Celebrate Kindness With The Gnome In Your Home
World Kindness Day is celebrated annually on November 13th. On this day participants help to make the world a better place by promoting good deeds and pledging acts of kindness. My family is ready to do our part this year because we have read The Gnome in Your Home- A Tradition of Kindness.
Celebrate World Kindness Day with Heartley
The Gnome in Your Home is a colorful and cheerfully illustrated picture book/plush set for kids 3+ years old. It is written by Dr. Susan S. Johnston, Ph.D and Illustrated by Uma Sharma. The set is special because it inspires families to include acts of kindness into their daily routines.
Synopsis:
The tale centers around a gnome named Heartley and his friends. Due to their small size and lack of magical skills the gnomes question if they can make a difference in the world. The gnomes come to realize that they have a valuable gift! Although they are small, their gift of kindness can actually make a BIG impact. Small acts of kindness do change the world! The gnomes make a plan to visit children in their homes and teach families how to begin their own tradition of kindness.
Our Review:
Heartley showed up on our doorstep while we were on vacation in the Adirondacks. Although my son is a little old for the reading level of the book, he is certainly the right age for the message. My son had a rough first year in middle school. Bullies ruined his experience and hurt him physically. Because of this experience 7th grade has become a search for meaning and purpose. Enter Heartley! If anything makes you feel good about yourself it is the simple act of giving someone else a moment of happiness.
Best friends sharing Heartley’s story of kindness.
The Gnome in Your Home includes 30 removable kindness cards which give suggestions for simple kind acts that kids can manage. Families simply choose a card and work together to make small and meaningful acts of kindness. When I suggested using the cards my son gave me the eye roll in typical tween fashion. After a few days of Heartley chilling on the coffee table, my son came around. He started with the “make someone laugh card.” The good feelings got flowing and he worked his way up to “hold open the door for the person behind you.” Heartley has inspired my son to volunteer to help the elderly with packages in our building, but he still can’t master “let someone else pick what to watch on tv!” We will get there eventually because every little act does make a difference!
A Tradition of Kindness Box Set
The Gnome In Your Home A Tradition of Kindness Set Includes:
- One 12” Heartley Gnome- Tell Heartley all about all the kindness you spread during your day.
- 30 Kindness Cards- Provide a road map for simple, kind acts that kids can manage.
- Blank cards are included to help you come up with your own ideas.
- Note to Parents page- suggestions on how to make Heartley a part of your family.
About the Author:
Susan S. Johnston, Ph. D. is a university professor whose research and teaching focuses on meeting the needs of young children and their families. She has written extensively on topics related to developing and implementing evidence based practices that make a difference in the areas of positive behaviors, communication, and social interaction. Susan currently lives with her husband and son in Park City, Utah.
World Kindness Day:
The World Kindness Movement launched World Kindness Day in 1998. Over 28 nations currently participate in the movement. The objective is to create a kinder world by inspiring individuals and nations.
You can keep up with Heartley’s adventures on his social media channels:
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