack on one side. There is a tree on the other, which grows and flourishes with each act of kindness. Whereas the crack on the opposite side grows with bad words and sadness. This is a great visual aid and a great opportunity to discuss with children about what we say & how we behave and the effects our words and actions can have on others. The end of the book shows both sides coming together, and the importance of telling others how we feel. How to forgive and how we can all come together to be happy.
Britta has woven text alongside her visual trademark art. The illustrations are diverse and the text is easy to follow. I think this is a great book for children’s bookshelves.
October 21, 2022
El libro se titula “El árbol de la amistad” está escrito e ilustrado por Britta Teckentrup y pertenece a la Editorial Bruñol. El formato de este libro se trata de tapa dura y el número de páginas que lo forma es de 32 páginas; además contiene páginas troqueladas. La edad recomendada de esta obra se sitúa a partir de los tres años.
La temática de este libro se centra, como nombra el título, en la amistad. La obra refleja el valor de la amistad a través de la comparación de la amistad con un árbol.
Esta obra da forma a un álbum ilustrado sencillo, dirigido al público infantil y que transmite unos valores muy importantes de enseñar desde que el alumnado está escolarizado.
En este álbum se transmite el siguiente mensaje: la amistad es como un árbol mágico
y solo crece si lo riegas con cariño
La temática de este libro se centra, como nombra el título, en la amistad. La obra refleja el valor de la amistad a través de la comparación de la amistad con un árbol.
Esta obra da forma a un álbum ilustrado sencillo, dirigido al público infantil y que transmite unos valores muy importantes de enseñar desde que el alumnado está escolarizado.
En este álbum se transmite el siguiente mensaje: la amistad es como un árbol mágico
y solo crece si lo riegas con cariño
September 5, 2023
The book is set up so on one side the cut-outs are a crack and on the other side the cut-out is a tree. One side is what happens when we are selfish and unkind, the other side is what happens when we are supportive and kind to one another. As the pages go on, the crack grows into a canyon difficult to ever get over and the other side grows into a beautiful tree.
I think there is truth on both sides. It's a lovely message and we need more Kindness in this world. I think society has mostly forgotten the art of kindness. It's still there of course, but it's in short supply. I see this in my treatment room. People have such ugly things happen to them. They need some kindness.
Britta has the best cut-outs. They are so smart.
I think there is truth on both sides. It's a lovely message and we need more Kindness in this world. I think society has mostly forgotten the art of kindness. It's still there of course, but it's in short supply. I see this in my treatment room. People have such ugly things happen to them. They need some kindness.
Britta has the best cut-outs. They are so smart.
August 19, 2020
There can never be enough books about kindness in my opinion. This one contrasts struggling to get along on one side of each spread with kindness. The dreary, dark illustrations on one side visually contrast the bright, cheerful illustrations on the other side. The poetic text and use of die-cuts also use cracks and trees growing as a metaphor for relationships. Teckentrup utilizes all of her strengths; die cuts, gentle textured illustrations, poetic language, and metaphors to share a poignant lesson in kindness.
October 5, 2023
Wow!
Our class absolutely loved this book. We talked about how this book made us feel. The pictures and the words really moved our emotions around. One side of the book showed dark, gloomy pictures when people were being mean to each other. The other side of the book had bright, happy pictures when people were working together to be kind.
One friend even mentioned that we might get the message without any words in the book because of how helpful the pictures are! How insightful!
Because of the beautiful illustrations and the kind words, we give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.
Our class absolutely loved this book. We talked about how this book made us feel. The pictures and the words really moved our emotions around. One side of the book showed dark, gloomy pictures when people were being mean to each other. The other side of the book had bright, happy pictures when people were working together to be kind.
One friend even mentioned that we might get the message without any words in the book because of how helpful the pictures are! How insightful!
Because of the beautiful illustrations and the kind words, we give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.
August 28, 2024
This book was really just okay. I enjoyed the work that went into the art of the cut-out "tree" within the pages, but even then, it is really more of a branch. The illustrations were not that enticing (except that Teckentrup thankfully includes diverse races of children, though they do not have any distinguishable features, so they all look like different colored blobs of children) and the message only half-heartedly reached me. I selected it for story time thinking, "Oh, good, a book about kindness should be pleasant enough." Not necessarily one I would reach for again.
