THE BOOK OF KINDNESS

  

 

Teaching kindness to children is essential for their personal development and for fostering a compassionate society.

By prioritizing kindness in education and daily life, we equip children with the tools to lead fulfilling lives and contribute positively to the world around them.

Teach your children poetry; it opens the mind, lends grace to wisdom, and makes the heroic virtues hereditary.   – Walter Scott.

Following the statement, the author, with great care and caution, presents a story of kindness to children through poetry. Introducing poetry via a story is a commendable effort as it requires both strong diction and plot.

This book - THE BOOK OF KINDNESS BY Egor Klopenko, features 8 chapters across 36 pages, presenting the complete story in a poetic form. It includes illustrations by Ksenia Panteleeva and is translated by Alena Slepova

Egor Klopenko is a Russian writer, an independent artist, and the founder of a theatre in St. Petersburg.

The author in this book initially explains what matters most, what he thinks to write, and how to write for children and then slowly creeps into the serene world of kindness. He seamlessly introduces kindness as a member of the family, highlighting its positive impact when present and the void it leaves when absent.

Next, the author delves into children's dreams, pondering who embodies the greatest kindness—the dog, the elephant, the whale, the forest, or his family members. These reflections are truly childlike and resonate deeply with young hearts. It's a touching and accessible way to impart lessons, making it easy for children to understand.

In the subsequent chapters, 'Star' highlights the kindness that nature bestows upon humanity. Following this, 'Gift' portrays a young boy's act of kindness toward his mother. Each segment of the book exemplifies the author's masterful storytelling, all aimed at resonating with children.

Chapters like 'The Kind Wings' and 'Seed' are innovative in introducing kindness to children. The author is immensely successful in conveying the theme of kindness to children through completely new ideas, methods, presentation, and a whole new set of ways to impart kindness in the lives of Gen Alpha.

Finally, the book answers WHAT IS KINDNESS?  In a simple yet subtle way, covering various walks of life and leaves a lasting impact.

Over all the book urges that Kindness is a valuable trait that benefits both individuals and society as a whole. It fosters positive relationships, improves mental health, and creates a more harmonious world. By practicing kindness, you can make a positive impact on yourself and those around you. 

Here are few lines that make you realise why kindness matters the most:

If my children grow up to be

Nothing but brave and kind

I will consider them a smashing success

Because while beauty and wealth are often coveted

And intelligence respected

Most of the atrocities in this world

Could have been prevented

If more people were simply

Brave and kind.

 

DO gift your children a copy of the book. It will definitely be a nurturing step in your parenting.

(Received a copy of the book in the form of a PDF from Booksiren  in return of an honest review)