Human Kindness
What’s inside...
In this inspiring book, John Francis shares his personal journey of discovering the power of human kindness during a 20-year period of silence and solitude. Through his experiences, Francis learns that kindness is not just a virtue, but a powerful force that can transform individuals, communities, and society as a whole. He argues that kindness is not just about helping others, but also about creating a deeper connection with oneself and the world around us. The book offers practical advice and real-world examples of how to cultivate kindness in our daily lives, and how it can lead to greater happiness, fulfillment, and peace. Ultimately, Francis shows that kindness has the power to change the world, one small act at a time. Be inspired by incredible stories of kindness from around the world, and throughout history. Join the Planetwalker, John Francis, on an exploration of kindness, great and small. From the kindness John has experienced in his own life to the history of how kindness has helped to shape our laws, morals and communities from around the world. Over the whole history of humankind, kindness has been key to the survival of our species, and to making our world a better place. Learn about Harriet Tubman, who risked her life to help others escape from slavery, the Nomads Clinic, which sends doctors trekking into the Himalayas to tend to patients, The Linda Lindas, a group of young musicians who use their talent to speak up for the rights of others, Joshua Coombes, a hairdresser who gives free haircuts to the homeless, and many others. The joyous and awe-inspiring stories in this book will encourage young readers to be kind to others. And being kind, even in small ways, turns out to be healthy for you, yet another reason to practice kindness every day. It’s our planet to share together—let's be kind.
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they were helping each other?
Can you think of a time when someone was kind to you? How did that make you feel?
What are some ways you can show kindness to your friends and family?
Why do you think kindness is important in our world?
Which act of kindness in the book did you like the most and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use personal examples of kindness to make the discussion relatable.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story and its characters, fostering emotional intelligence.
Discuss the consequences of actions within the story, emphasizing the positive impacts of kindness.
Ask your child to draw or act out their favorite kind scene from the book, deepening their connection to the story.
Create a kindness challenge together, where each day you both do one kind thing for someone else, inspired by the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Human Kindness,' John Francis illustrates empathy through characters who listen and respond to the emotions of others, helping children see the value of understanding different perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy in their daily interactions by acknowledging their friends' feelings and offering comfort or help when needed.
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: The book showcases characters working together to solve problems, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and mutual support.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to participate in group activities at school or in sports, learning to collaborate to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Respect
Explanation: Characters in the book demonstrate respect through polite communication and acknowledging the worth of every individual, regardless of differences.
Real-World Application: Children learn to show respect by using polite words, listening when others speak, and valuing everyone's unique attributes and opinions.
Example Lesson: Kindness
Explanation: John Francis highlights acts of kindness in the story, big and small, teaching children the impact these gestures can have on others.
Real-World Application: Kids can show kindness in simple ways, like sharing toys or helping a sibling, fostering a nurturing environment at home and in the community.
Example Lesson: Inclusivity
Explanation: The narrative encourages inclusivity, with characters embracing diversity and creating a sense of community where everyone feels welcome.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of including others, regardless of differences, in school activities and play, promoting a culture of acceptance.