Human Kindness - by John Francis (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Around the globe and since the first humans walked the Earth, kindness has been an important part of how people live. We care for the sick, feed the hungry, save others in danger, speak up when we see someone treated unfairly, and listen with compassion when someone is suffering. Great leaders can do it, of course. But as you'll see, so can inventors, musicians, hairdressers, environmentalists, and everyone else, too. Join John Francis, the Planetwalker, on an exploration of kindness great and small. And learn how you can make kindness a part of your everyday life, too"--

Book Synopsis

Be inspired by incredible stories of kindness from around the world, and throughout history.

Join the Planetwalker, John Francis, on an exploration of kindness, great and small. From the kindness John has experienced in his own life to the history of how kindness has helped to shape our laws, morals and communities from around the world.

Over the whole history of humankind, kindness has been key to the survival of our species, and to making our world a better place. Learn about Harriet Tubman, who risked her life to help others escape from slavery, the Nomads Clinic, which sends doctors trekking into the Himalayas to tend to patients, The Linda Lindas, a group of young musicians who use their talent to speak up for the rights of others, Joshua Coombes, a hairdresser who gives free haircuts to the homeless, and many others. The joyous and awe-inspiring stories in this book will encourage young readers to be kind to others. And being kind, even in small ways, turns out to be healthy for you, yet another reason to practice kindness every day. It's our planet to share together--let's be kind.

Includes a glossary and index.

Review Quotes

Selected for The Children's Book Council's Hot off the Press List: September 2022

"Activist author presents examples of changing the world through kindness. Full of biographical, autobiographical, and historical examples, it's an interesting take on something too little examined." - Betsy Bird, School Library Journal

"This book is filled with intriguing stories of compassion and empathy throughout history, starting with the caring cavemen and ending with present times ... The colorful and creative illustrations created by Josy Bloggs are detailed, thoughtful, and beautiful. She represents diversity by including people of all colors as well as differently-abled individuals." - Rita Long, Portland Book Review

"If there was ever a time when the world needed human kindness, it's right now ... In the book's foreword Francis notes human kindness can be as big as saving someone from a burning building or as simple as a smile." - Jack Fichter, Cape May Star and Wave

"[Human Kindness] discusses the importance of kindness and give suggestions that are easy for kids to act on. The illustrations complement the text beautifully!" - NetGalley (5 starred review)

"With lots of biographical information as well as time lines and background information, this book really does seem to cover everything! The illustrations are interesting and support the text, which is written in an accessible font that is fairly easy to read." - NetGalley (5 starred review)

"This book made me feel good while reading it. Kindness is everywhere and anywhere. It discussed different people and how they spread kindness through living. It has fun facts, quotes, and colorful and bright illustrations! We NEED more books like this for young readers." - NetGalley (5 starred review)

About the Author

John Francis is a campaigner, public speaker, and educator who advocates for our planet. He spreads the message that our environment includes the other humans in the world, and that we must treat both our earth and our fellow humans with kindness. After witnessing an oil spill and the devastation it caused in San Francisco Bay in 1971, he stopped using motorized vehicles for 22 years, and stopped talking for 17 years in protest. Since then, John has founded the environmental awareness organization, Planetwalk, given a TED talk (he started talking again in 1990), and published two adult books on his journey. According to John, also known as the Planetwalker, "The environment, actually, is about human rights, civil rights, economic equity, gender equality, and all the ways that humans interact with not only the physical environment but also with one another." He has lived all over the United States, from Point Reyes Station, California, to Cape May, New Jersey.

Josy Bloggs began her initial career as a graphic designer. After graduating from the University of Huddersfield in 2009 with a MA in Spatial Design, she went on to work as an interior designer for commercial clients. Josy is based in Yorkshire, England.

Roshi Joan Halifax, Ph.D., is a Buddhist teacher, Zen priest, anthropologist, author, and pioneer in the field of end-of-life care. She is Founder, Abbot, and Head Teacher of Upaya Institute and Zen Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico.