“A gorgeous book that celebrates how simple acts of kindness can uphold the right to safety.”
Here you can find a selection of reviews and comments from children’s literature reviewers, bloggers, Instagram book lovers and more. If you’d like to add a review of your own, we’d love to hear from you!
“… gives a lot of room for open-ended conversations about refugees.”
“… something so unique and special that you will want to read it over and over to let its power sink in.”
Counting Kindness featured as Children’s Book That Champions Kindness
“This book is a jewel!”
Counting Kindness is nominated for this children’s book award of the DCLA School Library Section
“Kurman’s text lightly touches on troubling issues with honesty and respect for her audience.”
“Wonderfully simple and wonderfully important.”
“Welcoming people in a friendly way can be so easy – that is the simple message of Hallo! Simple, but with far reaching impact.”
A language lesson about kindness inspired by “the magnificent book Hello!” on Lessons4Kids.
“A picture book that touches and belongs in every kindergarten.”
“every human being on earth has the right to safety and a dignified life and teaching it to the little ones is our task.”
“Hollis Kurman and Barroux show how hope emerges from need and what is possible when people treat each other with kindness.”
“For hope and more love for all those people who have to leave home and travel far, where there are different customs and a language they do not understand.”
“Friendliness is the order of the day.”
“A special and wonderful book which I highly recommend.”
“a wonderful picture book about a warm welcome (not only) for refugees.”
“(…) has a permanent place on our bookshelf (…) it is absolutely not about our current pandemic or Covid but to me, it matters never to lose sight of friendliness.”
“In my opinion, a very valuable children’s book that should be used as a topic in kindergartens and schools.”
“I find it very interesting, especially for the kids, to show that it is not a matter of course that the refrigerator is full, that you have so many toys or clothes and you just have a roof over your head. There are so many people and children who don’t have all of this …”
“A splendid volume recommended by teachers to stimulate a positive dialogue about refugee children and to foster empathy for those who live through such challenging experiences.”
“And what better way to learn to count than with friendliness and humanity?”
“that having a home not only includes a safe roof over one’s head, but also the feeling of belonging and being welcomed.”
“Refuge + hope told in a child-friendly way: Hello! The Book of Ten Kindnesses“
On facebook, Italian book store Nave Cervo made Tutti Contano! their new book of the week.
“an unusual picture book. It does not appear to have a story, but as the numbers move up the story is there to be supplied by the reader. This is a book to share to open discussion whether in a classroom or home.”
“If everyone everywhere is kind and accepting of everyone from everywhere then the language of hatred and prejudice could become a thing of the past”
“This picture book… is touching from start to finish… A very successful, poignant and nuanced exercise in building awareness and empathy.”
Counting Kindness featured in Colours of Us listing of the Best Multicultural Books of 2020
“Kurman shows that the development of emotional skills such as empathy and kindness are integral to the education of children.”
“The power of the book’s elegance is found in the simplicity of its words and pictures.”
“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.”
Salut! was included in the wish list for anti-racist books from the Albertine project.
“Luminous and hopeful, a lovely way to teach children to count in solidarity. The minimalist text focuses on the essential, magnificently illustrated by Barroux.”
“Young readers are encouraged to show solidarity with this refugee family, but above all, with the 10 million migrant children.”
“Finding strength and happiness after facing a rough journey, thanks to helping hands. (…) Imagination, solidarity, and poetry have finally returned to your bookstore!”
Very pleased to appear on the list of recommended books about immigration of Teaching for Change.
“My favourite page is the last one, where the grown up is saying, ‘Welcome’ on their sign and the kid is saying ‘Thanks’ on their sign.”
“What a beautiful book with a marvellous message this is!”
“Nice counting book on a current social theme.”
“… a visual learning tool for young readers as well as a gentle reminder of how powerful one small gesture of kindness can be.”
“In a complicated world where sides are chosen (…) each small kindness reminds readers of the power of a welcoming community.”
To explore topics of race inclusion and anti-racial justice for kids, Writing Our Legacy has compiled a list of children’s books recommendations.
“… a delightfully unique counting book.”
“Sometimes we just need to be human, show empathy, put ourselves in someone else’s shoes, try to imagine what their journey is like and be kind.”
August top 10 from Kids Books We Love
“… an incredibly important and topical children’s picture book (…) a great conversation starter as well as a lovely bedtime story.”
Counting Kindness was included in the September releases of Stories of a Colorful World.
“A great book to introduce this subject for toddlers! I wish it would be published in Brazil!”
Counting Kindness is Crush of the Week!
“… does a beautiful job of seamlessly weaving together academic skills and social emotional skills.”
“It was a daring move: teaching children to count to 10 by telling the story of a mother and her three African children, forced to leave their country to reach what they hope to find in Europe.”
“So much more than a wonderful counting book – this is so heart-felt ♥️”
“A counting book with a valuable message? It can be done.”
“I love the message and the artwork style so much!”
“An enduring picture book that introduces young audiences to the journey that many refugee children face as they enter the United States.”
“…[the] story follows along the numbers 1 to 10, a very simple technique that works perfectly here… It is beautiful to see and to read how naturally the new children are welcomed into the class and the football team. Moreover both of these groups are very diverse and colorful.”
“… a refreshingly modern take on a traditional concept book, (and) tugs at the heartstrings with every turn of the page. Children of all ages will be compelled to return to this book again and again, as they shift from the pure joy of learning how to count, towards an understanding of complex ideas such as migration, inclusivity, and compassion.”
“This beautiful counting book captures the joy of finding a home and the power of a welcoming community.”
“Hello! A Counting Book of Kindnesses’ is a beautifully illustrated book which encourages empathy and discussion.”
“A colourful counting delight with an important and special message.”
© copyright by Hollis Kurman, 2019-2021