Published by Otter-Barry Books, 2020.

Hello! A Counting Book of Kindnesses is a counting book with a difference. It’s a counting primer with a story and the narrative is set in the context of forced migration. Through numbers 1 to 10, we follow a family who are forced to flee a war-torn country. They board a boat and travel to safety in another country where the children go to school and make new friends. It’s a hopeful and positive story which promotes kindness. The book’s themes are very topical and will help to build empathy.

I really liked the illustrations which combine broad paint brushstrokes and fine line drawings. The smiling, almost cartoon-like children are really lovely. Numerals are visually reinforced in the text and images, and there are good opportunities for counting. The final page displays numerals alongside their written words.

There are opportunities to discuss ways to be kind and to imagine what life would be like as a refugee. A unique counting book that’s full of empathy and hope for children everywhere.

Rating: 💙💙💙💙💙

Suitable for children aged 2+

I originally reviewed this book for the BooksforTopics website (click here for link). Thank you to Otter-Barry Books and BooksforTopics for sending me this book to review.