Why am I passionate about this?

I know first hand the damage that bullying can have on children, It weighs heavy on your psyche, and emotional well-being. I was determined to find a way to teach children important values to fight the root causes of bullying. I found an old "sketch" and it was my "aha" moment. With continued tweaking, my bubbly hippo was born that I named Bentley. Sporting his red running shoes, Bentley has become a positive role model for children. He represents resilience, friendship, joy, and kindness. We all grew up hugging a teddy bear, but now it's time for the World to Hug a Hippo. The books I've picked below inspire me and will help kids learn the value of kindness. 


I wrote

Inspiring Children to be Kind

By Argyro Graphy, Michael Reyes (illustrator),

Book cover of Inspiring Children to be Kind

What is my book about?

Bentley and his friends are en route to the Annual Fair when they hear a fuss at the back of…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Hair Peace

Argyro Graphy Why did I love this book?

This is a wonderful story about self-confidence, self-esteem, and being kind to ourselves. It is easy to want what others have and oftentimes comparing ourselves brings about negative emotions. This story teaches us to embrace our differences and accept ourselves as we are.

By Dawn Doig, Savannah Horton (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Hair Peace as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Johanita is a young girl of African descent who does not like her hair.  She has short, tight, kinky curls but wants hair like other girls at school  because she believes it will make her more beautiful. 


When she goes to the mall with her mother one day, Johanita discovers a salon full of wigs.  She proceeds to try on different wigs and wears one to school each day to match with her 'twin'.  After a new girl starts school, Johanita discovers that beauty comes in many forms and it isn't your hair that makes you beautiful. 'Hair Peace' was…


Book cover of Pole to Pole

Argyro Graphy Why did I love this book?

An entertaining and educational series where our friendly polar bear continues on his adventure teaching children about climate change and how being responsible and caring for our environment and the planet is a form of kindness that we all benefit from.

By Alan J. Hesse,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Pole to Pole as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Driven from his melting Arctic home in search of food, Captain Polo once again takes to the ocean in his trusty boat. Little does he know about a hidden stowaway with a secret agenda...


"Must read. Fantastically enjoyable graphic novel with an eco-conscious theme - educational and thought-provoking for children and adults alike...[ ]..every bit as enjoyable as other contemporary and classic graphic novels." - Reedsy Discovery

Picking up from the previous books in the series, Pole to Pole sees the now well-seasoned globetrotter Captain Polo back on the ocean waves falling into one adventure after another. After nearly getting…


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Book cover of Virginia Wouldn't Slow Down!: The Unstoppable Dr. Apgar and Her Life-Saving Invention

Virginia Wouldn't Slow Down! By Carrie A. Pearson, Nancy Carpenter (illustrator),

A delightful and distinctive picture book biography about Dr. Virginia Apgar, who invented the standard, eponymous test for evaluating newborn health used worldwide thousands of times every day.

You might know about the Apgar Score. But do you know the brilliant, pioneering woman who invented it? Born at the turn…

Book cover of Wee Bees and The Bee Attitudes

Argyro Graphy Why did I love this book?

An adorable book for younger children to learn proper values that help to spread kindness to all including themselves. Teaching kids to be nice, caring, and considerate will help them identify ways of being kind to their family, friends, and those around them.

By Marcia Papa,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Wee Bees and The Bee Attitudes as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

These charming Wee Bees characters help children learn valuable lessons about caring, loving and being kind to one another. Each unique bee will reveal how they use their "good attitude" in their everyday life.

 

Everyone is sure to fall in love with Wee Bees!


Book cover of Am I Really Ready for A Puppy?

Argyro Graphy Why did I love this book?

Being kind is not only doing something, but kindness is also knowing when you are not ready or responsible enough to care for something like a pet. Oftentimes we think of ourselves and our wants and overlook our capabilities and responsibilities.

By Doliah Snead,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Am I Really Ready for A Puppy? as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

So many children think puppies are so cute, and they desperately want one, not truly understanding the responsibility that comes along with it. This novel is about a little boy who was one of those kids who desperately wanted a puppy, or so he thought. He learns the cost of having a puppy, both financially and physically. Teachers, parents, and students will find an extension activity at the end of this novel that tie Reading, Language Arts, Writing, and Math together with one story. Students are asked to find the total amount this family spent, research specific breeds, and calculate…


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Book cover of Who Is a Worthy Mother?: An Intimate History of Adoption

Who Is a Worthy Mother? By Rebecca Wellington,

I grew up thinking that being adopted didn’t matter. I was wrong. This book is my journey uncovering the significance and true history of adoption practices in America. Now, in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, the renewed debate over women’s reproductive rights places…

Book cover of Henry and His Manners

Argyro Graphy Why did I love this book?

When children are raised with proper social skills and values, it reflects in their behaviour towards others. This is a story about teaching proper manners and behaviors, and children will be able to identify and apply positive actions and kindness.

By Tracy Schlepphorst, Charlie Martin (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Henry and His Manners as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Henry learns the importance of manners when he wakes up one morning without them. Follow Henry as he goes through his day and watch his manners try to catch him.


Explore my book 😀

Inspiring Children to be Kind

By Argyro Graphy, Michael Reyes (illustrator),

Book cover of Inspiring Children to be Kind

What is my book about?

Bentley and his friends are en route to the Annual Fair when they hear a fuss at the back of the bus. A crowd has gathered around Toby the elephant, pointing fingers, and making fun of him when the bus finally stops, his glasses are taken from him. Surprised at this behavior Bentley assures Toby that this will be dealt with. Spending the day at the fair, A cry for help is heard in the distance. Will Bentley and the others offer their help? Or should they just keep on searching for Toby's glasses?

A sensitive and difficult topic to discuss, children will learn about peer pressure: different types of bullying the importance of being kind that they have a voice and can be heard how to be a good friend. 

Book cover of Hair Peace
Book cover of Pole to Pole
Book cover of Wee Bees and The Bee Attitudes

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5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in kindness, polar bears, and puppies?

Kindness 31 books
Polar Bears 24 books
Puppies 9 books