“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!
“… also nice for older children, as the 10 kindnesses and the theme of escape also invite conversation.”
“An empathetic, humane and kind antidote to xenophobic rhetoric.”
“Without lecturing or pointing fingers, and with very little text, Hollis Kurman describes how the family arrives in the new country and meets lovely people along the way.”
“So much scope for discussion in this story. The plight of this family is hard for very young children to grasp, but the opportunities to explore feelings around the subject are immense.”
Counting in Green and Hello! paperback both included in overview of best new additions to the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education library.
” A book filled with warmth, togetherness, connection and empathy.”
“Among other things, it shows us how grateful we should be for our lives, since we receive more than ten kindnesses every day. Absolutely recommended reading.”
“Being an anti-racist starts with listening to the experiences of others. Read books (…) and tell their stories to your child.”
“The children’s faces said it all. They were deep in thought as they listened carefully to every word.”
“(one) of the best books you can use to help children explore issues of war, conflict and migration in an appropriate and nuanced way.”
“To help us with our thinking and talking we have revisited an old favourite, ever valuable book, Hello! A Counting Book Of Kindnesses”
“I like the idea of counting kindnesses and it offers a lot to talk about beyond counting.”
“Wonderfully and simply told, you will love it!”
“Through simple phrases, this counting book explores the complex journey of refugee children…”
“Through simple phrases, this counting book explores the complex journey of refugee children…”
“A must-have for a multicultural library!”
“This heartwarming book allows young readers to put themselves in someone’s shoes…”
“We welcome and show kindness to refugee children at my school because all are welcome.”
“… such a beautiful book, with the most important message!”
“love the way this story spotlights compassion and helping others at the same time it teaches children how to count to ten!”
Hello! featured in this reading guide, highlighting books that celebrate diversity, representation and inclusion for children and young people aged 0–18.
“I love this book not only to reinforce numbers, but also because it serves as a bigger picture and conversation starter on the journey of refugees.”
“Recommended picture book on the subject of migration!”
“provides a glimpse into the refugee experience for children who have not experienced it themselves, and acts as a mirror for those who have.”
“Ten million children around the world are on the run, this book is dedicated to all those who treat them with humanity.”
“… 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.”
“Shows how the tide can turn if everyone lends a hand to help and acts with kindness!”
“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.”
“A great way to start a conversation with children about what a refugee is and to explore, with accompanying conversation, how to understand something they may have seen or heard about, equipping them with the skills to develop the empathy that is so desperately needed in these conversations.”
“Dit prachtige prentenboek, waar heel veel (vluchtelingen)kinderen en volwassenen iets aan zullen hebben waardeer ik graag met 5 sterren.”
“Special picture book about helping refugees while learning to count from 1 to 10. In the first spread, a mother and her young children are fleeing a war situation. The reader is succinctly introduced to what is happening but at the same time offered hope and direction.”
“At a time when we need kindness more than ever, this gorgeous book reminds us that the smallest gesture can make a difference to someone.”
“An optimistic book, which warmly celebrates the journey of the uprooted and the very humane welcome given to refugees.”
“A two-in-one book, where learning to count goes hand in hand with learning to count on others by showing solidarity.”
“A hopeful picture book about refugees and the kind gestures that give a journey to a new country a happy ending, told by counting to 10: ‘1 boat…2 hands lifting us to safety.’ “
“The beauty of this book is its simplicity…The [illustrations and text] reinforce each other in their message and get straight to the essence in a charming way…The author is donating 10% of her income from the book to Amnesty International. A small but very important gesture for a hopeful future.”
“Not only is this beautiful book informative as to what so many children might be forced to live through and escape from, but it’s a reminder as to how we might respond.”
“A counting book with a difference…a warm celebration of generous welcomes and new beginnings.”
“There are many refugees in the world / Often children, lost and all alone / What can you do / To help all those who seek asylum and a home?”
“Counting Kindness proves we can lift the heaviest hearts when we come together.”
“Without denying the reality, (the book) sketches the moments that secure, reassure and comfort the two children. Even far from home, you can admire the stars.”
“An album that teaches how to count, and that also raises awareness”
“Very timely book about being kind to others, and instilling in them an unparalleled feeling of joy when you’re around…Hollis’ wonderful sentiments coupled with Barroux’s brilliant illustrations make this one a mini wow for early years.”
“A gorgeous book…a great introduction for even the youngest of children to the idea of refugees and inclusivity. A beautifully hopeful book…demonstrates how simple acts of kindness can have profound impacts.”
“This is a special picture book. ‘Packaged’ as a counting book, it tells the story of a refugee family’s journey to a safe place.”
“This is a good example of a multi- layered text which will be enjoyed and returned to many times. It deserves a place in every Early Years setting alongside others that do the job well about the refugee experience.”
“The words are simple, Barroux’s illustrations are exquisite, and together they form an indispensable message that speaks to the heart.”
“… shares the importance and power of a welcoming community.”
“For 3+ years, a beautiful counting book guided by solidarity.”
“This is a unique and beautiful counting book that introduces little readers to themes of migration, refugees, resilience, and inclusivity, while encouraging empathy, kindness, and acceptance.”
“… a great book to share with your little ones but equally it’s a fantastic resource for exploring empathy.”
“A meeting between children who flee their country, cross the Mediterranean and are welcomed by other children.”
“No moralizing discourse but meetings, a child’s life taking shape.”
“… This world needs a Counting Book of Kindnesses. The way it is written and illustrated is pure and intense, and it took courage to convey such a difficult subject in a light, appealing and positive way. But it is more than that: by choosing to portray the refugee child’s journey through the lens of help offered along the way, it shows, to children and adults alike, the best we can teach ourselves. In the words of Victor Frankl, psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor: ‘When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change our attitude towards it.’ May this book challenge and inspire us to change our attitude, to open our eyes to the kindness around us, and to be kind ourselves.”
“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.”
“Hollis Kurman’s captivating Counting Book of Kindnesses shows how with care, thought and artistic flair, young children can be introduced to important global issues whilst allowing hope to shine through. I can imagine teachers using this book to stimulate meaningful dialogue about child refugees and foster empathy for those who go through such challenging experiences.”
“In simple, appropriate, accessible terms, A Counting Book of Kindnesses helps today’s children understand the welcome that tomorrow’s refugees will need.”
“May this wonderful, simple book have wings to fly and melt the hearts that doubt its message.”
“A gorgeous book that celebrates how simple acts of kindness can uphold the right to safety.”