October 25, 2020
This book was really cool! There are cut outs on each page. On the left, we see the crack that happens when we fight, argue, etc and on the right, we see the tree that grows when we show each other kindness. A great message! Even as an adult, I lived the cut outs and found myself running my finger over them every time. What an awesome way to engage readers. I don’t totally get the last cut out though. It didn’t really add to the story.
March 2, 2021
Teckentrup uses actual breaks in the pages to show how friendships can break apart when we don't show kindness. The crack grows and widens on one page while the second page on each spread shows how we can heal the divides and grow friendships. Lovely illustrations support her point. The contrast between the darker colors on the widening crack pages and the vivid color of the tree growing on the opposite pages helps younger readers see the message too.
November 18, 2023
Britta Techentrup always has such beautiful words and lovely illustrations. This isn't my favorite of her books but it is a strong message for kids (and adults!) about how being kind to one another helps us all. Good for kids to understand the power of their words, and that sharing is a nice way to include others, but I also really take this to heart in a the divisive world we all live in now and how each of us can bring positivity and love into it if we want to.
June 10, 2024
Copyright date: 2019
Star rating: 4
Award: N/A
Genre: picture book
Summary w/ themes: This book talks about what can tear us apart and what can also strengthen our bonds with one another. This book has a theme of friendship and kindness
Use for future classroom: This would be a good book to read if I wanted students to be nicer to each other
Thoughts of book: I thought this was a cute book. I enjoyed the cutouts and the lessons it presents.
Star rating: 4
Award: N/A
Genre: picture book
Summary w/ themes: This book talks about what can tear us apart and what can also strengthen our bonds with one another. This book has a theme of friendship and kindness
Use for future classroom: This would be a good book to read if I wanted students to be nicer to each other
Thoughts of book: I thought this was a cute book. I enjoyed the cutouts and the lessons it presents.
October 19, 2020
This is such a clever book! It looks at how 'angry words' can cause cracks to appear in friendship, but kindness allows it to bloom (as symbolised through a see through cut-out of a tree which grows bigger and bigger throughout). It would be great for a KS1 pshe lesson about being kind to others and the impact this has.
October 10, 2022
I think this book is great! I am adding those books to my classroom library. The reason why I would put this in my classroom library is that it shows diversity and it also gives a visual on how kindness can help grow others and how it also spreads. I like this book because of the message in the story and how kindness is very important.
August 14, 2023
Ages 4-7 years old. Each page/spread discusses how kindness vs unkindness grows like a tree and affects those around us. I think it's a little high level for the intended audience and wish there were application points/examples although my toddler and I did discuss some recent experiences of kindness and the opposite amongst her friends.
July 19, 2025
The Peek-through on this book serves a dramatic purpose. When we treat each other badly we create a crack that divides us. But when we choose to do things that are kind and right we can grow a tree that blesses all that come.
A great book to talk about feeling angry and asking for or finding forgiveness.
A great book to talk about feeling angry and asking for or finding forgiveness.
February 5, 2021
So beautiful :")
Such a simple yet heart-warming way to explain about kindness. And it's so brilliant how it uses the holes in the book to represent both cracks and growing tree (as a symbol of growing kindness).
Such a simple yet heart-warming way to explain about kindness. And it's so brilliant how it uses the holes in the book to represent both cracks and growing tree (as a symbol of growing kindness).
May 5, 2021
Kindness Grows is a tale of two trees. One side of the page shows how friends can split one another apart. On the other side, is the picture of showing kindness and growing friendship.
Reviewed from a library copy.
Reviewed from a library copy.
May 1, 2023
This is a great story for teaching students about how angry words can separate friendships and relationships and highlights the importance of using kind words. I also enjoyed the word choice and the colorful cut outs on each of the pages.
July 14, 2020
A very lovely picture book with fantastic illustrations
October 15, 2020
Loved it! Perfect book for storytime!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews