Wow! Color me impressed! I was immediately taken by this book and the mature message it shares, along with the intelligent and clever way it is written. But now that I know the author is 11-years-old I'm even more blown away by it. This book is, dare I say, the best execution I've ever seen of successfully teaching a principal (i.e. kindness). Let's start at the very beginning, shall we? (...a very good place to start.) I love that the first page of this book is a form that children can sign that invites them to join the "race to kindness". Physical invitations like this are, in my opinion, the best way to evoke action. I truly think that children will take this invitation seriously as they sign their name and write the date. The next thing I love about this book is that it rhymes. I have heard book publishers mention that rhyming books are slowly becoming less appealing for them to publish, but as a pediatric speech therapist I understand and can attest to the value of books that rhyme. Rhyming is a pre-literacy skill that children need to learn in their pathway to reading. Not to mention that rhyming books are fun to read and a sure way to make a book's message memorable. The highlight of this book for me is the fact that the author made an acronym out of the short phrase, "BE K.I.N.D.". What better way for children to remember how to be be kind than through an acronym that they can easily memorize? As an adult, I struggle sometimes with knowing how I can help others and the specific things I can do to show my love through service. So, I especially appreciate that this book gives specific examples of things we can all do to "be kind". The "D" in the acronym "K.I.N.D." was my favorite thing to read about because it encourages people to get up and to take action. It's so easy for us, especially as adults, to reach out to the people who we know need assistance with a text that simply says, "Let me know if there's anything I can do for you." So often we don't take the initiative to help without someone asking for it. But this book makes it clear that there are so many ways to serve and to show kindness, and that we should do so without waiting for someone to tell us what to do. To sum up my views on this book I'll say one thing- I wish this book wasn't categorized as "children's literature" because I think everyone, and especially adults, should read this book and learn from it's beautiful and powerful message.

Thank you to the author and netgalley for allowing me to read and review this masterpiece of a book.

Schön gemachtes englischsprachiges Kinder-Bilderbuch über Freundlichkeit, Mitmenschlichkeit und Hilfsbereitschaft. Sehr schön gereimt. Nett illustriert. Tolle Gesamtbotschaft des Buches.

Race to Kindness is written by the recipient of the 2021 Time Magazine Kid of the Year, Orion Jean.

This gem of a book is about just how important kindness is, and it manages to deliver that message through rhyming text that is really nicely done.

What I liked best about the book is the fact that it provides so many everyday examples of opportunities through which to show kindness - many (or even most) of which cost us nothing, but pay off in ways both big and small.

Highly recommended for sharing with the children in your life - because the fact that kindness matters terribly is something that simply cannot be taught early enough! And this is one race where the outcome really is a win-win, no matter who wins.

This was an adorable book that I cannot wait to read to my son (age 3). It emphasizes kindness vs niceness, and it really seems to get the message across. I loved the message sent, and I am very impressed with the artwork.

Kindness is a race that we can all win together! This beautifully illustrated book contains racially diverse characters and those with disabilities. It speaks of the importance of always being kind to everyone you see. You never know how much a small, friendly gesture can impact someone's life. The book comes to life with elaborately illustrated backgrounds and bright characters that almost pop off the pages. This is a great book choice for lessons and units on kindness and is appropriate for any setting and time. It is an excellent book to start the conversation on what you can do daily to be kind to others.

This book is a delight! Our community has a Kindness campaign and this will be perfect! I love how it gives such wonderful ideas in an eye appealing manner!

Race to Kindness is such a beautiful book with a big message. Not only does it promote being kind and doing good things for others, it also shows how you can do so. It also explained things in a well thought out rhyming I loved this book so much for its gentle (and non shaming approach) to promoting kindness. As having been on the receiving end of "small acts of kindness" as a child in a family that just needed a bit of help, I know very well the huge impact they can have. I hope this serves as a gentle reminder for us all or as a lesson to the children in our lives.


*Received through Netgalley for my honest opinion*

Time's Kid of the Year Orion Jean is the awe-inspiring author of this beautiful book filled with delightful rhymes, gorgeous illustrations and an unforgettable message. Perfect for a first day of school read aloud and a must-have for classrooms everywhere, Race to Kindness gives examples of how we can change the world with simple acts of acceptance, empathy and compassion. I can't wait to add this to my pre-k library!

Race to Kindness is a fun and inspiring way to teach kids to be kind. The rhyming is such a delight, and all the examples of how kids can bring kindness into their world are wonderful, concrete ways that are relevant to them! The illustrations are really well done. I really appreciate the diversity included in the pictures as well. Wonderful book for kids! ❤️❤️❤️

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advanced review copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review on the book!