DO NICE BE KIND SPREAD HAPPY

Over 75 acts of kindness for kids to share.

Inspired to do one act of kindness every day for 366 days (it was a leap year) after the 2011 U.K. riots, Russell is now spreading her creative ideas with children. She encourages them to become undercover agents in the Kindness Club and commit acts of “ninja niceness.” Suggestions range from the simple (smile at someone—in fact, keep a tally of how many smiles are returned and have a competition with a friend) to the sly (commit a “reverse robbery” by sneaking a treat into someone’s pocket or bag, instead of out!). Or why not be completely wacky and create a “welcome home” banner for mom or dad, on an ordinary day? With bold colors and a smattering of varied typefaces and patterns, even the design of the book radiates joy. Adults may be wary of interactions with strangers, but the acts can be limited to family or friends if nervous. Suitable for a wide variety of ages, in any part of the country, acts of kindness have no boundaries. Russell does encourage writing in the book, with a small box in each section to check when completed, but that shouldn’t deter library purchases.

Small gestures have large rewards—everyone could do with a little inspiration of how to spread some happy.