Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light

by Apryl Stott

A New York Times bestseller​! “It’s impossible to resist [this book’s] big-hearted appeal.” —BookPage ​A little girl and her friend Bear learn the true meaning of selfless kindness in this sweet, stunningly illustrated debut picture book.Bear is sad. All the other animals think he’s mean because he’s so big. But his human friend, Coco, offers to help him. Coco shares her grandmother’s “When life gets dark as winter’s night, share some kindness, bring some light.” They decide to bake cookies to “share some kindness” and make lanterns to “bring some light.” But when the cookies and lanterns don’t work, they must look for another way to win over the other animals. And while they’re at it, Coco and Bear just might discover that kindness is a gift that only comes from the heart.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Friendship, Animals, Christmas, Love, Fiction

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 27, 2020

Reviews

[Kristin Guay · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I especially liked about this book is that it provides a very important message to young children about making friends, breaking down stereotypes, and learning to be kind--all wrapped up in an adorable story. This story begins with Coco and Bear froliking in the winter woods. Coco is a young girl and Bear is, of course a bear, and they have been friends for a long time. As they are playing, Bear shares his concern that the other woodland creatures do not see him the same way Coco sees him. To them, he is big, scary and would not be a good friend. Coco decides to help Bear with this problem. They sit down and bake some delicious cookies and make candle lanterns for all the animals in the forest. However, when they go to deliver their special treats, Coco and Bear are met with reluctance--not a single woodland creature wants or needs their special gifts. This is very discouraging to Bear so he and Coco head back home through the woods. On their way, they hear a distress cry and soon discover a baby deer trapped in a deep snowback. Fortunately, Coco and Bear are able to help the baby deer and return her to her family--only to see all the forest animals using the candle lanterns to search the dark woods. The animals soon learn that they mistakenly judged Bear in a negative light and he is now their new friend.

Author and illustrator Apryl Stott has added some fun little details to this book, somewhat how Jan Brett hides the story in her illustrations. The inside cover of the book seems to show the very first time Coco and Bear meet. Coco is hiding behind a tree with a scared look on her face as she watches Bear in the woods. This shows that she also had some negative preconceived ideas about Bear. The back inside flap of the book shows the woodland animals replacing a “No Bears!” sign with a sign about kindness. These little details really add to the enjoyment of this story.

This book is perfect for children between the ages of three and seven years old. The story is especially important for young children who are starting to make friends through school and working through any stereotypes. As a former teacher, I could see this book being used during the first week of school as a tool in showing kindness and making new friends.

[Ms. Arca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this to be a bit disappointing.

The reason I rounded up to 3 stars was simply for the art. The little girl is adorable and I would’ve loved rep like her (that looks like me!) in a picture book and I’m glad it’s here now.

For me, the story was a subpar version of a kindness tale that’s been done endlessly in some stellar ways (especially right now! Now is an amazing time for picture books!). I’m all here for a kindness take and don’t think we can have too many, but as someone who reads a ton of picture books this (in particular the story/ writing) was a flop for me.

I did like the quote about when life is dark, share some kindness bring some light. I feel like this was the main idea that ignited this project and it was a good start... and the rest just didn’t come together in a powerful, nuanced, or original enough way. Any nods towards stereotype ish lessons also get a bit weird for me when it’s animals and humans.

That’s alright, someone else might enjoy it. And I’ll take the pictures of the cute girl and bear and keep moving!

[Bek (MoonyReadsByStarlight) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars. Really wholesome story with an important lesson and great art.

[Leah Delcamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

The message and the illustrations in this picture book are absolute perfection. Coco and her friend, Bear, go on a journey in hopes to gain the approval of other woodland animals but end up learning about positive character traits such as compassion, selflessness, bravery and kindness. Simple, sweet and so good!

“When life gets dark as winter’s night, share some kindness, bring some light.”

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet book with a wonderful message! Sharing this with my students on Monday!!!!

[Анна Полегенько · Rating 5 out of 5]

