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Can a Children's Book Teach Kindness?

kindness | Tina Powell
kindness | Tina Powell

In this current political environment, it’s not easy to instill the values of kindness, compassion, and generosity in the next generation. Cyber-bullying, social media trolling, and not-so reality television has a profound impact on our children.

Parents and educators need all the help they can get; however, can low-tech children’s book get kids to quit being selfish and choose generosity.

Can it persuade kids to:

  • Be selfless and compassionate?
  • Put the needs of others before their own?
  • Take charge of their needs and wants?
  • Be appreciative and grateful?

Kidness |  Image Credit: Tina Powell
Kidness | Image Credit: Tina Powell

That’s exactly what Oakville's bestselling children`s author Tina Powell sets out to do with her latest picture book BRANDON’S BIG, BAD BARFDAY (Peanut Butter Press, $19.95).

"When I was a kid, we were taught the Golden Rule -- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Adults were role models for courtesy, professionalism, and kindness. That’s not always the case anymore,” she explains. “

The good news is that research indicates that kindness can be taught and is contagious, so I created Brandon to show us the way," continued Powell.

"Brandon's Big, Bad Barfday" Synopsis

Brandon’s birthday goes horribly bad when he discovers that none of his gifts are the brand-new bicycle he really wanted. Sent to his room for being bold, Brandon decides to use his own money to buy a bike. It’s not until Brandon’s dream gift is within reach, does Brandon realize what he really wants.

Who knew that sitting down and reading a book could inspire children to choose kindness!

Book Launch Information

The book launch will take place on Saturday, March 30th at Tribeca Coffee Company in Downtown Oakville from 1 to 4 pm


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