Love Makes a Family: It's Cool to be Kind
It's Cool to be Kind Series
on Goodreads (1,108)
What’s inside...
This charming picture book celebrates the many forms of families and the love that binds them together. It showcases the simple acts of kindness that make a big difference in creating a loving family environment. Whether you have two mums, two dads, one parent, or one of each, there's one thing that makes a family a family... and that's love. A book for EVERY family by dazzling illustrator Sophie Beer.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-3
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some ways we can show kindness to others, just like in the book?
How does it make you feel when someone is kind to you?
Can you think of a time when you were kind to someone? What happened?
Why do you think kindness is important in a family?
How can we make sure we are being kind every day?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, make eye contact and show genuine interest in your child's thoughts and feelings.
Use examples from the book and try relating them to real-life scenarios your child might encounter.
Praise your child for thoughtful responses and encourage them to think of additional ways to be kind.
Ask your child to draw a picture of a kind act they want to do the next day, emphasizing the joy of planning kindness.
Revisit the story often to reinforce the messages and ensure the values of kindness become habitual.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Kindness
Explanation: The book showcases various characters engaging in acts of kindness, such as sharing toys and helping others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing their belongings with friends or helping family members with chores at home.
Example Lesson: Diversity and Inclusion
Explanation: The illustrations and narratives include a diverse range of family structures and characters, highlighting inclusivity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate and respect people's differences, fostering a welcoming environment at school or playgrounds.
Example Lesson: Expression of Love
Explanation: The story emphasizes that love can be shown through small gestures and caring actions.
Real-World Application: Children learn that expressing affection and gratitude can be simple yet impactful, such as drawing a picture for a family member or saying thank you.
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: Characters work together to solve problems, demonstrating the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in group activities at school, teaching children the value of collaborating with peers to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Respect for Others
Explanation: The book portrays how characters listen to each other's feelings and viewpoints, teaching respect.
Real-World Application: Children can practice this by listening attentively when others speak and considering their feelings in interactions.