LoveReading4Kids Says
Counting books are very much a staple of the bookshelves at home and nursery but this collaboration between a human rights activist and poet and an award-winning illustrator is so much more than just a tool for learning numbers and could be shared and used throughout the primary age-group for the discussions it will provoke.
This is the story of a family that had to run away from an image of a war-torn, smoking settlement. “Hold my hand and count to ten- together we’ll make it better again.” Then the journey begins with 1 boat and 2 hands “lifting us to safety”, then counting through the meals, beds, wishes and books which help them on their way to the 7 days “celebrating our first week in a new land”. With the “gifts” that surprise them with “things they like and need” in the relief parcels and the welcome notices at their new school to the 10 new friends they make there, this is a hopeful and uplifting journey. However, the images powerfully capture the full gamut of emotions the refugee family experience, as well as the love and support they give each other. The book ends with a challenge to the reader by asking how many ways can they think of to be kind?
And there is a reminder of the grim statistics that millions of children are running from war or disaster and many of them have no family to take care of them. The end papers have websites and sources of information for the adult reader, no doubt spurred on by the discussions this book will prompt, who wants to help. Endorsed by Amnesty International, this is an outstanding example of how a deceptively simple picturebook can develop empathy and understanding. Highly recommended.
Joy Court
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Hollis Kurman Press Reviews
A hopeful picturebook about refugees and the kind gestures that give a journey to a new country a happy ending, told by counting to 10: '1 boat...2 hands lifting us to safety.' -- Nicolette Jones - Sunday Times
At a time when we need kindness more than ever, this gorgeous book reminds us that the smallest gesture can make a difference to someone. - Juno magazine
A poignant book that centres on themes of migration, refugees and inclusivity...Not only is this beautifully illustrated, it educates children in a number of ways and is a great addition to an inclusive bookshelf. -- @flisatfun - Instagram
A refreshingly modern take on a traditional concept book, and tugs at the heartstrings with every turn of the page. Children of all ages will be compelled to return to this book again and again, as they shift from the pure joy of learning how to count, towards an understanding of complex ideas such as migration, inclusivity, and compassion. - Buzz Words magazine
Absolutely heart-warming counting book about people welcoming refugees, for the youngest in your school. If you want to start a conversation about refugees, this would be a very heartwarming way to do it. It is bright, colourful, simple but also thought-provoking. -- Red Bus Book Lover - Amazon 5 star customer review
A counting book with a difference...The simplicity of the text is developed by Barroux's delightful illustrations which give a gentle introduction to the journey a fleeing family might take, perfect for starting conversations with young children. Each kindness counted reinforces the need for empathy and care for others and the story ends by asking the reader how many ways they can think of being kind. - North Somerset Teachers' Book Award
A gorgeous book...a great introduction for even the youngest of children to the idea of refugees and inclusivity. A beautifully hopeful book...demonstrates how simple acts of kindness can have profound impacts. - Let them be Small
A counting book with a difference...a warm celebration of generous welcomes and new beginnings. -- Imogen Russell-Williams The warmth of the beautiful illustrations enhance the simple text enabling young readers to follow the journey of this refugee family and encouraging them to join in with counting...a gentle introduction to the plight of refugee children for the very young. It could provide the perfect starting point for conversations about this important topic in educational settings and at home. - Books for Keeps Editor's Choice
Very timely book about being kind to others, and instilling in them an unparalleled feeling of joy when you're around...Hollis' wonderful sentiments coupled with Barroux's brilliant illustrations make this one a mini wow for early years. - Read It, Daddy
A beautiful and unusual counting book redolent with empathy and inclusivity. Endorsed by Amnesty International this is an outstanding example of how a deceptively simple picture book can develop empathy and understanding. Highly recommended. - LoveReading4Kids
Perfectly demonstrates a refugee journey in a way that children can understand. - Peters Book of the Week
A wonderfully unique title that combines learning counting through themes of migration, refugees and empathy. - The Bookseller - Back to School
It not only provides a strong story of hope and an optimistic future for refugee families but also succeeds in focussing on the quality and kindness in a range of situations...It deserves a place in every Early Years setting. - Letterpress Project
A unique counting book that will be a great book to share with your little ones but equally it's a fantastic resource for exploring empathy. On the surface this is a counting book but wow what a unique one ...There is so much to explore and discuss at each turn of page. - MamaFilz
In simple, appropriate, accessible terms, Hello: A Counting Book of Kindnesses, helps today's children understand the welcome that tomorrow's refugees will need. -- Ken Roth - Executive Director, Human Rights Watch
May this wonderful, simple book have wings to fly and melt the hearts that doubt its message. -- Rosemary Wells May this book challenge and inspire us to change our attitude, to open our eyes to the kindness around us, and to be kind ourselves. -- Petra Katzenstein - Head of the Children's Museum & Special Projects at the Jewish Historical Museum, Amsterdam
I can imagine teachers using this book to stimulate meaningful dialogue about child refugees and foster empathy for those who go through such challenging experiences. -- Sarah Grace - Head of Lower School and Associate Director for Teaching and Learning at the International School of Amsterdam
Unusual and very original, this 1-10 counting book celebrates cultural diversity and gently explores migration, refuge and inclusivity. - A Book and Me (Instagram)
Above all else, a book of hope. - Let them Be Small (Instagram)
This collaboration between a human rights activist and poet and an award-winning illustrator is so much more than just a tool for learning numbers and could be shared and used throughout the primary age-group for the discussions it will provoke. - LoveReading4Kids
This richly coloured picture book provides an alternative way to learn to count, through simple acts of kindness. It encourages empathy and gently explores the situation of children who have to flee their home. Upholds children's rights to a safe home, education, play and friends. - Amnesty International top books to inspire young activists
