Be Kind

PreS-Gr 2—Miller explores the topic of kindness through the story of a child pondering how to respond when a friend spills grape juice on herself. In the language of a child’s thoughts, Miller provides examples of kindness (giving, helping, paying attention), and acknowledges that it is not all the time easy to be kind, especially when others are not. Miller helps bring this abstract concept into concrete terms of children’s lives. The illustrations are gentle and effective. The children’s faces are expressive, and thick brushstrokes and watercolor add texture and depth to the pages. The color purple receives extra attention, but is well balanced with other colors and white space. The book presents the powerful message that small acts of kindness matter, and that they are able to build with other acts of kindness to make a difference. This is adeptly illustrated with vignettes representing kindness circling the globe, coming full circle to the schoolyard where the protagonist gives Tanisha a purple watercolor picture. Whilst the protagonist could not fix the problem, the act of kindness still made a difference. VERDICT Books about kindness are ceaselessly requested in public and school libraries alike. This title is a valuable addition on this topic and will promote conversation about what it means to be kind.—Clara Hendricks, Cambridge Public Library, MA

“At the moment, it sort of feels more important than ever for books to show young people how to act with thoughtfulness, civility, and kindness.” ―The New York Times Book Review

“[A] lovely exploration of empathy and thoughtfulness.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review

“The precisely worded, hopeful text offers ideas to ponder, Whilst the artwork places them within kidfriendly contexts, such as a multiracial classroom and a neighborhood park. Nicely designed for drawing out children’s ideas and opening a discussion on kindness, this picture book works well one-on-one or read aloud in a classroom, for the expressive pictures are still effective from a distance. A thoughtful picture book.” ―Booklist

“This picture book champions interpersonal kindness both globally and in a young child’s town . . . The story gives children many concrete ideas of actionable kind deeds.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“The book presents the powerful message that small acts of kindness matter, and that they are able to build with other acts of kindness to make a difference . . . A valuable addition on this topic [that] will promote conversation about what it means to be kind.” ―School Library Journal

Sophie’s Squash:

A Golden Kite Award Winner
A Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book
An Ezra Jack Keats Honor Book
The Juvenile Literature Award Winner
A Crystal Kite Award Book for the Midwest Region

“[T]his tale will be cherished by children, and their parents will be happy to read it to them incessantly.” ―School Library Journal, starred review

Wherever You Go:

A Crystal Kite Award Book for the Midwest Region

“Miller’s verse, infused with musical momentum, communicates the emotional arch of a journey with beautiful brevity.” ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“This lovely offering [has] appeal both as an inspirational gift book and as a bedtime tale.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review

Sophie’s Squash Go to School:

“Whilst in many picture books problems are solved quickly, Miller makes clear that it takes time, as well as reflection and effort, for Sophie to make a decision that she wants friends. . . . Many children will relate to [this].” ―Booklist, starred review

“By book’s end, most readers will be willing to side with Sophie’s parents, who remind her that it’s good to have friends: ‘Especially human ones.’” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review

The Quickest Kid in Clarksville:

“Sweet and inspiring.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“An engaging, lively story.” ―Horn Book