Hurray! It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday again!
I don’t know about you, but there are so many great books out lately that it’s hard to pick just one each week!
But I had no trouble picking this one. Such a beautiful story, and so well written!
Have a look!
Title: A Flood of Kindness
Written By: Ellen Leventhal
Illustrated By: Blythe Russo
Publisher: WorthyKids, April 13, 2021, fiction
Suitable For Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: hardship, kindness, resilience
Opening: “The night the river jumped its banks, everything changed.”
Brief Synopsis: When Charlotte’s home is made uninhabitable by flood waters, she must go to a shelter and rely on the kindness of others for food, clothing, and shelter. It is uncomfortable, scary, and unfamiliar, and Charlotte is assailed by a flood of emotions – fear, anger, sadness, and loss. Eventually, the kindness shown to her by others allows Charlotte to pass kindness on.
Links To Resources: Kindness Lessons and Activities; 28 Kindness Activities for Preschoolers;
Why I Like This Book: As writers, we all believe that every child should have the opportunity to see him/herself in a book, to know that whatever they may be experiencing, others have experienced it too and they’re not alone. Although this story specifically relates to a flood, it’s a story that any child who has ever experienced displacement or loss will feel understood and seen by. The text is powerful in its spareness, using just the right words to tell the story so the reader can experience the emotions along with Charlotte. And the ending is poignant, sweet and hopeful, and shows that kindness multiplies. A wonderful book to show kids the importance of paying it forward.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do 😊
For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific blog links (and any other info you feel like filling out 😊) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! 😊
Susanna Leonard Hill 
Thank you for sharing this book.
The title is perfect. I hope teachers, librarians and bookstores showcase this book.
The illustrations are paired nicely with the text making the book relatable to the reader.
Thanks, Susanna!
This is on my “to read” list – just the type of book we need now.
Happy early Mother’s Day!
Wonderful title. As a kid living next to a river, I grew up through multiple floods. The first, when I was 8, we lost the house like the main character, and then after that my parents built up so our house was off the ground, out of the flood plain. It’s such a bewildering experience that I love Ellen’s approach of kindness. We really couldn’t have saved as much without the kindness of our community.
Love this beautiful book! I recently requested my library purchase it. Love the theme of kindness and the gentle way the concept of flooding was shown. Thanks for the post, Susanna!
Very timely book for children — particularly those living in the southwest and along the coast. I love the focus on kindness from the community after such a major event. I grew up along a river that flooded. We got out but went to grandparents homes. Fortunately, we didn’t suffer the damage others did and didn’t have to rebuild. But for an 8-year-old, it was very scary.
Kids can experience some type of homelessness for a variety of reasons. And for those who don’t, it’s important to walk in someone else’s shoes. I think this book helps build that empathy. Great choice, Susanna!
Heading to our Indie book store tomorrow to purchase this book. Also recommending our school library order it. Much needed message! Great selection, Susanna! Thanks! 🙂
I love this book so much! The author is truly the embodiment of kindness and this book hits all the right notes. I know people have talked about how it made them cry, but it’s because it resonates with all of us who have experienced loss of any kind.
What an important book, especially for children who have experienced similar situations.
The writing is perfect. The message is so needed. I Will be getting this book for sure as a mentor text and to share with others. Love this book.