Kindness Grows: A Peek-through Picture Book by Britta Teckentrup

'Kindness Grows' is a peek-through picture book by Britta Teckentrup which shows the reader what happens when kindness blossoms. This is an extremely high-quality hardback book, with thought-provoking illustrations and carefully crafted cut-outs. It is a joy to hold and turn the pages of this cleverly constructed book - it is a work of art! It is no surprise at all that this author is a multi-award winning illustrator and fine artist. Each double-page spread of the book explores two notions. The left-hand side illustrates the idea of cracks in friendships growing bigger and bigger if we fall out and say unkind things. This side of the book has dark colours of sadness (dark blues and blacks). The right-hand side of the page shows the strength of togetherness and friendship which helps the tree to blossom. This page is full of bright and cheerful colours- exemplifying happiness. Ingeniously, as we reach the end of the book, we see children communicating across the pages which results in the two opposing sides of the pages joining together. We see the significant of talking about how we feel and the importance of forgiving and re-building friendships to reconnect and achieve happiness. Teaching the value of kindness and the effects of choices we make on the strength of relationships, this is a perfect book to share in a PSHE lesson or as a pivotal text in an assembly. This book can be enjoyed across the primary years and read to a group, class or the whole school. The analogy of using the growth of a tree is relatable for all- helping the children to make memorable connections to the words. There is great value in reading and re-reading this book to really appreciate the pictures and words. 32 pages / Ages 3+ / Reviewed by Jessica Bunney, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 3+