Please welcome my guest author today, Debbie Zapata. She has a list of picture books on community, kindness, and inclusion … all things that are much needed in our world. We are also giving away a signed copy of her book, Up and Adam. To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter at the bottom.
Up and Adam by Debbie Zapata, illustrated by Yong Ling Kang
Up and Adam is about a boy with Down syndrome who helps his neighbors in the aftermath of a big storm in a way only he can. Adam and his dog, Up, see the mayor on TV asking everyone to pitch in with the cleanup. She says, “Now, it’s time to get to work. Up and at ‘em!” When Adam hears the mayor tell him and Up to get to work, he’s on it! Adam’s most important contribution to his community is one he doesn’t even think about—his smile. Because when anyone sees Adam smile, they smile, too. And as Adam says, “A pair of smiles can make a difference.” The story features an endearing and authentic representation of a child with Down syndrome, focused on his abilities, and offers an inspiring model of how everyone can make a difference. [picture book, ages 3 and up]
8 Picture Books on Community Kindness and Inclusion
Out into the Big Wide Lake by Paul Harbridge, illustrated by Josée Bisaillon
An empowering story about Kate, a young girl with Down syndrome, who gains confidence and independence through a visit to her grandparents. Children with Down syndrome more times than not have a support person with them. Kate visits her grandparents on her own. She meets all the neighbors while helping her grandfather with grocery deliveries by boat. Kate is smart and brave and she will capture readers’ hearts. The story is inspired by the author’s sister. [picture book, ages 4 and up] *Winner Ezra Jack Keats Award
Unbound: The Life and Art of Judith Scott by Joyce Scott and Brie Spangler, illustrated by Melissa Sweet
A moving introduction to the life and art of renowned artist Judith Scott, as told by her twin sister Joyce Scott. Judith Scott was born in 1943 and she was isolated as a result of being institutionalized most of her life due to Down syndrome and deafness. Her sister Joyce became her legal guardian in 1985 and at the age of 43, Judith enrolled in art classes. Art became her passion and she sculpted with yarn, twine, and strips of fabric. Her works have been displayed in galleries, fairs, and museums around the world. Her story shows us that we can soar beyond perceived limitations and accomplish something extraordinary. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
Thank you, Omu! by Oge Mora
This warm story celebrates community. Neighbor after neighbor arrives at Omu’s door following the wonderful aroma of her big pot of stew. She shares with the little boy, Ms. Police Officer, Mr. Hot Dog Vendor, a shop owner, a cab driver, a doctor, an actor, a lawyer, a dancer, a baker, an artist, a singer, an athlete, a bus driver, a construction worker, and even the mayor! When Omu realizes she gave away all the servings of her big pot of stew, she starts feeling blue until all of the neighbors return to give back to her. And as Omu had predicted, it was the best dinner she ever had. [picture book, ages 4 and up] *Winner Caldecott Medal Award
Big Dreams, Small Fish by Paula Cohen
In the new country, Shirley and her family all have big dreams. Shirley is an adorable girl considered too little to help with the family store. But this little wonder has lots of big ideas to help her family’s grocery store become faster, prettier, and more modern. But her parents think she’s too young to help. One day, Shirley seizes her chance to bring the community together in their immigrant neighborhood. The book is inspired by Paula Cohen’s family’s immigrant story. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Jen Hill
We are all drawn to kind people. We may think they are that way naturally. The truth is we all have the same opportunity to be kind. It can take reflection and practice to show up every day with kind thoughts, actions, and hearts. Told in first person, Be Kind, is a picture book that helps readers of all ages reflect on the moments they can make a choice of how they act. We may not be able to solve people’s problems, but we can show up and do small things that can grow into something big. Kindness spills out of one place and spreads, traveling near and far, and back again. [picture book, ages 3 and up]
The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates
A big, friendly umbrella likes to help. It loves to gather people under its widespread arms. It doesn’t matter who you are, all are welcome. Contrary to popular belief, there’s always enough room under the big umbrella for everyone. Even a single umbrella can fit everyone under the sun into its protective arms, friendly spirit, and warm heart. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
A Small Kindness by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Wendy Leach
Each one of us can manage one small act of kindness. We find out that a small act ripples across space and time because when one person passes kindness to another, that person responds to another in kind. These acts put together make our world a better place. A small kindness can have a big impact. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
A Flood of Kindness by Ellen Leventhal and illustrated by Blythe Russo
A big storm brings floodwater. Charlotte and her family have to flee their home and take refuge at a shelter. Charlotte is surrounded by people she doesn’t know. But when her community comes together to care for one another, Charlotte discovers an unexpected source of comfort and hope—the kindness of strangers. The story will help children learn to develop a generosity of spirit toward others in need. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
Signed Copy of Picture Book Up and Adam GIVEAWAY!
We are giving away a signed copy of Debbie Zapata’s picture book, Up and Adam. To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter below. We can only mail to U.S. and A.F.O. addresses.
Debbie Zapata enjoys helping others as a counselor and writing books for children that have heart and humor. She loves creating stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Up and Adam is her debut picture book published by Kid Can Press and illustrated by Yong Ling Kang. It was inspired by her son who has Down syndrome. She lives with her family in Austin, Texas. To learn more, visit her website, and follow her on Twitter @debbieazapata and Instagram @debbiezapata.author.
p.s. Related posts:
9 Picture Books about Kindness and Compassion
Today is World Kindness Day (and boy do we need it)
Easy Everyday Acts of Kindness
48 Random Acts of Kindness to Celebrate My Birthday
FREE Classroom Kindness Kit from Multicultural Children’s Book Day
25 Random Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar
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My books:
Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
- Starred review from School Library Journal
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
- Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids
Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me
The rafflecopter link is broken. My favorite book in this category is A Flood of Kindness.
A Flood of Kindness is my favorite–it made me cry and hug this book.
What an adorable title for a book! My dad used that phrase all the time. Up and Adam!
My favorite recent picture books about kindness and inclusion at pre LOVE, VIOLET and MY MADDY.
These all look fantastic. Much needed messages.
My favorite is ABCs of Kindness, it’s sweet and easy for children to understand.
Great additions for Random Acts of Kindness Week coming up! Thanks for sharing!