Celebrating World Kindness Day with Multicultural Books
Guest post from Cardinal Rule Press, Read Your World’s 2023 Silver Sponsor
World Kindness Day comes around just once a year but we can put the meaning of the day into practice all year long. One way to do this is through exploring books that illustrate kindness. Everyone benefits from reading and reading to children is a fun and effective way to teach important, lifelong lessons.
There are a variety of children’s books that focus on topics like empathy, kindness, and spreading love into the world. After all, we can all benefit from being kind to one another. No matter our differences, kindness is something that ties us together.
Kindness is a Kite String by Michelle Schaub is a wonderfully written book that follows children throughout their day as they discover acts of kindness. Through the use of figurative language, little ones are able to better understand how good deeds benefit everyone. By using specific examples, it also points out things they can do to brighten someone’s day.
How We Say I Love You, written by Nicole Chen, does an excellent job of showing what it looks like to care for other people. It reminds us that actions are louder than words, and the smallest of steps, like taking the time to talk to a loved one, can express a magnitude of feelings. It emphasizes the love shared among family members. This story also teaches Chinese customs and includes a Mandarin Chinese to English dictionary in the back, reminding us that friendships can form even through language barriers and different backgrounds.
The Journey by Francesca Sanna recalls a refugee family’s journey to America after fleeing their war-stricken country. This book deals with complex topics that help children learn to empathize with others. It’s easy to think that everyone shares the same experiences as you, but this book is a gentle reminder that we each have a unique story. It shows us the importance of accepting and caring for all people, regardless of their background.
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold is a lyrical and rhyming story that celebrates the beauty in diversity. Focusing on a classroom setting, it shows children with various ethnic and religious backgrounds and abilities coming together to learn and play.
I Walk with Vanessa by Kerascoët is a wordless picture book that captures the chain reaction of kindness. This book conveys a sense of community through its beautiful and simple illustrations. The lack of words offers a great opportunity for children to ask questions and make direct applications to their own lives.
It’s never too early to learn about spreading and receiving kindness. Exploring kindness through a multicultural lens is a great place to start.
Christine Campbell is an intern at Cardinal Rule Press. She is currently studying Psychology. When she’s not working in her local library, you can find her relaxing with a good book or spending time with her dogs Paisley and Calum.
