Radical Kindness : The Beauty and Benefits of Giving and Receiving - by Angela Santomero (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

The beloved creator of Blues Clues and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood and protégé of Fred Rogers explores the importance of kindness and how it can change your life in this essential guide and tie-in to the PBS special, "The Power of Radical Kindness."

Angela C. Santomero, the creator, executive producer, and head writer of many of today's most popular educational children's shows believes in the radical power of kindness, on her shows, and in her life. Inspired by her mentor Fred Rogers, beloved host of the classic, award-winning PBS show Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, Angela has dedicated her life to teaching others that when you treat yourself and others with warmth, empathy, and respect, life changing benefits follows.

From the true meaning of self-care and the gift of vulnerability, to the importance of active listening or the magic of asking for help, Radical Kindness goes beyond The Golden Rule and entreaties to "be nice," contending that kindness is the key to recognizing others, and ourselves, as worthy of love and understanding.

Much like gratitude, Angela contends we need a kindness practice. A practice in which we learn to see with our hearts and act from a place of compassion. As the Dalai Lama says, "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Through practicing radical kindness--toward ourselves, with loved ones, and to the world at large--we can transform ourselves, our neighborhood, and our world for the better.

From the Back Cover

In this essential guide and tie-in to the PBS special The Power of Radical Kindness, the renowned creator of Blue's Clues and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood and protégée of Fred Rogers explores the importance of kindness and how it can change your life.

Angela C. Santomero believes in the radical power of kindness--on her shows and in her life. Inspired by her mentor Fred Rogers, the beloved host of the classic, award-winning PBS show Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, Angela has dedicated her life to teaching everyone that when you treat yourself and others with warmth, empathy, and respect, life-changing benefits follow.

From the true meaning of self-care and the gift of vulnerability to the importance of active listening and the magic of asking for help, Radical Kindness goes beyond the Golden Rule and entreaties to "be nice," maintaining that kindness is the key to recognizing others, and ourselves, as worthy of love and understanding.

Angela contends we need a kindness practice--much like the practice of gratitude--in which we learn to see with our hearts and act from a place of compassion. As the Dalai Lama says, "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Through adopting radical kindness--toward ourselves, with loved ones, and to the world at large--we can transform ourselves, our neighborhood, and our world for the better.

Review Quotes

"Angela Santomero tells the story of the transformative nature of radical kindness through studies, through unforgettable stories, though insightful observations and through suggestions for how to change. Reading this book is like having an inspiring conversation with a wise and forward-thinking friend!" --Ellen Galinsky, Author, Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs

"Radical Kindness and Angela Santomero are exactly what the world needs now. This wonderful book will teach you a simple practice that will improve both your life and the world. It's a must-read for everyone."--Strauss Zelnick, founder and CEO of Zelnick Media Capital; interim chairman of CBS

"Everyone should have Radical Kindness on their night table! It's a fresh way to think about kindness to ourselves and kindness to others--it's really a road map for living in today's world."--Jason Priestley, actor, director, father of two

"Fantastic reading! Angela's work extends the impact of gratitude and the science of positive psychology."--John Sharp, MD, professor of psychiatry at Harvard and UCLA, and author of The Insight Cure

"In Radical Kindness, Angela helps us make goodness an essential part of our lives, calling to mind Fred Rogers' saying that "attitudes are caught, not taught," and inspiring us to develop an attitude of kindness in everything that we do."--Roberta Schomburg, PhD, Child Development Consultant at Fred Rogers Productions

"Kindness is always a gift. Whether we are giving it to others or to ourselves, it elevates both the giver and the receiver. In a world where anxiety, loneliness, and suffering are all too familiar, we always have the capacity to act with kindness. Angela brings the best of it to the page in Radical Kindness."--Aviva Romm, MD, author of The Adrenal Thyroid Revolution; Naturally Healthy Babies and Children; and Natural Health After Birth

"Kindness was at the center of everything my husband, Fred Rogers, did. Angela Santomero continues Fred's legacy of bringing kindness into the world."--Joanne Rogers

"Radical kindness is the most powerful thing that you can do for anyone at any given time. It costs you nothing and your spiritual reward is everything."--Ludacris

"What our society needs most is simple human kindness--which is really not 'simple' at all. It is bold. Adventurous. Radical. This book is a must-read."--Dr. Michael B. Brown, minister, professor, motivational speaker, and author of Love Is the Way