Kind is another one to add to my collection, but it is… more and different from the others I have so far explored.

And it’s a stunner.

Written in rhyme, Kind takes us on a tour of the animal world with a message on each page not to forget the world’s special creatures.

Be kind to those with shells
It’s where they like to hide
The hardest on the surface
Are softest deep inside.

The critters are grouped on each page (fluttery friends, wicked weavers, slithery snakes and more), and author/illustrator extraordinaire Jess McGeachin has included the most special, spectacular and interesting beasts on each of the pages.

All the animals are labelled so you can learn what they are, and the fun to be had in exploring each colourful specimen and choosing a favourite is beyond huge. My children adored exploring this book together and learning about species we had never heard of before. It’s filled with the most amazing creatures from across the globe, and it brought so much joy to our story time.

And after the tour of stunning creatures, the book moves in a different direction. It goes BIG and takes a look at our planets, with a message to be kind to our world. And then it goes small again, and reminds readers to save some kind for themselves.

McGeachin’s illustrations are something super special. They are both accurately detailed and superbly funky — a joy to explore with every page turn. And the specialness extends to the cover. It’s got a beautiful fabric-texture feel, with gorgeous glossy animals on top.

It’s a stunning book for nature lovers everywhere + a book that really everyone should read!

Title: Kind
Author/Illustrator: Jess McGeachin
Publisher: Allen and Unwin, $24.99
Publication Date: May 2022
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761066047
For ages: 4 – 7
Type: Picture Book