A young boy discovers the joy of kindness in the adorable children's picture book, Bowie Be Kind by Jason Turner. Bowie is a little boy with an incredible sense of adventure. He loves to delight his family with stories of his many future adventures in far off, exotic, and imaginary places. Daddy enjoys his stories and gives him a most important piece of advice; be kind. People are diverse, with different tastes in everything from music, clothing, and interests, even to the way we eat and celebrate. Bowie learns that although people may look and act differently, they are still humans worthy of kindness and love. As Bowie explores the different emotions, actions, and traditions of others, he practices kindness. But as he grows up and begins adventuring, will Bowie remember his Daddy's advice?

Bowie Be Kind by Jason Turner is a beautifully illustrated children's book advocating valuable lessons regarding diversity and acceptance. I loved everything about this book, from the engaging story to the charming illustrations that complement the story so perfectly. With so many people talking about tolerance and diversity, it is refreshing to read a book that reaches beyond simple tolerance and moves to acceptance and love. The book shows its readers that while it may take more effort to practice, acceptance is love in its truest form. I appreciate how the author subtly showed the emotions behind people's actions, thereby enhancing the lessons. The colorful illustrations are engaging and the story draws its reader from the first paragraph. This book is a perfect read for children ages 2-6 years-old.

Bowie Be Kind: A book about being kind and helping others is a children’s social issues picture book written by Jason Turner and illustrated by Ana Stretcu. Bowie was a special little boy who had big dreams and loved telling his little brother and parents what he was going to do when he grew up. He was going to be a famous adventurer and see all manner of exciting things. His stories always made his dad smile. Then his dad would say to Bowie that he should always remember to be kind. Bowie, he explained, would meet all sorts of people on his adventures; tall people, short people, angry and happy people, people in suits and people in ragged clothing. And the secret, his dad would say, is that we’re all the same, even though externally we may seem different. The order of the day is kindness.

In Bowie Be Kind, Jason Turner shares his philosophy with young readers. While many authors leave it at celebrating diversity, Turner includes in his message the importance of being caring and kind, of helping those who need help. I especially appreciated how well the story flows from that initial page where Bowie’s dad reminds him to be kind. In the following pages, kids see the different people Bowie will meet and the message that we are all the same comes out loudly and clearly. Ana Stretcu’s illustrations work brilliantly with the text and carry forward the marvelous differences that make us all both unique and the same. Bowie Be Kind: A book about being kind and helping others is highly recommended.