Tomorrow I'll Be Kind

October 1, 2019
How will you behave tomorrow? Utilizing the same format and concept of her popular Tomorrow I'll Be Brave (2018), Hische presents young listeners with short, studied rhymes that describe various positive attributes (being helpful, patient, gentle, honest, generous, graceful, and kind). Also included are kid-friendly ways to incorporate these behaviors into daily life, with the underlying goal of making the world a better place. The illustrations, which feature friends in the forms of a mouse, cat, and rabbit, are colorful and appealing, and they extend the text by showing some additional ways of realizing the characteristics mentioned. Overall, the intentions are aboveboard, but this is a volume intended to teach about positive values and behavior, and as such, it comes across as somewhat treacly and proselytizing. The key words, incorporated into the illustrations in a graphic manner, are sometimes a bit difficult to read, and occasionally, select vocabulary and phrases ("to myself I will be true"; "my heart, my guiding light") seem better suited for an older readership. Still, as an introduction to personality characteristics, beneficial behaviors, and social-emotional skills, this is a solid choice, and fans of the previous volume are likely to embrace this one as well. "I'll dream of all the good that comes / when we all just do our best," the text explains--a sentiment that's hard to rebut. Gently encourages empathy, compassion, and consideration. (Picture book. 3-5)

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December 2, 2019
Following Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave, renowned lettering artist and illustrator Hische takes on a new set of kindness-oriented adjectives. Words such as helpful, gentle, and generous are scrawled in elegant script across full spreads, accompanied by scenes of a rabbit, cat, mouse, and other animals acting in kind and thoughtful ways. In cheerful, digitally rendered artwork, the animals assist a friend after a tumble, take turns on a slide, celebrate a loved one’s birthday, and donate toys and clothes. Hische sets her vignettes to a catchy, rhyming poem: “Tomorrow I’ll be/ helpful/ when I see someone in need/ I won’t stand by or hesitate,/ I’ll get up and take the lead!” A welcome call to tenderness. Ages 3–7.