Review| What Kind of World Would It Be?

What kind of world would it be if we all practiced kindness every day?

That is the question behind the book “What Kind of World would it Be?” By Angelina Schafer Gouthier.

The book is a rhyming, brightly illustrated picture book for children ages preschool and up. It features a cast of diverse characters and asks children to consider how their actions affect the world around them.

“If everyone acted just like me, what kind of world would it be?”

Who is the book for?

I’d say this is a great book for the home or a classroom. It seems to be geared at a younger age, roughly preschool to first grade. The children in the illustrations appear to be in the 4-8 age range and in a school/daycare environment. The rhyme of the text makes it accessible to young children as a read aloud story, perfect for circle time, story time, or a lesson.

What does the book teach?

The book teaches children to examine their actions and ponder if their actions are the kind that will make the world a better place, if everyone were to act like them. I personally love this lesson, as it’s one I’ve been trying to convey to my own child.

The book is primarily about being kind to each other, respecting each other

What do I like about it?

It is similar in theme to the lesson behind “What if Everybody did That?”, which is a favorite of mine, though I find this message to be simpler and rooted in kindness, for a younger set. The fun rhyming text makes it easy to share with my son, and the pictures grab his attention.

I also have a deep appreciation for the diversity in this book. A wide variety of children of different races, cultures, and ability are included and shown playing together well. In a time when we need diverse books, I like seeing illustrations that feature a variety of kids, which is more realistic for my son given the diversity in our own community.

Would I recommend “What Kind of World Would It Be?” ?

Absolutely. I think teachers should have this book in their classrooms, and encourage parents to read it to their kids. It’s a concept we need more of in our world today and in uncertain times. It’s a wonderful book about kindness.

Are you looking for more books about Kindness? Check out my list from June: 10 Books that Foster Kindness.

What do you think?

Have you read the book?

What other books about kindness are your favorites?