Grow Kind
Magination Press, Fiction, Mar. 3, 2020
Ages: 4-8
Synopsis: Blackberries for Keisha. Sunflowers for Mr. Carrol. Ripe tomatoes fo Ms. Stevens. Peppers and corn for Matt and Mitch. Potatoes for Dr. Thompson.
Kiko works hard in her garden. She grows, nurtures, cultivates and harvests her fresh fruits and veggies and shares her bounty with her friends, neighbors, and family. She shows readers how easy it is to be kind to others, and how kindness can create a happiness within themselves and with everyone around.
Grow Grateful
Fiction, Oct. 15, 2018
Synopsis: Head off with Kiko on a camping trip with her class and how she figures out what being grateful is and what it feels like. Throughout the trip, Kiko discovers different things she appreciates about her family, friends, and experiences. The warm feeling of gratefulness can come from anywhere — a beautiful sunset, toasted marshmallows, help from a friend when you’re feeling afraid, or sharing kindness with others. Kiko grows grateful.
Grow Happy
Fiction, Feb. 13, 2017
Synopsis: Kiko is a gardener. She takes care of her garden with seeds, soil, water, and sunshine. In Grow Happy, Kiko also demonstrates how she cultivates happiness, just like she does in her garden. Using positive psychology and choice theory, this book shows children that they have the tools to nurture their own happiness and live resiliently. Just as Kiko possesses the resources needed—seeds, soil, water—to build a thriving garden, she also has the tools to nurture her own happiness—including social support, choices, and problem-solving skills.
What I like about this series of books:
This is a perfect time to share John Lasser and Sage Foster-Lasser’s charming series for children about cultivating kindness, gratitude and joy in their own lives, and sharing it with others. Children are learning very early that the world is a tough place in which to grow up. Giving kids the tools to get it done will be a tremendous boost. And these three books contribute to that effort in a delightful way.
The narrative flows effortlessly. “My name is Kiko. I grow kind. I will show you how, but first, I have a question for you.” Christopher Lyles’s cheerful and textured illustrations invite children to spend time pondering each theme! Happy and colorful, they fit the tone for each book.
Each book features a lovable protagonist, Kiko, who is of Asian heritage. She appears to be adopted because her parent are caucasian. The series features a cast of supporting characters that are diverse. She also guides children through her adventures.
Resources: Each book includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers with information that will help create opportunities to explore the social and emotional skills that are important to our overall well being: kindness, gratitude and happiness. In these books children will learn how to develop these skills within themselves and in their relationships with others.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
*Review copies provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.
Looks like a fantastic series. Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you for visiting! It is a lovely series for children and perfect summer time reading!
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This series looks delightful. I love the titles!
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Yes, it is a different twist on a garden story. Kiko is delightful and kids will enjoy each book!
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What a great trio of books! The illustrations are warm and inviting. Considering the first made its debut in 2017, I’m thinking the author and publisher were quite prescient. There’s such a need for books like these.
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Yes, I agree. I love the variety of angles in which the authors are taking to talk about kindness, happiness and gratitude!
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What an uplifting series, Pat. I feel boosted just by reading your review.
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Thank you Joanne. Glad I could review them together, so that parents can see the entire series.
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I was giving my own garden some extra TLC today. Nice to see an entire series devoted to getting our young ones inspired to begin a lifelong pursuit of gardening.
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And a garden is the perfect place to share kindness and joy, and feel gratitude.
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What a lovely series. And I agree that this is the perfect time to review them. Thanks.
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Yes, it is a perfect time to share the wonder of nature through joy, kindness and gratitude. Lovely series!
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This sounds like a wonderful series to show kids the value of these important concepts! Judging by the covers, the illustrations must be wonderful! Thanks for the great review!
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Yes, the illustrations really show how kids can use the important concepts everyday. Perfect summer read!
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