Kindness Grows

In Kindness Grows, author and illustrator Britta Teckentrup highlights how human actions and reactions color the world. Through her pictures and words, she illuminates the stark contrast that lies between planting seeds of anger and hostility and those of kindness and encouragement. The former often leads to hurt and division; while the latter produces healing and growth. Hate is all-consuming; while love is life-giving. Even a simple smile or a kind gesture, she says, has the power to kindle a new friendship or touch the heart of another. So, children spread your positivity to the world and watch it grow.

The uplifting message Teckentrup weaves through the pages of this book is poignant and timely. When so much negativity and hurt are pervasive in society, much of which young children are sadly not immune and optimism and guidance for fostering it are sorely needed. If youth learn to treat one another with tenderness and care, their lives and the lives of those around them will shine brighter. Seeds of kindness do indeed have the potential to spread their goodwill. The author beautifully demonstrates this with a creative collage of cut-outs, the first one taking on the resemblance of a tiny crack or stem, and nearly the last, evolving into a solid trunk of a well-nourished tree.