Can you believe 2021 is over? I am so excited to start a fresh, New Year as well as gearing up to read some amazing, new books! Please consider these titles to begin your New Year with the subject of…”Kindness.” Just think, if we all did one, two, or even three acts of kindness each day…what would our city be like?!
“Chicken Soup for Little Souls, The Goodness Gorillas,” written by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen and illustrated by Pat Grant Porter, will have your kids eager to start their own guerrilla goodness club at school, or even just in the neighborhood! Join in on the fun of doing an act of kindness, just like the students in Mrs. King’s class. This book can be found in our “Oversize Picture Book” area under JE McCourt.
Many students know something about being a “Peacekeeper.” Check out “Being a Peacekeeper” by Pam Scheunemann and learn a new, fun way to engage others at being a peacemaker! You can find this title in our non-fiction area at J 177.44 Sch29b.
Todd Parr is an excellent writer and illustrator who has been gracing our library shelves for years with phenomenal stories. May I suggest to you: “The Kindness Book” that he wrote in 2019 which can be found in the picture book section. Filled with his colorful depiction of characters, both four-legged and two, this vibrant book of kindness can get the wheels turning on new ideas you can engage in, right now!
“Pay It Forward: Young Readers Edition” by Catherine Ryan Hyde is a chapter book for fourth – sixth graders that will inspire not only the reader, but also the folks to whom the reader reaches out! Trevor, a 12-year old student accepts the challenge from one of his teachers to ‘design a plan to make his world a better place.’ You will find this title in the chapter book area. Hmmm, I would love to hear your ideas too! Please email, write a letter, give us a call, or just come in and tell our Youth Services Crew what your “Pay It Forward” plan will be! We are anxiously awaiting!!
The last title for this article is (we do have sooooo many more ‘kindness’ type books) “Kindness is a Kite String – The Uplifting Power of Empathy” written by Michelle Schaub and illustrated by Claire LaForte. You can find this title in the picture book area under the author’s last name. This special story will give the reader so many new ideas and help to nurture a kindness plan that could have a trickle effect on your family, neighbors, friends, and, perhaps our entire city! Check this one out right away and let’s get to doing some extra kind things together!
It has been a privilege and an honor to be your Youth Services Librarian for so many years! You have all been so kind to my staff and me by checking out books, attending our programs, and bringing us great suggestions for new titles! I’m excited to begin 2022 with an act of kindness and to continue the path for the entire year! Happy New Year from the Youth Services Crew to you!