Hello! A Counting Book of Kindnesses

They don’t have to be big things – the hands that help, the beds that cradle you at night, books to share, pictures on a wall saying welcome.

Many books detailing the refugee experience emphasise the horror, the fear, the feelings of isolation – all important to record. Here, Kurman has chosen a different route, inviting her readers to think about some of the positive moments. This is not to create a Pollyanna atmosphere. Rather it offers another way of thinking and by focussing on kindness which involves a two-way relationship, she encourages a young audience who may not have experienced the traumas of a refugee situation to think about this and what constitutes a kind action. Her final question is “How many ways can you think of to be kind?”

It is an unusual picture book. It does not appear to have a story, but as the numbers move up the story is there to be supplied by the reader. This is a book to share to open discussion whether in a classroom or home. It could also provide a quiet door for reflection as Barroux’s exceptional illustrations draw one in. “Inclusive” and “empathy” are frequently used in describing picture books. Here rightly so. Barroux presents us with a family – a family we can recognise, experiencing moments we can experience. Through saturated colours and expansive double-page spreads, the artist takes the reader on a journey from the home burning behind his little family to the green of the football pitch and the fellowship of a team. Here the emotional journey is mirrored in the visual journey, while the endpapers decorated with impressionistic circles remind us that friendship is inclusive.

Review by FMH