Today I'm grateful for humankind and thoughtful kindness.
My friend and former colleague baked these for us on Tuesday night
after she heard that John was going to have knee surgery on Wednesday.
Is her life busy? Of course. But she took the time to make us some soup
and whip up these amazingly tasty treasures. She is a kindness crusader.
And her love is a beautiful segue into today's PPBF.
Author: Larissa Ferenchuk
Illustrator: Fiona West
Publisher: EK Books
Birth date: June 10, 2025
Suitable for: ages 5-8
Themes: kindness, connection, service
Brief synopsis: Hidden among the leaves of her fig tree, a young girl quietly watching the world go by. The thought that she can see them but they cannot see her gets her to wondering how she might connect these individuals into a bit more of a community.
Opening page: I can see the whole world from my tree, but the world cannot see me. I share figs with the birds and crawly creatures. I am hidden in a blur of purple and green.
Resources: Watch a trailer for the book on IG {here}.
Read a review {here}.
Visit the publisher's page {here}.
Compare and contrast the storyline with this quote
from our new book, Knit Back Together:
Why I like this book: I love that this young girl puts herself on pause up in a tree so that she can watch others. Then, I connect with her wanting to do more than just watch: She sees a need, then fills a need.
That's exactly how empathy works.
Head. Heart. Hands.
Cognitive. Affective. Behavioral.
I also love that she's hiding, because who among us
doesn't feel like checking out every once in awhile.
I had a tree I could go to when I was her age.
In fact, it was across the street from the beautiful grove
of Autumn trees that I hid the book cover in above. 😉
I would climb that tree to sit and think. But this girl
does more than just that; she thinks about how she
could connect the people in her neighborhood.
With kindness.
Isn't that beautiful?
Use this gem as a springboard for a service project.
Invite your students to research a need that
they would like to fill, then let them brainstorm
ways in which to achieve that goal.
I always loved our Operation SOS project.
 |
| Photo credit: Houston Chronicle |
Now that I'm not actively working in a school,
I serve those who are by doing author visits
and/or delivering sweet treats.
This week, I baked these mini pumpkin loaves from
the pumpkin that John brought home for Halloween,
to give away to anyone who wants a pick-me-up.
I also love the poetic, flowery language hidden in the story.
So much deliciousness in this delicacy of a tale; check it out,
then head to Susanna Hill's blog for today's other PPBF picks.
No comments
I really enjoy hearing from my readers; thanks for sharing your reflections with us!