Різдвяна казка, яка стане чудовим подарунком і дітям, і дорослим 🎄🎁
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Я почну з того, що у нашій родині є традиція читати ввечері перед сном. І за що я особливо люблю грудень - так це за відродження цієї традиції та розуміння, що кожного вечора на мене чекає нова різдвяна історія. Не важливо, написана вона для трьох чи семи років, мені однаково цікаво слухати.
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Звісно ж нові різдвяні книжки Абрикосу не могли пройти повз нашої родини, тому саме вони стали першими прочитаними цього місяця. Я ще планую розповісти про інші книжки, але сьогодні хочу звернути вашу увагу на добру казку Ейпріл Стотт - «Вогник запали й даруй усім добро" ✨️
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Усе почалося з віршика:
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❄️ Коли зимова ніч
Скує усе тепло,
Ти вогник запали
Й даруй усім добро ❄️
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Яким маленька дівчинка Коко втішає свого друга Ведмедя. У нього біда, через його розмір лісові мешканці вважають його злим і не добрим, а сам Ведмідь зовсім не такий. І щоб довести свою доброту він разом з подругою вирішує зробити приємний подарунок та поділитися ним зі звірями. От тільки самі тварини від гостинців відмовляються, а Ведмедик з Коко розуміють, що треба шукати інший шлях, аби знайти собі нових друзів.
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🎄 Здавалося б, чим легка і різдвяна історія може бути корисною дітям та і дорослим теж. А я вам розповім 👇
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На прикладі дружби Ведмедя та інших звірів нас вчать, як важливо ламати стереотипні уявлення та вчитися бути добрими до інших зважаючи на те, яка людина всередині, а не зовні. А ще завдяки вчинку Ведмедика (який я вам звісно не розкрито задля інтриги) можна відкрити ще таку думку: важливо робити добрі справи не чекаючи нічого взамін.
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Мені здається для дітей, які тільки вчаться заводити друзів і не слідувати стереотипам ця книга стане цінним уроком і навіть посібником. І це я мовчу про те, що саме читання «Вогника» - це суцільне естетичне задоволення, адже пані Стотт окрім того, що письменниця ще й талановита ілюстраторка, яка і оформила свою книгу. Кожну сторінку можна роздивитися і роздивлятися, настільки гарними є ілюстрації 😍
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Та і сама історія відчувається, як затишні обійми теплої ковдри і солодкого какао поряд ✨️ Тому моя вам порада - не дивіться на вік і читайте книжку. Особливо, якщо це подарує добро вам!
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Я від «Вогника» залишилася просто в захваті ❤️ Мабуть, серед новинок видавництва ця книга є моєю улюбленою. До речі, виявилося, що ця книга не одна, а навіть є продовження «Знайди свою сміливість: історія Коко та Ведмедя» про літній фестиваль і важливість впевненості в собі. Мені здається ця книга просто розіб'є мені серденько 😭💔

[LaDonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read this title, I immediately thought: Democracy dies in darkness .

Thinking about this week's events, I was surprised that a book title took me there when I pulled the book off the shelf. But, is it not the small things that usually leave the biggest impressions? Apryl Stott's tale about showing kindness, especially to those who may not want to receive it, is invaluable! In Ms. Stott's own words: "...kindness is about giving away love instead of gifts" .

Maybe because I am in my feelings, this book has touched me more than I expected. I do not know. However, I do know that there is not one of us, young or old, who cannot appreciate this lesson. Trust me, you will not regret meeting Coco and Bear.

[Cristina]

This was cute but the animals should have given bear a chance from the beginning and not simply accept him after “proving himself” to be kind.

[Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Library book Preschool

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought as a baby shower gift and read it first, the cutest 🥹

[Danica Midlil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice cozy read. Pictures were so cuddly and sweet! Like a warm hug and a mug of cocoa.

[Shiloah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story and beautiful illustrations!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second reading of this title, though I’m positive my daughter has read it many times that. Odd that I didn’t post a review the first time around.

This is a delightful story of Bear, a bear, and a Coco, a girl who thinks he is wonderful. Bear wishes the other animals of the woods knew more about him than just his size and is a bit despondent. Coco comes up with a plan to help him make friends. It’s a bright and delicious plan, but it hits some stumbling blocks, mainly fear and prejudice. Now what?

Ah, a circumstance to change things, to allow Bear to show his goodness—not for approval, but because it is just who he is.

The writing and illustrations work beautifully together to spread some kindness and light the whole world could learn by.

[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 Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light by Apryl Stott, a sweet wintertime story of kindness and acceptance.

Coco (a little girl) and her best friend Bear (a bear) are a different as night and day. Coco is brave and outgoing, Bear is gentle and shy. What they both have in common, however, is that they are kind; in fact, it’s what they like best about each other. So when Coco finds out that the other animals in Bear’s forest are afraid and distrusting of him, she is flabbergasted – who could be afraid of her sweet Bear? Drawing inspiration from her grandmother’s favorite saying, Coco plans a campaign to show the forest animals what a wonderful friend Bear can be. But will kindness and light be enough to convince the others to look past Bear’s appearance?

Warm and delightful. Stott creates an original and memorable fable about unfair assumptions, told by immensely lovable characters and in a gorgeous winter woodland setting. There are some expositional moments that are a little lacking (more focus could have been pulled to the unexpected use of the lanterns that Bear and Coco made during the climax, for instance), but otherwise the story is a solid argument for not judging others by appearance or “race” (several characters are mistrusting of Bear not only because he is big, but explicitly because they do not believe bears to be trustworthy). The illustrations are lovely and the characters charming, especially the gentle-eyed Bear, who absolutely stole our hearts. The length is great for a storytime, and JJ really enjoyed it. A nice nondenominational wintertime story about the importance of kindness to others, and we recommend it. 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!

