Description
★ “Kindness is needed in the world today more than ever. Share this book with everyone and see how it can change things in all the best possible ways.”—School Library Journal (SLJ), starred review
There are lots of ways to be kind, like helping your family when they need a hand or splitting your last cookie with a friend. But why does kindness feel so good? And what exactly is it?
Be Kind: It Can Change Everything looks at how kindness can improve our health, self-esteem, relationships and more. Dive into the history and science of kindness and how it affects your brain, boosts happiness and can even inspire others. Learn new ways to give compliments to brighten someone’s day—and how to be kinder to yourself, others and the planet. With one small act of kindness at a time, we can change the world!
The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.
Author Bio
Elizabeth MacLeod has written more than 80 books, including biographies, picture books, cookbooks and other nonfiction titles. Dinosaurs, royal murder, forensic science, horses that changed history—she’s written about them all. Liz is a Member of the Order of Canada and has won the Sharon Fitzhenry Award for Canadian Children's Non-Fiction, the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction and the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Juvenile or Young Adult Crime Book. She has also won children’s choice awards across the country, including the Hackmatack, Red Cedar, Red Maple and Silver Birch. Liz's most recent books include How to Become an Accidental Activist and Get Out and Vote!. She lives in Toronto.
Julie McLaughlin is an award-winning illustrator of numerous children’s books, including Pride Puppy!; Little Cloud; Breaking News; Fresh Air, Clean Water; Plant Attack! and Why We Live Where We Live, winner of the 2015 Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction. Her work with various editorial, advertising and publishing clients can be seen around the world. Julie grew up on the Prairies and now resides on Vancouver Island.
Prizes
- Telling Tales Reading ListCommended 2026
Review Quotes
“An earnest recitation of the personal and social benefits of kindness. MacLeod assures readers that being kind will not only make them feel better about themselves, but it actually releases dopamine and other feel-good chemicals into the body.”
— Kirkus Reviews★ “The author sets a precedent that they mean to prove to readers that kindness can change everything, and from both scientific and sociological viewpoints, they achieve just that. This title is part of the ‘Feel Good, Do Good’ series, joining a collection of books that seek to share positive lessons that are great not only for the intended age demographic but also for readers of all ages. Kindness is needed in the world today more than ever. Share this book with everyone and see how it can change things in all the best possible ways.”
— School Library Journal (SLJ), starred reviewBiographical note
Elizabeth MacLeod feels kindness is one of the most important qualities you can have. She hopes readers will be inspired to find out what a difference it can make. Liz’s favorite chapter to write was chapter 4 because she feels being kind to the environment is vital for our planet’s survival. A very nosy children’s nonfiction writer, Liz likes discovering incredible facts and then sharing them with readers. She has won many awards, including the Sharon Fitzhenry Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction, the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction and children’s choice awards across the country. Look for Liz’s books Choose Happy, Feel Empathy and Have Hope in the Feel Good, Do Good series.
Julie McLaughlin is an award-winning illustrator of numerous children's books, including Pride Puppy!, Little Cloud, Breaking News, Fresh Air, Clean Water, Plant Attack! and Why We Live Where We Live, winner of the 2015 Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction. Her work with various editorial, advertising and publishing clients can be seen around the world. Julie grew up on the Prairies and now resides on Vancouver Island.
