How Will I Be So Kind?

I review books as part of my job. When Nico and Lola came across my desk, I was impressed with how the author, Meggan Hill and photographer, Susan Graunke, had captured the essence of kindness in the face of a three year old little boy named Nico and an adorable pug, named Lola. 

The photographs tell the story, but the concept behind this wonderful book is the message to be kind. Meggan Hill explains that this broad concept of teaching a child what it means to be kind is what prompted her to write the book. Susan's photographs capture the actions of these two rascals as they learn what it means to be kind, to share and help others. 

This delightful book not only takes a unique approach to teaching children the concept of kindness but draws an immediate connection through the use of photographs of real people and animals. Listening to their conversation about the book, you realize the fun they had in writing this story and the passion they share for bringing strong lessons into clear view for parents, grandparents and teachers. 

Nico and Lola is a must have book for children. It is a story that my granddaughter loves hearing over and over again. She thinks Lola is "so cute" and loves seeing Nico hold Lola's paw. I guarantee this is one of the best children's books around and certainly one that needs to make its way into your child's Easter Basket or birthday party.

How Will I Be So Kind? Look for Nico and Lola by Meggan Hill Photography by Susan Graunke and published by Genuine Prints. It is available online at www.nicoandlola.com for $16.95 or at Amazon.com. Spread the word - kindness counts! That's What a Wise Grandma Would Do!

Enjoy the interview with Meggan and Susan on WG Radio!

Can Actions Really Speak Louder Than Words?

I am trying to teach the art of kindness to my granddaughter. Sure, we do the giving trees at church, the mall, Toys for Tots but still these random acts seem removed from the words "it is better to give than to receive". 

A group of high school students tried putting this to the test by creating the Random Acts of Kindness Club. One of their first acts was to take leaf rakes and ask neighbors if they would like their yards raked  - FOR FREE! After they had a few doors shut in their faces, they went to the local mall and handed out cards with "Have a Nice Day" & "You are awesome", which promptly brought out security and a quick boot to the curb.

So how do we teach our children that the joy of giving far surpasses that of receiving? Make it personal. Start with a senior in your neighborhood. We have a wonderful 93 year old woman who lives directly behind my granddaughter. We are bringing her gingerbread cookies that we carefully cut and decorated. My granddaughter and I are going to spend the 12 days of Christmas doing one nice thing each day for somebody else. My granddaughter already told me she is going to let the new girl have the swing first at recess. 

Small things. Big rewards. Hopefully a life lesson. That's what a wise grandma would do.