What Does It Mean to Be Present?

September 21, 2015
In the fifth entry in the author’s What Does It Mean... series, DiOrio begins by contemplating—somewhat obscurely—what kindness is not: “Does it mean paying with something other than money? No. Does it mean being ‘sort of’ something? No!” On the other hand, examples of kind acts, which constitute the rest of the book, are clear and conventional: “Being kind means... smiling at the new student in the class... giving someone a compliment... holding the door open for someone else... sticking up for someone who is being bullied.” Jorisch (the Betty Bunny series) presents a multicultural cast of lean-bodied children supporting and caring for one another, demonstrating patience and forgiveness. It’s a sweet and non-judgmental affirmation about the happy returns that come through kind actions. Ages 4–8.