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 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)

Counting Kindness

- Ten Ways to Welcome Refugee Children

Hello! nominated for Kate Greenaway Medal

Counting Kindness wins Northern Lights Award

Counting Kindness nominated for Three Stars Book Award

🇺🇸 US edition

Published in the US by Charlesbridge,
September 8 2020.
Order here at Penguin Random House

A warm and welcoming introduction to immigration, refugees, and inclusivity as children count from one to ten with one boat, two helping hands, and the generosity and kindness of many.

This beautiful counting book captures the joy of finding a home and the power of a welcoming community. From playing to sleeping, eating to reading, celebrating to learning, Counting Kindness proves we can lift the heaviest hearts when we come together. Endorsed by Amnesty International.

Please support your local, independent booksellers, or

Read more about the bilingual Spanish-English edition,
“A contar amabilidad”, here:

Published by Charlesbridge.

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

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"

Activities - make a welcome box!

Hollis reads Counting Kindness on youtube

Reading guide for Counting Kindness by Reading is Resistance

May 28, 2021

Portland organization Reading is Resistance added Counting Kindness to their reading guides “designed to support grown ups in their reading experiences with young readers.”

US Reviews

"We welcome and show kindness to refugee children at my school because all are welcome."

Darcy the Wheaten Canadian ESA/D and Elementary School Therapy Dog

"love the way this story spotlights compassion and helping others at the same time it teaches children how to count to ten!"

Happily Ever Elephants Magical and Meaningful stories

"provides a glimpse into the refugee experience for children who have not experienced it themselves, and acts as a mirror for those who have."

Mutually Inclusive Inclusive book recommendations for inclusive families

"... gives a lot of room for open-ended conversations about refugees."

Little Readers, Future Leaders Best kids books to develop a love for reading

Counting Kindness featured as Children’s Book That Champions Kindness

Brightly Raise kids who love to read

Counting Kindness is nominated for this children's book award of the DCLA School Library Section

3 Star Book Award DCLA School Library Secction

"Kurman's text lightly touches on troubling issues with honesty and respect for her audience."

The Horn Book Guide Offering reviews by trusted professionals

Counting Kindness featured in Colours of Us listing of the Best Multicultural Books of 2020

Colours of Us All about multicultural children's books

"The power of the book’s elegance is found in the simplicity of its words and pictures."

Sue Ann Martin on WCMU Central Michigan University Public Radio

"Words and text come together to create a heartwarming, yet heart-aching, statement that explains (...) that there is a need for welcoming and empathy in our world."

Rosemary, children's librarian & blogger Mom Read It book blog

Salut! was included in the wish list for anti-racist books from the Albertine project.

Albertine project of the cultural services of the French embassy in New York

Very pleased to appear on the list of recommended books about immigration of Teaching for Change.

Social Justice Books Project of Teaching for Change, helping teachers and parents to teach children to read, write and change the world.

"In a complicated world where sides are chosen (...) each small kindness reminds readers of the power of a welcoming community."

Dianne White ReaderKidZ book blog

Counting Kindness was included in the September releases of Stories of a Colorful World.

Kanika Mobley Stories of a Colorful World, diversity book blog and shop

"A great book to introduce this subject for toddlers! I wish it would be published in Brazil!"

Denise on IG Books We Love / Livros Que Amamos

Counting Kindness is Crush of the Week!

Mel Schuit, Picture Book Enthusiast Let's Talk Picture Books weblog

"I love the message and the artwork style so much!"

Melissa Taylor on Imagination Soup Book blogger, former teacher & literacy trainer

"An enduring picture book that introduces young audiences to the journey that many refugee children face as they enter the United States."

Jen's Book talk Teacher, book worm & instagram-blogger

"This beautiful counting book captures the joy of finding a home and the power of a welcoming community."

Dogo Books Book reviews by kids for kids

"Counting Kindness proves we can lift the heaviest hearts when we come together."

Here Wee Read On the 2020 Ultimate List of Diverse Children’s Books

"... shares the importance and power of a welcoming community."

The Mom Lists On the list of 18 Books About Diversity and Inclusion

From Pinterest Canada: 'Counting Kindness' has already been selected among the 91 Best Books for Kids in 2020!

Stephanie Taylor Best Books for Kids images in 2020

"This is wonderful...! ...[T]hank you for making the world brighter and reminding us we are in a global world all together---one where sheltering place is not an option for everyone, and refugees are in special need, whether they are our neighbors or somewhere in their journeys in these difficult times...We can only think of kids and families in refugee camps in Europe or at our own border who have yet to get to the four beds or hearts stage. Thank you for raising consciousness about their dreams and desires... It is an excellent book to have in school libraries, to help kids born here to understand better some of the things their new schoolmates or neighbors have gone through."

Barbara bair, Ph.D. co-editor of The Papers of Jane Addams, volumes two and three