How Kind!

by Mary Murphy, Mary Murphy (Illustrator)

Overview

One good turn deserves another - and another - in this universal tale about the contagiousness of being kind.

Hen gives Pig an unexpected present. "How kind!" says Pig. Pig is so touched, in fact, that he decides to do something kind too. So Pig gives Rabbit a gift. "How kind!" says Rabbit, who does something kind for Cow, who is kind to Cat, who wants to be kind in turn. Where will all of this kindness lead?

With electric-bright colors enhancing the simplest of words and pictures, Mary Murphy shows the youngest of children that what goes around comes around - especially when it starts with a generous heart.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781536224092
Publisher:	Candlewick Press
Publication date:	05/17/2022
Pages:	18
Sales rank:	281,319
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 6.70(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	3 Months to 3 Years

About the Author

Mary Murphy has an advanced diploma in Visual Communications and has written and illustrated a number of children’s books, including her lift-the-flap, pull-the-tab book about friendship, ROXIE AND BO TOGETHER. In addition to creating books, Mary Murphy teaches illustration. HOW KIND!, she says, is about "the great feelings kindness generates, for giver and receiver. It’s about how kindness spreads - and how givers always receive. Try shouting ‘How kind!’ whenever you read it in this book."

Editorial Reviews

Just right for board book, How Kind! by Mary Murphy received a starred review from PW upon its original publication in 2002: "Streamlined compositions complement the straightforward message in this circular tale in which one good deed hatches another (and another and another)." Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

PreS-Gr 2-Using the theme that kindness begets kindness, Murphy depicts barnyard animals exchanging gifts. The boldly inked outlines filled with bright washes of color perfectly capture the friends' joyous expressions as they surprise one another with presents. The cycle begins when hen gives pig an egg. Pig replies, "How kind!" Then he gives a carrot to rabbit, who gives flowers to cow, who gives milk to cat, who plays with dog, who scratches pig's back with a stick. The thoughtfulness comes full circle when pig presents hen with her newly hatched chick. Although the story line is a bit simplistic and didactic, most children will appreciate the repetition and eye-catching illustrations in this easy-to-read book.-Laurie Edwards, West Shore School District, Camp Hill, PA Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

School Library Journal

Good deeds beget good deeds in this graphically bold and bright celebration of benevolence. Hen gives Pig an egg, a kindness that inspires him to give a carrot to Rabbit, who in turn picks flowers for Cow, and so on until Pig returns the initial favor by presenting Hen with a chick-hatched from her original egg. The clever turn of events leaves readers wondering if Hen has hornswoggled Pig into doing the work of hatching her egg, or if she is simply thanking him for the gift? The youngest readers and listeners will not be distracted by such concerns and will enjoy shouting out "How kind!" as it's repeated throughout the text; they may also be inspired to emulate the animals and take turns doing one another kindnesses. Electric pink, sky blue, yellow, orange, purple, and tennis-ball-green ink-and-wash illustrations outlined in heavy black add to the cheer and are complemented by the loose yet readable typeface, created by and named for Murphy (Koala and the Flower, not reviewed, etc.). For just plain storytime fun or for introducing the concept of karma, this is a winner. (Picture book. 2-4)

Kirkus Reviews

A circular tale of good will in the barnyard.
—The New York Times

Just right for board book.
—Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher