Catching Kindness - by Kara Mitchell (Hardcover)

About the Book

If crankiness is catching, being kind can be just as infectious. Within a grumpy grocery store, one child watches how his act of kindness grows, with one kindness leading to another and finally returning to him when he needs it most.

Book Synopsis

Sometimes being kind requires a little more oomph.

This is especially true at the grocery store. Especially when the store's only car cart is already taken by a kid in a fancy cowboy outfit. Especially when it seems like everyone else at the store is in a bad mood too. But sometimes kindness can take you by surprise. Suddenly the kid with the car-cart yields his ride, and that small act changes everything.

If crankiness is catching, kindness can be just as infectious. As one child shows kindness to others, he watches how his kindness spreads and grows throughout the store, from the bread aisle all the way to the healthy cereal, with one kindness leading to another and another. It's like blowing on a dandelion and watching the seeds go everywhere.

And just when he needs it most, all that kindness the child has been sharing might find its way back to him.

This playful picture book debut explores how far a thoughtful and selfless gesture can go. It's the perfect way to start a conversation with readers about the importance of kindness.

Review Quotes

"A grocery store visit serves as a lesson in compassion. . . . [G]ood deeds are infectious, and the shoppers demonstrate kindness to all those they encounter. . . . Mitchell's text, infused with a sense of wonder, offers an opportunity to start a dialogue about altruism and how we treat others. A gentle, no-frills conversation starter about making the world a kinder place."--Kirkus Reviews

-- (8/15/2025 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Kara M. Mitchell is an author-illustrator who grew up surrounded by kind people. She graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in both fine art and landscape architecture. She taught high school art before becoming a landscape designer. This is her first picture book. Kara lives in Oklahoma City, OK. Visit karammitchell.com.