Small Acts of Kindness

I am in admiration for this wonderful picture book. The message of how a small act of kindness can powerfully ripple outward is simply and beautifull told by James Vollbracht, author of Stopping at Every Lemonade Stand: How to Create a Culture That Cares for Kids, and masterfully illustrated by Christopher Fey.Fey's charming, sensitive illustrations are colorful even though in black and white. The characters portrayed are of all ages and walks of life, including a begger-flautist who, after being kindly given a cup of water "played a beautiful melody that echoed across the countryside."Strong author-illustrator collaborations like this one are like a duet, harmonizing and blending, but also each maintaining individual voice. One 'one-star' Amazon reviewer of this book may not have noticed that the writer's last words, "it is the small acts of kindness given freely ... that become the greatest gifts of love!" are not "religious" at all but rather universal. It is the illustrator who has the story's final 'word' with his 'wordless' illustration of a star shining on a miraculous nativity and a shepherd boy holding a gift of precious oil given to him, soon to be given in turn to the baby, the original giver of gifts made flesh, that adds to and ends the story with a surprise. Not all acts of kindness are kindly taken.

I bought this book for my granddaughter after reading the reviews and am so glad I did. Kindness is a virtue that is needed now more than ever. Everyone should read this book, no matter what religion he or she espouses. The whole message of the book is about being sensitive to the needs of others. The fact that it was published by a Christian company, Paulist Press, speaks well for that company's morals.

What a sweet book. I bought it to read to my 1st grade school of religious education class and they all really enjoyed it.

I have read this book to my grandchildren and used it when I give talks on examples of doing small things right where you are. Small acts of kindness do go a long way!

Simple,, gentle story for young children, just what I expected.

More of a pamphlet than a book. All illustrations are black and white. Story is odd at best and unnecessarily religious.

Gave to 6 yr. old grandson, hoping to give ideas of how to "pay it forward." Thoughtfulness is a much needed virtue in today's world.

Beautiful.

This simple story illustrates how one act of kindness can have a ripple effect on the world around us. Each page shows how each person was affected by the act of kindness they received. The illustrations are quirky and each character in the story is indeed a character so this book, as with all good children's books can be discussed as well as read.I think it's important for children to have books that inspire them to be a better person (and thus happier) rather than to merely entertain. This book fits the bill.I love the unexpected twist at the end.

I was disappointed to find that this story was only a little about kindness and mostly a religious tale. I'd return it if it wasn't too late. I ended up skipping some of the actual story when reading it to my kids but the story is a bit lacking anyway. I haven't read it to them again since. Also, it's an odd thin hardback format that makes it difficult for small hands to flick through.