Kindness is a Kite String: The Uplifting Power of Empathy

In this timeless story, a young boy begins his day with a hug. This simple act of kindness spreads throughout the day as others pass kindness along. The story begins at home but becomes a journey as kindness spreads from person to person at school, a senior’s home, the neighborhood, and eventually connects the entire community.Written as a poem using similes and metaphors, each verse shines a light on different ways to be kind and showing how it affects others. The joyful illustrations fill the pages and show diverse groups of children and adults. The lyrical, poetic text is delightful to read aloud and the colorful illustrations depict the diversity of families, schools, and communities. Children will enjoy repeated readings as they discover new details on each page. Each act of kindness is something that children can easily do such as opening doors, sharing books, visiting seniors, and showing forgiveness.The book includes thoughtful backmatter explaining how writers use similes and metaphors.The world needs kindness and the message of this book is that it begins with each of us.

THE WORLD NEEDS KINDNESS5/11/20210 CommentsTeaching kindness to kids is important. What is it?​Kindness is… a kite string that lifts spirits, a footbridge that bridges what divides us, a chain that connects us. It is a ray of sunshine and an open door, inviting others in. Michelle Schaub uses similes and metaphors to show the power of kindness. Begin the day with a hug… and end it gently. Kindness is contagious – be sure to pass it on!So many examples of kindness in this lovely book – and there are questions and ideas for discussing kindness with kids at school or at home. As well as information about metaphors and similes.

Great for elementary schools.

Michelle Schaub's KINDNESS IS A KITE STRING is a lovely lyrical poem showcasing many different ways that people can show kindness, and pass it on throughout their day. For younger listeners, it is the perfect discussion book to find out what they might want to do and how they want to pass on kind deeds throughout their day. For older readers, they'll find beautiful language, metaphors and similes to round out their reading experience! A perfect fit for all ages and a great modeling of an important message.

Such a sweet, positive book to share with children, especially now when times can feel uncertain. “Uplifting”, as the title says, is the perfect word to describe this book’s power. From the first line — about greeting loved ones with a hug in the morning, which is something we do in our house! -- it had us smiling the whole way through. Kindness IS contagious, and this book communicates and illustrates that beautifully!

A delightful book to introduce and reinforce what kindness is and how it shows up between people. The story is told through rhyming text and with a lot of metaphors. In the story, a child wakes up and goes through the day demonstrating where kindness shows up. Such as helping younger children tie shoes, helping a friend, visiting a neighbor, being kind to other people and animals. Some of the metaphors will need an adult to help children relate to such as "Kindness runs like dominoes. Reach out and tip a tile." A young child might not understand how that relates to them being kind to others and others spreading kind acts.The illustrations help to reinforce the text in a wonderful way. There are helpful starter questions at the front and a guide at the end for constructive conversations.This book has a nice feel with thick paper, it will stand up to multiple readings, especially in a classroom or library.

In these times thinking about spreading kindness is crucial. Children with empathy at an early age are stronger when they face adversity and generally will make they world better. This book teaches parents and children about how start a ripple effect of love that may take time to come to fruition but the joy from the ambition to do so is immediate upon first read.

I love that this book features tools for adults including before reading, while reading, and after reading activities!The story itself shows tangible ways to treat our world and the beings in it with kindness. The writing is lovely and features similies, metaphors, rhythm, and rhyme. The illustrations as sweet and will draw child readers in, and the back matter is filled with information about similes and metaphors. This book is a wonderful way to start the discussion around kindness and how we can exercise kindness. Highly recommended for all schools, libraries, and homes!