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Loved it! 😍
The artwork was astounding, and I loved the book's message: encouraging readers to be kind and complete random acts of kindness.
In "The Kindness Tree" readers are whisked away to a mystical grove where seven trees, sprouting from a single seed, represent the virtues of Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, and Faithfulness. Each tree, intertwined at the roots, shares its unique gifts with the world through fruits that embody these virtues. The narrative follows a golden fruit from the Kindness Tree on its journey from grove to the hands of a young boy named Joseph. This extraordinary fruit, imbued with unparalleled sweetness and the power to bestow energy and strength, becomes a catalyst for a profound lesson in altruism and the true essence of kindness.
Joseph's discovery of the fruit along the riverbank marks the beginning of an adventure that explores the tension between self-preservation and the selfless act of kindness. As Joseph contemplates the use of the fruit for personal gain, an encounter with an old, injured man challenges him to reconsider the value of sharing and the transformative power of kindness. The story culminates in a heartwarming revelation about the lasting impact of generosity and the cyclical nature of virtue, symbolized by the planting of the Kindness Tree's seed, promising a legacy of kindness for generations to come.
Deep in the forest, far away from the rest of the world, grows seven special trees: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, and Faithfulness. One particular night each year, the wind blows the fruit off each tree. No one knows when the act will happen; the wind determines it. One fated night, a young boy (Joseph) discovered a piece of Kindness fruit along the riverbank. It has traveled far to reach its final destination. Was it fate or luck that this particular boy found the sweet fruit? As you read the story, you'll be leaning toward fate.
When Joseph ate a tiny bit of the fruit, his body was filled with energy and strength. He didn't want this feeling to fade. When the young boy stumbled upon an elderly man in need of sustenance, he had an important decision to make: keep the miraculous fruit for himself or share it with the weakened man. The Kindness Tree reminds us to help those in need and put other's needs ahead of our own. It also demonstrates the power of kindness and how a small amount goes a long way!
The artwork in the book was astounding. I was impressed with the attention to detail, especially in the reflections on the fruit. However, the artist stumbles when creating toes on the child, as seen in the up-close shot of feet in sandals. Other than that, their artistic skills shined brightly for the rest of the story. Each page made you feel like you were gazing at the moon or walking alongside the characters.
There were some grammatical errors, mainly inconsistencies in how "Kindness Tree" was written. Parents and educators might notice that it is presented as (both) a proper and common noun; young kids might not.
I recommend everyone read this story to their children, ages three and up. Also, read over the discussion questions and select one or all the random acts of kindness listed in the end credits.
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Synopsis
In "The Kindness Tree" readers are whisked away to a mystical grove where seven trees, sprouting from a single seed, represent the virtues of Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, and Faithfulness. Each tree, intertwined at the roots, shares its unique gifts with the world through fruits that embody these virtues. The narrative follows a golden fruit from the Kindness Tree on its journey from grove to the hands of a young boy named Joseph. This extraordinary fruit, imbued with unparalleled sweetness and the power to bestow energy and strength, becomes a catalyst for a profound lesson in altruism and the true essence of kindness.
Joseph's discovery of the fruit along the riverbank marks the beginning of an adventure that explores the tension between self-preservation and the selfless act of kindness. As Joseph contemplates the use of the fruit for personal gain, an encounter with an old, injured man challenges him to reconsider the value of sharing and the transformative power of kindness. The story culminates in a heartwarming revelation about the lasting impact of generosity and the cyclical nature of virtue, symbolized by the planting of the Kindness Tree's seed, promising a legacy of kindness for generations to come.
About the author
Danny Gentry: Educator, principal, author with 30+ years in education, passionate about children’s fiction and empowering educators. Writes to inspire creativity in young readers. Lives in Northern California, and loves family, pets, and the outdoors. view profile
Published on March 01, 2024
Published by
2000 words
Worked with a Reedsy professional 🏆
Genre: Picture Books
Reviewed by
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