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Book Bundles: Intentional Action
These picture books introduce the concepts of kindness and mindfulness and emphasize the importance of emotional intelligence and empathy to make the world a better, more welcoming place. For more related books, click any of the subject tags below. Book Bundles in our Booklists Archive.
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Mike Curato.
One person's angry words (a gray scribble in a speech bubble) hurt another. An empathetic witness reaches out: "One good listener...can make even the smallest voice heard." Curato's expressive mixed-media art, color illustrations with black-and-white photographic details, convey much of the quiet text's meaning, literally and figuratively. One newly blossomed friendship leads to more friends gathering to transform an abandoned space into a community garden. As for the original pair, "One sincere apology...can help heal big and little hurts." Thoughts on "Planting Seeds of Kindness in Your Community" and lists of books and websites conclude the offering.
Reviewer: Kitty Flynn
(3)
K-3
Exploring Our Community series.
Five friends learn about mindfulness to help them cope with strong feelings--especially Pedro, who's anxious about moving. Over the course of a day together and a sleepover that night, the kids focus on nature in the park, use their sense of smell at a community garden, contend with negative thoughts during a rainstorm, mindfully eat dinner, perform a "body scan," and visualize positive outcomes. The text's light tone is carried over in Bob Graham-esque illustrations. The book concludes with a few "Mindful Games" and a brief glossary.
Reviewer: Kitty Flynn
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Peter H. Reynolds.
Verde (I Am Yoga; I Am Peace; etc.) tells readers how "one by one, we can make a difference." A child (brown skin, hair in what looks like dreads) starts a garden with one seed, a journey with one step, and a friendship with "my one soft voice." The two friends (the other child is lighter skinned with blue hair) venture across oceans, "across borders and boundaries...to...inspire a movement, make a change." Reynolds' loose, color-drenched illustrations radiate calm and peace, enhancing the meditative text's mood. An author's note on mindfulness guides readers through a meditation exercise to demonstrate how the practice can affect change.
Reviewer: Kitty Flynn
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