Empower your child to be a positive force in the world with this encouraging picture book that teaches kids that no matter how small an action may be, there is always something they can do to make the world a better place.
"When I know a friend is hurting then my heart starts aching too, like it’s asking me a question . . . is there something I can do?" Based on a familiar passage from Matthew 25, this picture book explores themes of compassion and empathy, encouraging children to take positive action when they see a need in the world around them. From big things—like helping to plant a community garden or trying to find a home for an animal in need—to small things—like making a card or welcoming someone new—there is always something we can do! The book's lyrical refrain will stick with kids long after the book is "If there’s something that you notice, there is something you can do. Keep your kindness radar working—maybe something starts with you!" Immerse your little one in a world of kindness and hope with this gorgeously illustrated offering from Natalee Creech.
Natalee Creech is a children's author who is equally at home in Canada, (where she grew up) in the U.S., (where she studied education) and in South Korea (where she taught for many years). Regardless of where she lives, she is probably sneaking more children's books into the house, much to the delight of her children and the dismay of her husband. Oreo, the family cat, remains indifferent.
This is such an adorable, meaningful, and inspiring rhyming book! It teaches young readers about compassion and making a difference in the lives of others.
Something: One Small Thing Can Make A Difference even inspires my old heart, but it’s intended to let young people realize that no matter how small or limited they are they can keep their “kindness radar” working.
With fun rhymes, delightful illustrations, diverse characters, and adventurous missions, this book communicates that even the smallest gesture or task can make a difference. One particular message near the middle of the book spoke loudest to me:
Do I need a lot of money? Will I have to buy supplies? NO! You can make a difference with your heart or hands or eyes.
I don’t place children’s books on my “favorites of the year list” very often, but that’s exactly where this one belongs. I doubt a child could read (or hear) the lovely messages in this book without becoming inspired to do something kind for others. I can’t wait to read it to my grandlittles.
First Line: When I know a friend is hurting, then my heart starts aching too, like it’s asking me a question… is there SOMETHING I can do? Genre: Children’s Christian Values Author: Natalee Creech Page Count: 32 Reading Age: 4-7
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
Subtitled, “One Small Thing Can Make a Difference,” author Natalee Creech and illustrator Pablo Pino have joined forces to create a simple yet powerful book to read to your child. When your child wonders what they can do about a situation they see, “what you’re feeling is compassion. It’s God’s Whisper to your heart. “Will you try to help this person?” Can you find a way to start”” If there’s something that you notice, there is something you can do. Keep your kindness radar working maybe something starts with you!”
Realistic illustrations are joined with simple rhyming words to teach your child the truth from the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:35-36, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
What a delightful read-aloud children's book. Beautifully illustrated and wonderful childlike commentary on Matthew 25. The book offers hope, kindness, creativity, empowerment and encouragement to the youngest of children. The author shares easy-to-do activities for others, which will empower the do-er! Highly recommend for littles 6 and up!
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.
Scripture Connection The picture book includes an epigraph:
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." Matt. 25:35-36
Spiritual Themes In this sweet little book, children are motivated toward acts of compassion, with the idea being that “one small thing can make a difference.”
I really like that the author approached the theme of compassion from this angle, which is consistent with the Scriptural idea of stewardship. We see in the parables and in Jesus’ own words that if we are faithful in little, we will be faithful in much. Additionally, we see God “remembering”
What I Liked This is a companion to Creech’s excellent picture book, Nothing, which I had the opportunity to review last year. I really liked that the book’s emphasis was on compassion, not morality. Why is this even a concern for me? The Scripture passage is drawn from one that, for me, is one of the scarier passages in Scripture. At church, I grew up hearing about the separation of the sheep from the goats, and this preaching would leave me with a sense of guilt and dread. Rather than being motivated towards compassion, my guilt left me fumbling after good deeds. What I’ve found, though, is that guilt and compassion are on opposite sides of the spectrum. When I feel guilty, I’m acting in fear and not in love, whereas the Bible clearly tells us that “there is no fear in love” (1 John 4:18). For these reasons, I was so glad to see that the book draws readers into an experience of love, not fear.
Writing Cute rhymes offer readers various practical suggestions for making a difference in someone else’s life. I really liked the repeated, memorable clause,
"If there’s something that you notice, there is something you can do. Keep your KINDNESS RADAR working– maybe something starts with you!"
This is a motivating directive for children, and the phrase “kindness radar” even makes compassion sound like a bit of a super power (in terms of connotation; there is no “superhero” angle, in the text). Additionally, I really appreciate the first person perspective of the text. Rather than narrating with ways that “you” can help, much of the text uses the “I” pronoun, as it offers examples of the “something you can do.”
The writing does a good job of offering practical ways that children can assist with needs that they are likely to encounter in everyday life. Plus, there are some fun and important lines about how you don’t need to be a grown-up (or “even drive a car!” to lend a hand to someone).
Illustrations The illustrations are darlingly whimsical, from penguins slipping and sliding down a hill to kittens floating in soap bubbles. What really stands out to me, about Pablo Pino’s work here, is that the illustrations really serve to tell their own story. For instance, in the case of the penguins, there is not a word about penguins. However, we see one spread with a boy slipping off a sled, and the next spread with another boy befriending him. This is at the beginning of the book, where compassion is being discussed, and even sledding is not mentioned!
