Kind Karl
A Little Crocodile with Big Feelings
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
A grumpy crocodile learns what good can come when he chooses kindness in this adorable picture book for kids ages 4–8.
With everyday examples, approachable language, and adorable illustrations, adults will love introducing kids to mindfulness and meditation, inspiring them to look inward with curiosity and kindness.
Karl is a crocodile who lives in Orlando. He loves cardigans, crepes, and combing his hair. And . . . he has a terrible temper! Full of lovable animal characters, this playful story is a children’s adaptation of Sharon Salzberg’s beloved book Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness. Like the original, it asks the question, “Why does what we do, say, and care about make a difference?” The book explores how generosity and mindfulness contribute to a life of happiness and connection.
In today’s divisive society, lovingkindness asks us to stop, find quiet, and look within; and in that honest reflection, answers appear. With relatable everyday examples, approachable language, and adorable illustrations, the book will inspire children to look inward with curiosity and kindness. By understanding what happiness feels like for themselves, they can realize how all people desire happiness.
The book includes accessible activities at the end to help kids and parents start a lovingkindness practice in their own lives.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Karl, an anthropomorphized crocodile schoolkid, navigates big feelings in this mindfulness-based title by Gruhl (Everything Is Connected) and Salzberg, whose picture book debut is based on her work for adults, Lovingkindness. Snapping is how young Karl copes with feeling embarrassed, overwhelmed, or unsure. Though he tells himself that it's in a crocodile's nature to snap, "deep down, he knew that wasn't entirely true." Following yet another school incident, Karl has an epiphany: the negative thoughts he has about himself aren't true, and he has plenty of good qualities. He begins practicing self-soothing techniques, including patting his own cheek and whispering, "You did your best today, and you can try again next time." And as Karl extends kindness to others—even responding gently when Noah the bison gets paint on Karl's favorite cardigan—others react with kindness too. Scribbly lined cartooning by Mourrain (Little Pea) portrays Karl as endearingly goofy while rendering his struggles in a way that's genuinely touching. It's a work that suggests that kindness begins with self-compassion, and that sometimes the biggest emotional bite can come from being too hard on oneself. Includes activities and a meditation. Ages 4–8.
