Hollis Kurman

Hello! (UK) / Counting Kindness (US)

“A gorgeous book that celebrates how simple acts of kindness can uphold the right to safety.”

Nicky Parker Head of Amnesty International UK's literature and publishing programme

“May this wonderful, simple book have wings to fly and melt the hearts that doubt its message.”

Rosemary Wells Award-winning children’s book author-illustrator of Max and Ruby series

“In simple, appropriate, accessible terms, A Counting Book of Kindnesses helps today’s children understand the welcome that tomorrow’s refugees will need.”

Kenneth Roth Former Executive Director, Human Rights Watch

“Humanity can hardly be put into words. It appears when we act, stand up for others. Hallo! shows what small gestures can mean for people on the run: the feeling of belonging and the hope for a better future.”

Peter Ruhenstroth-Bauer, UNO-Flüchtlingshilfe UNO refugee aid (German UNHCR)

Hello! (UK) / Counting Kindness (US)

Hello! nominated for Kate Greenaway Medal

Counting Kindness nominated for Three Stars Book Award

Counting Kindness wins Northern Lights Award

1 boat…helping us on our way; 5 wishes…giving us hope; 10 friends… making us happy. Come with a family as they travel out of danger to a safe place and are shown all sorts of kindness along the way. This unique counting book is full of empathy and hope for all children, everywhere.

The book, published in 2020-21 by Otter-Barry Books and publishers in 10 countries, is illustrated by Barroux and endorsed by Amnesty International.

Illustrations by Barroux

10% of author royalties will be donated to Amnesty International UK Section to support human rights including those of child refugees.

Readings, activities & extras

Hollis reads Hello! (UK) on youtube

Q&A with Hollis & Barroux

How Barroux draws the bird

Activities for children

Activities for school and home by Hollis & Barroux

Credits: illustrator Barroux and UK publisher Otter-Barry Books. Music for drawing a bird by Alfie Gidley.

Events

At this moment, there are no upcoming events - please check back soon. You can browse the past events in the archives too!

News on Hello! / Counting Kindness

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425 copies of Hello! generously donated by Charbel Tagher for Teach for Lebanon

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World Refugee Day 2023

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Virtual classroom reading at Riverside School, Princeton

Country Editions

Endorsements

Kate Greenaway Medal nominee Nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal 2021, "outstanding book in terms of illustration"

Northern Lights Book Award winner Winner in the concept category Counting

UNO refugee aid (German UNHCR) "Humanity can hardly be put into words. It appears when we act, stand up for others. Hallo! shows what small gestures can mean for people on the run: the feeling of belonging and the hope for a better future."

Books for Topics - July Book of the Month "A unique counting book that's full of empathy and hope"

Books for Keeps Editor's Choice & 5-star review "the perfect starting point for conversations about this important topic"

Staff Pick for July 2020 on Love Reading 4 Kids

Book of the Week on Peters Books "a perfect situation book and also a lovely read"