In the scene with a car wash, we see a little brother, decked out in protective firemen gear, mischievously aiming a high-pressured hose at his sud-soaked siblings (this is the page about how you DON’T have to drive a car to be helpful). The next page features a little girl helping an elderly neighbor to water his plants. The neighbor holds a pink umbrella to avoid getting splashed, as the little girl props herself against a tree to aim for a high plant.
All in all, the pictures not only bring the text to life, but inhabit a life of their own. I often praise illustrations, but these are honestly some of the best that I’ve seen. I think it is so cool how author and illustrator worked together and how Pino adapted even minor textual cues into his artwork, while also creating a world of his own, beyond the language of the book.
Recommendation Status Highly recommended for children and adults who appreciate zany artwork, Something is a sweet, imaginative picture book about how we can make a difference, even if we’re little. I’m so glad that this book is so encouraging and compassion-oriented! Plus, the author-illustrator cooperation is stellar.
“If there’s something that you notice, there is something you can do. Keep your KINDNESS RADAR working—maybe something starts with you,” Natalee Creech motivates others in her children’s book, Something: One Small Thing Can Make a Difference.
~ What ~ This thirty-two-page-page hardbound targets children ages four to seven years old. With no scary scenes, it contains how we each can do thoughtful, caring things for others. Colorful, engaging, and expressive illustrations cover both sides of the pages with an easy-to-read font size.
This short rhyming story is based on Matthew 25 where Jesus reminds us to take care and love others. By simple acts such as sharing a sled, feeding birds, helping the elderly, being kind to others, or helping out, children are encouraged to show their love to make a difference in others’ lives.
~Why ~ This is a wonderful book that young children can enjoy looking at the colorful and charming drawings while being read to or beginner readers up to the second-grade level can understand without too many complicated words. I greatly appreciate the book’s references to Jesus and Scripture. The artwork is amazing, detailed, and captivating, especially the facial expressions of kids, adults, and animals.
~ Why Not ~ Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not like a book that talks about being a servant to others. There are a few two- and three-syllable words that young readers may need help pronouncing. Those with attention-deficit issues may find some of the scenes too busy, but they will keep others interested.
~ Wish ~ There is nothing I would change about this read; it is spot-on in so many ways.
~ Want ~ If you are looking for a fun, engaging tale told in rhyme that promotes being somebody who makes a difference to others by doing something special, this is a marvelous book that may quickly become your child’s favorite.
Thanks to Hachette Book Group, WorthyKids, and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.
Something One Small Thing Can Make a Difference is a children book based on the passage in Matthews 25. Jesus tells the story about how when we give to others who are hungry, thirsty, lacking clothes, caring for someone who is sick, and visiting someone in prison we are more like Him. This children book discussed a kindness radar and how it starts with us. It explained how we don’t have to be grown up to make a difference. We can be young or old age doesn’t matter. The book showed people helping their neighbors and provided suggestions on showing others kindness. We can help elders get their mail, water their plants, and carrying items inside for them. We can assist pets in finding a loving home. We can brainstorm up and inventions to help others. We can show kindness in numerous ways.
I would recommend this heartwarming children’s book to anyone aged 3-9. I loved all of the beautiful illustrations and how engaging and fun they hid all sorts of kindness in the book. Children will love picking out what they see on each page. One of my favorites was the invention called the wagging trail and it enclosed tons of dogs and cats wagging in a vehicle looking happy. I also liked how they had cute animals all throughout the book and kids will love what they can discover. This book has a great message of Matthews 25 and will teach children kindness and how we can spread the love of Christ to others. Hopefully children will take these ideas and even brainstorm some up of their own to be a blessing to others.
"I received this book free from the publisher, Hachette Book Group/Faithwords/Worthy Kids for my honest review.”
Something: One Small Thing Can Make A Difference by Natalee Creech is one of my favorite new children's books. Something is both beautifully written and beautifully illustrated.
Something is 32 pages long and measures about 9 1/2 inches by 9 inches with a dust jacket. The first page does have a verse from the Bible--Mathew 25:35-36 on it, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me." This is the verse the book is based on.
Something has bright, gorgeous illustrations that are inclusive of people of all colors and abilities. I love that. I also love the ideas in this book that will surely spark more ideas with children's imaginations to give young children ideas on how they can show God's love by helping people. I especially like how the book gets across the idea that little kind things can make a real difference in other people's lives--they don't even have to be big things! I really can't say enough good things about this book. I highly recommend it. I honestly think it has uses for almost any age but the book is probably aimed at elementary children.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions within this review are my own.
Something: One Small Thing Can Make a Difference by Natalee Creech is no small thing! This beautifully illustrated rhyming children's book hits all the right notes. The text has great rhythym and engaging content. Creech's examples are well chosen for her target demographic and the illustrations...oh, the illustrations. Pablo Pino has presented illustrations bursting with color, humor, whimsy, and warmth with pockets of fun in every corner of the page. Even the print font stands out as fun and readable. One question remains, is Something better than Nothing?
