“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!
“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.”
“As time passes, one can almost hear the children laughing, talking, playing until ‘ten friends making us happy!’ “
“A unique counting book that’s full of empathy and hope for children everywhere.”
“This counting book by Hollis Kurman with illustrations by Barroux is a poignant book that centres on themes of migration, refugees and inclusivity…Not only is this beautifully illustrated, it educates children in a number of ways and is a great addition to an inclusive bookshelf.”
“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.”
“The warmth of the beautiful illustrations enhance the simple text enabling young readers to follow the journey of this refugee family and encouraging them to join in with counting… a gentle introduction to the plight of refugee children for the very young. It could provide the perfect starting point for conversations about this important topic in educational settings and at home.”
“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.”
“In ten steps and in a simple way, this book tells you what children on the run have experienced and what they need. I found it moving and particularly beautiful (…) “
“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.”
“A beautiful and unusual counting book redolent with empathy and inclusivity. (…) …this is an outstanding example of how a deceptively simple picturebook can develop empathy and understanding. Highly recommended.”
“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.”
© copyright by Hollis Kurman, 2019-2021