Every Little Kindness

by Marta Bartolj

Overview

Follow the trail of good deeds in this beautiful wordless picture book to learn how small acts of kindness can make all the difference!

When one act of kindness sparks another, anything is possible! As a girl searches for her lost dog, a simple act of generosity ripples into a wave of good deeds. In the course of a single day, each considerate action weaves lives together and transforms a neighborhood for the better.

This wordless story, told in beautiful illustrations reminiscent of a graphic novel, demonstrates how every little kindness, shared from person to person, can turn a collection of strangers into a community, and—even though we might not always see it—make the world a more vibrant and compassionate place to be.

SHOWS CHILDREN WHY KINDNESS MATTERS: By demonstrating how each kind act leads to another, this heartfelt book shares an important message with children that even small actions can have a big effect.

EASY TO FOLLOW: Told entirely in wordless illustrations with pops of color for every good deed, anyone can enjoy following this simple yet powerful story and appreciate the wisdom it shares.

INCLUSIVE CAST OF CHARACTERS: This book features characters of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds, showing how a diverse community comes together to care for one another.

INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE: Created by award-winning Slovenian artist Marta Bartolj, this story offers a perspective on kindness that resonates in any country.

Perfect for:

• Parents
• Educators
• Fans of wordless picture books

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781797211558
Publisher:	Chronicle Books
Publication date:	10/12/2021
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	72
File size:	33 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

Marta Bartolj is an artist and illustrator from Novo Mesto, Slovenia. She holds a master's degree from the Academy of Fine Arts and Design, Ljubljana, where she immersed herself in the study of illustration. Every Little Kindness, the first book she authored, was recognized as an outstanding wordless picture book at the Kristina Brenkova Awards. Marta lives in Trebnje, Slovenia.

Editorial Reviews

In Bartolj’s wordless debut, first published in Slovenia, small acts of kindness have big effects. . . . The sweetness of the story is palpable without being cloying, and the message of care comes through without needing to be said. . . . A lesson by example in compassion for all ages.”—Kirkus Reviews

“A stunning example of wordless storytelling . . .”—Foreword Reviews, starred review

“Bartolj's wordless picture book, originally published in Slovenia, beautifully illustrates the concept of paying it forward. . . . [T]his is a tale that begs for repeated viewings.”—Booklist Reviews

From the Publisher

2021-07-27
In Bartolj’s wordless debut, first published in Slovenia, small acts of kindness have big effects.

Soft watercolor illustrations in a graphic-novel layout open on and follow a distraught-looking individual as they leave home to put up posters for their missing dog. As the walker pauses to offer an apple to a busker in the park, the spotlight shifts to an onlooker, who stops to pick up litter on their walk—which inspires a child to buy a balloon for a friend, and so on. The primary-color palette keeps the impressionistic backgrounds (most of which feature their “lost dog” poster) of an idyllic, European-style city—complete with charming cafes and cobblestoned pedestrian streets—in gentle, blue-gray washes on yellow paper, with the details of each act of kindness highlighted in bright red. The return of dropped items, the holding of doors, the sharing of umbrellas, seats, and playtime all circle back to a person finally coming across the lost dog and its resulting happy reunion with its owner. The sweetness of the story is palpable without being cloying, and the message of care comes through without needing to be said. Most humans depicted present White; the finder of the dog is a person of color, two women wear headscarves, and one character uses a wheelchair.

A lesson by example in compassion for all ages. (Picture book. 3-12)

Kirkus Reviews