[Cindy Overcast · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light” written and illustrated by Apryl Stott (Copyright 2020, Simon & Schuster) is a beautifully illustrated story about acceptance and kindness. Coco has a new friend named Bear, who is not only very kind–he’s also a good dancer. Bear shares with Coco that the other animals are afraid of him because he is so big. Coco comes up with a plan, based on a saying from her grandmother, to show them that Bear is good and kind, not scary at all. The two of them decide to “share some kindness and bring some light” by baking cookies and making lanterns to give away. As they set out in the winter snow to share their gifts, Bear is scared. Coco tells him not to let it stop him from giving. Their gifts don’t seem to work and one-by-one, they are turned away by all the animals. On their way home, they hear a cry for help. Following the sound, they find Baby Deer, who is stuck in the snow. While taking Baby Deer back to her home, they encounter the other animals, who are using the lanterns they’d given them to help Mama Deer with the search. Seeing for themselves how he helped Baby Deer makes the other animals realize what a good thing it is that Bear is so “big, brave, friendly, and kind.” Bear and Coco discover that “kindness is about giving away love instead of gifts . . . doing something nice from the heart without expecting to get anything in return.” The story ends with Bear, Coco, and their new friends sharing a fun dance together in the lantern light of a snowy night. This review was originally published as part of my "Picture Book Favorites That Were Released In 2020" blog post at www.cindyovercast.com.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books, which sneaks in and warms the heart.

Bear and Coco are the oddest pair of friends, and while they get along splendidly, bear isn't happy. None of the animals understand him and are afraid of him. Coco wants to help and thinks of a way to show the animals how kind bear really is. But despite their efforts, nothing seems to turn the prejudice around.

Firstly, I love the illustrations in this tale. They carry so much detail and make the characters along with the setting really come through with tons of atmosphere. The snowy landscape and cold seems to radiate from the pages thanks to the wonderful color choices. Plus, the atmosphere is just right to let the light shine. It's fun to flip through them and get lost in the wintery forest and animals, especially since there's a wonderful mix of realistic aspects and imaginative ones.

The tale has a more traditional direction and tells a story without rhyme...which I appreciate. Coco and Bear's dialogue fits well to a little girl and shows the comfort the two share between each other. There is a very important message in all of this, and it's a very universal one. It leaves off with a smile and a bit of food for thought, and definitely has the reader wishing they could visit this forest and stomp through the snow right along with Bear and Coco.

I received a complimentary copy and found this book to be packed full off goodness.

[Amelia]

This is a sweet book about how important it is to be kind, and how important it is to not judge others based on appearances. Bear is sad because none of the other animals want to be friends with him; they think he must be mean since he's so big. Bear and his friend Coco decide to share kindness, by making cookies, and bring light, by making lanterns. The animals don't accept the gifts at first; Badger needs the dark to sleep, Rabbit doesn't know why a big bear would want to be friends with a small rabbit. Then, Bear and Coco find Baby Deer, who got lost. They rescue Baby Deer and all the other animals see how kind Bear is! They were also using his lanterns to search for Baby Deer in the dark. The animals realized that they misjudged Bear, and the story has a happy ending. This book had fun illustrations, and a good message. Kindness is an important quality to have and to extend into the world, and we cannot judge others based on their appearance! Bear was big, but he definitely wasn't mean! We need to get to know people for who they really are, and spread kindness all around us.

[Noel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light is a a beautiful read. The watercolor illustrations are warm and inviting, detailed and imaginative. The story is one that can be understood by littles but discussed by the older kiddos. In the book it suggests grades 2-3, but ages 4-8. It's wordy, which would be good for new readers who still want the pictures, but are trying to gain confidence. The honesty between the characters, admitting they were scared or sad was refreshing. Many children's books tend to stay on a theme of happy. It's ok to be scared or sad. The only thing I wondered at was when Coco and Bear decide they need a break and just leave the sled of goodies. A bit confused, but it worked for the story. I am definitely looking forward to reading other books by Apryl Stott.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 6th grade Humanities team asked me to find a mentor text about kindness and/or light in the darkness. Whoa - hit the jackpot with this one as it is both in the same package.
Coco is a small girl who becomes friends with Bear because she loves how kind he is - and because he's a good dancer! The other animals are scared of Bear, though, so the two set out to show the other animals that Bear is not what he seems but what he is really like. They bake cookies and make lanterns to spread kindness and light through the forest. The other animals reject them all until they rescue a small deer who got stuck in the snow. The overall message that helping others with what they need or with love is nice, (that it doesn't take GIFTS is especially appropriate at holiday time) but as a teacher it was a little disappointing that the other animals didn't at least give Bear a chance when he was trying so hard...
Beautiful illustrations!

[Christine Turner]

Kirkus Reviews recommends this book for ages 4 - 8.
Note: Book may be too long for some pre-schoolers.

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Bear is sad. All the other animals think he's mean because he's so big. But his human friend, Coco, offers to help him. Coco shares her grandmother's advice: "When life gets dark as winter's night, share some kindness, bring some light."

They decide to bake cookies to "share some kindness" and make lanterns to "bring some light." But when the cookies and lanterns don't work, they must look for another way to win over the other animals. And while they're at it, Coco and Bear just might discover that kindness is a gift that only comes from the heart.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A syrupy-sweet story of a young brown-skinned girl named Coco and a very large bear. The woodland animals are all afraid of Bear. So he and Coco bake some cookies and make lanterns to give away to spread some kindness. Unfortunately it doesn't work. The animals are still afraid of Bear.

On the way home from their unsuccessful attempt, they hear a desperate plea for help. When they locate the source of the plea, they realize it's Baby Deer who got lost and stuck in a high drift of snow. When Coco and Bear are discovered having rescued Baby Deer, the woodland animals are quite thankful. Lesson learned is that kindness is showing love instead of giving gifts.

Recommended for storytime IF you like sharing syrupy-sweet stories.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this to students for World Kindness Day on November 13. Ms. Stott also has a printable lantern template that we used to make our own kindness lanterns.
Beautiful pictures, and a great message. I liked that the animals didn't automatically love bear and eat his cookies - it gives us a chance to talk about how sometimes people don't want the kindness that we extend, but we can keep trying. We also touch on the fact that even though at school the students get lots of reminders to be kind, we will keep talking and learning about it, because we don't get better at being kind unless we keep practicing kindness - just like soccer, piano, or reading.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so cute. It is the story of two unlikely friends who try to change the minds of the forest animals who think bear is scary because he's so big. The pair is tasked with trying to demonstrate kindness and just like parents struggle to explain abstract words like this, Coco and Bear aren't sure how to give kindness to the animals. Their attempt is sweet and a little funny, but really it is the gorgeous warmth of the illustrations and the relationship between the two that are the best part of this book. A wintry delight about kindness and making the world just a little better.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book has a winter theme about it with snow and scarves etc, I think it could be used at any time of the year because it has such a great message of not judging people by their outside but instead by what they do. Also, it's not something that can be forced, you just have to continue being your good self and showing others kindness and eventually, others will see how you shine. A great book to have fun with at the end by sharing something about yourself that others don't know - just like bear does.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet tale of kindness and caring as ways to "bring light" when it's dark. Coco and her friend Bear are determined to show the other animals that Bear is a great friend, with homemade cookies and lanterns for the darkness. Unfortunately for Bear, the other animals don't trust his intentions-- until he and Coco are able to help a lost adventurer find their way safely home.

Beautiful illustrations and a great message. It's one I shared in storytime last year and plan to use again this year.

[Charlotte S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bear is upset because the other animals in the forest think he is scary. His human friend, Coco, agrees to help him help the animals think otherwise. They show the animals kindness, but will it work? Will the animals be convinced that Bear really isn't scary?

I love this book SO much! It's super cute, and I think that it is a great read for any age child. The illustrations are gorgeous! This is one of my favorite picture books, and I hope you love it as much as I do!

Follow @bronteandwilder on Instagram for fun book recommendations!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations in bright tones of pink, red, and purple perfect for winter—when everything is dark in winter, bring the light! That is exactly what this picture book does, and it is a great read aloud for a winter or even a kindness themed program or storytime. The storyline and characters are not the most creative or deep, but Bear and Coco are sweet and endearing as is their friendship in this read aloud picture book for children ages 2-5.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a small collection of children's picture books (I end up buying one every couple of years) for whenever I spot one with artwork that I love. I grabbed one of these since I was able to get it for $7.99 rather than the $17.99 list price, and it turned out to be an adorable holiday read. My only complaint is that it gets borderline preachy and isn't super original compared to some of the others in my collection, but it's nonetheless a perfect book to gift for the holidays!

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK! This gorgeous picture book has a sweet, strong message for kids and adults alike. A little girl named Coco is friends with a great big bear and tries to help him change his image with the other animals. They mistakenly believe bear is mean and scary because he is big. The illustrations and creative attempts at resolution make for a warm and memorable story that kids will love. Highly recommended for Grades K-5.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just purchased this book for my cousin's little one. This book is super cute and has a very good message about kindness and how it's something that you just do and don't expect anything in return. The art goes super well with the story. Overall just a fantastic little book and I will certainly be keeping an eye out for more of this authors work!