The Kindness Seed

A story of hope, giving and community

Children - Picture Book
46 Pages
Reviewed on 08/08/2023
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Kara has mixed her love of nature and her love of writing in her children's stories. Her messages are of positivity, inclusion, and the love of the environment. She wants to share these messages with her young readers, so they will grow up caring for the environment and each other too.​

Kara lives in Northern California with her husband, daughter and their dog. When Kara is not writing her next favorite activity is being in nature - gardening, mediating, walking, she loves it all.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Jennie More for Readers' Favorite

The Kindness Seed: A Story of Hope, Giving and Community by Kara A. Mullane is a beautiful story that teaches children about kindness, the value of generosity, and helping others. Anna and her family lived in a town called Upton, which had a close-knit community. When the town became poverty-stricken and shops closed, the community was starving and Upton was in shambles due to a lack of resources. One night, families in Upton each received a gift from a generous donor to help them get back on their feet and rebuild, with a promise that the more they gave to help others, the more they would receive. Many found ways to help their community, but one family kept the gift all to themselves, except for their little girl Anna, who would show the way through kindness.

The Kindness Seed by Kara A. Mullane is a delightful and heartwarming children's book that teaches children important life values parents can plant and nurture throughout their lives - the importance of kindness, generosity, and selflessness. It's the kind of book I enjoy reading and sharing with children because it teaches valuable lessons. It's a meaningful and refreshing tale that instills hope and uplifts. It's the kind of book I always keep on the shelf to be referenced or reread. The illustrations are beautiful and complement the story well, while the narrative itself flows effortlessly in an easy-to-read style, making it simple for children to remember, repeat, and share with their friends and siblings. I especially loved how Mullane incorporated the tree analogy, reminding us that the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, and the second-best time is now, implying that it's never too late to show kindness.

Nino Lobiladze

Once prosperous, the town of Upton went through hard times because the land stopped producing crops, and the trees stayed leafless. But then there came a night when every family in Upton got a gift from the sky. They didn't know who the sender was, although notes were attached to the parcels. They explained that the people must help others with the gifts they had received. Otherwise, they will not get more money. It turned out that someone had sent them envelopes full of money. The families started helping each other, opening a restaurant, or planting a garden, but one family refused to share their fortune and only a girl named Anna wanted to help Upton to prosper again. Her father gave her just a few coins, but Anna didn't give up. The Kindness Seed by Kara A. Mullane is a thought-provoking read for children, their parents, and teachers.

This book raises many significant topics, including environmental issues. Kara A. Mullane explains to young readers with easy-to-understand words what fate awaits a once-flourishing town when the soil becomes bad. The Kindness Seed is a tale about generosity and greediness and how the first overcome the latter. Anna has a pure heart; she is selfless and very kind despite the negative influence of her family. Anna is determined to help her town, and she dreams big. Kara encourages us, pointing out that kindness never stays unanswered. Also, The Kindness Seed shows young readers the growth phases of oak trees, which increases the story's educational value. Finally, the book touches on the importance of investment in the future, which is Anna's gift to her beloved town. I appreciated the wonderful, expressive illustrations by the gifted Rhiannon Thomas, the flawless editorial work, and the strong positive message of The Kindness Seed.

Courtnee Turner Hoyle

Upton once flourished with busy street corners and thriving businesses, but the town fell into ruin. Each family or resident was given an anonymous gift, providing them with money and a decision. They could use the money to help themselves and receive nothing in return, or they could use it to develop a plan to help their neighbors and promote the growth of Upton. Most people were eager to develop new ways to assist their neighbors, but most members of one family were greedy and kept the money. The father gave his daughter, Anna, a few coins. Anna took her meager share of the gift and turned it into something beautiful.

The Kindness Seed by Kara A. Mullane is a story about sharing, kindness, and selflessness. The author has developed a lovely story with an important lesson. Anna, the members of her community, and the wealthy benefactor were part of an experiment in sharing and caring. Some of the most valuable lessons show long-term results, and Mullane conveys that message in her story. Children will love the vivid illustrations accompanying the text, focusing on Anna's and the Upton residents’ contributions and exploring the result of Anna’s family’s choice. The Kindness Seed is a story to be shared.

Star Gater

"Magnificently crafted from the whimsical illustrations, the simple story, and interactive exercises.

The illustrations and color palette are creative and calming. My first impression of the cover is best described as giddy. I liked the whimsy of the little girl and the freshness in the colors.

At one point (not spoiling) I could see myself reading to a child encouraging a fingers-crossed bonding moment over what could be an incredibly sad plot outcome. I also wondered what the effect of burying an acorn truly is. Is it as written by the author or something else? (I still haven't looked.) However, while opening my curtains and blinds this morning, the street looked differently. I will be more appreciative of trees, good neighbors, and less bothered by those who throw trash on the sidewalk.

Once the story ends, there are a few activities given. These can be thought-provoking and doable, the choice would be up to the caregiver. I liked that a child could be encouraged to think and use their imagination, for some that's all they have. My heart warmed while I dried my tears. The exercises are thoughtful.

There are a lot of lessons to be learned in this thoroughly engaging and adorable story. I would highly recommend this, and would include it in a babysitter's arsenal.

Thank you to author Kara A. Mullane at Hoop House Press for reaching out to me. This was my privilege, and my review is honest and sincere."

Goodreads Review by Star Gater - 8/8/2023