Thank you to WorthyKids for this review copy through a LibraryThing.Com GiveAway.
Being Kind Was Never So Much Fun What a delightful way to demonstrate what being kind means in a child’s everyday life! In Something: One Small Thing Can Make a Difference, author Natalie Creech and illustrator Pablo Pino create scenarios where kids may feel compassion for others but don’t know how to help in practical ways. The author encourages children to keep their “kindness radar” working and think of creative ways to help others in kid-doable ways because, after all, as the author says, “If there’s something that you notice, there is something you can do.” And the little somethings we all can do, combined, can become “something great.”
The book for ages 4-7 draws its theme from Jesus’ admonition to love others as He loves us and His statement that when we do “something” for others it’s like doing it for Him. And this will ground children well in pursuit of showing kindness wherever they see a need.
The book’s bright color palette and playful, action-capturing illustrations pair well with the text’s well-crafted rhythm, rhyme, and repetition—the delights of a stellar picture book.
Full disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I loved reading this book with my 19-month-old son! After reading “Nothing,” I was excited when Natalee Creech announced her upcoming release of “Something.” I enjoy the theme and have even found it helpful as an adult, even though the book can be understood by children. What small act can I do to make a difference?
While we were reading this past time, when I read the line, “Maybe something starts with you,” my son pointed to his chest. “ME!” He said. My eyes welled up with tears. He can’t form sentences yet, but he can understand a small portion of the concept of helping others. I gave him some ways he could make a difference by being kind.
Thank you for this book! Also shoutout to the illustrator. The illustrations throughout the book are so positive and engaging for little readers. My only complaint, which isn’t reflected in the review, is that I wish it came in boardbook format! My son is still in the book-ripping-pages stage, but the hardcover format wouldn’t be a problem for older kids.
I received a copy of this book from WorthyKids and Hatchette Book Group. This is my honest review!
Through the use of fun, bright pictures; catchy rhymes, and lots of enthusiasm, this book suggests that children should be on the lookout for ways to help others. Anyone, including children are never too young to do a good deed.
Children are natural helpers, so directing them to things to do will bring lots of appreciation from the receiver. Assisting can take many forms, and help of any kind will be welcomed, even a small amount. It could be watering plants for an elderly neighbor, carrying something, or welcoming someone into a group. You don't need to be a grown up, or have money to assist others.
It really is true, it is more blessed to give than to receive. You will receive joy when you lend a hand. Your child will experience that, too, and it will spur them on to be thoughtful. This five-star book will be enjoyed by children aged four through eight-years-old.
Thank you, Worthy Kids for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.
I loved Something! Loosely based on Matthew 25, Natalee Creech has written a book about helping others that young children can understand. So often children hear Bible stories or catch bits of sermons and think I can’t do anything, I’m not a big person. Creech takes that belief and helps children see they can do something. Throughout the book readers/listeners will be reminded “If there’s something you notice, there is something you can do.” Creech gives many examples of what even young children can do to help others. The artwork in the book is beautiful. Illustrator Pablo Pino did a wonderful job of complimenting and extending the text with his art. Children will enjoy his whimsical style. Something: One Small Thing Can Make a Difference would be a great addition to the picture book section of a K-12 Christian school library. Parents and grandparents may want to add Something to their home library. The book is appropriate for toddlers through elementary-aged children. I received a complimentary copy of Something. This is my honest review.
“If there’s something that you notice, there is something you can do.”
Written in playful rhyme and filled with engaging and adorable illustrations, this little book is mighty! Its pages are packed with practical and inspiring ideas that kids really can implement in their own lives—encouraging them to not only notice the world around them but to reach out with the love of Christ to do what they can do.
Based on the truths of Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 25, SOMETHING encourages empathy and compassion, teaching little ones that they really can make the world a better place.
Fabulous!
*Thank you to WorthyKids for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
What a beautiful book! I needed only to read the opening words and glimpse at the lovely illustrations to know that this was a book worth buying: When I know a friend is hurting then my heart starts aching too, Like it's asking me a question... is there SOMETHING I can do? What you're feeling is compassion. It's God's whisper to your heart: "Will you try to help this person? Can you find a way to start?" What a wonderful message, not just for little ones, but for everyone. We can all do SOMETHING to help make our world a better place. If I could give this book ten stars I would.
Something: One Small Thing Can Make a Difference is a children's book based on Matthew 25: 35-36 and teaches children that they have the power to make a difference in someone else's life. This beautifully illustrated book shows children how things like compassion and kindness towards others can be a helpful thing. And in being kind or compassionate, they are acting as Jesus acted. I love that the characters in the book represent all races and ages and you can be sure that any child reading this book will be able to see themselves in the pages.
Something is really something! It shares a fantastic message about compassion and kindness. Children will enjoy the bright and funny illustrations by Pablo Pino. The story illustrates ways that children can be alert to ways they can help show kindness to others in many different ways.
The rhyme and meter are spot on and Something makes a perfect addition to Natalee Creech's, Nothing, on your child's bookshelf.