Kindness Ripples

Today I'm excited because of a book that came while I was away thanks to a kindness from my blogging friend Barb at Grade ONEderful:  

Each Kindness, written by Jacqueline Woodson and brilliantly illustrated by E.B. Lewis.

This gem tells the story of the new girl, Maya, and all of the chances to be kind to her that Chloe and her friends repeatedly and intentionally pass up.

And when Maya moves away, it's like a splash of cold water on Chloe's face to realize that she let her only opportunity to create a kindness ripple with Maya go out and forever get away. Out and away.

I like this book a lot because it's. so. real. 

Each and every interaction is either 

kind or unkind, 

helpful or hurtful. 

And sometimes we don't get a second chance.

Just imagine a world where young and old alike

stopped before every encounter and asked aloud,

Am I being kind or unkind?

Will this help or hurt?

And then purposefully chose 

helpful and kind.

Check out this boomerang; 

you'll be glad it's on your shelves for 

your kind kids.