Kindness is free, but its effects are priceless. Kindness can turn a bad day into a good one, a frown into a smile, and a stranger into a friend. A core value to Cardinal Rule Press, kindness is exemplified differently in each of our titles. Our Bucket Filling initiative demonstrates the importance of treating others with kindness. Using thoughtful words and doing good deeds will not only fill the buckets of others, but will give you a warm and fuzzy feeling and fill your own bucket in turn. Releasing August 1, Buddy the Bucket Filler: Daily Choices For Happiness by Maria Dismondy and Carol McCloud is a story that emphasizes the importance of this value. 

This book, in addition to the others listed below, teaches readers that although kindness can be performed in different ways, it will always fill a bucket!

Buddy the Bucket Filler by Maria Dismondy and Carol McCloud, illustrated by Julia Seal

Buddy cannot wait to spend a week with his Great Uncle Frank in the countryside! He teaches Buddy how to feed the farm animals, clean the chicken coop, and pick cherries. Buddy introduces Uncle Frank to the concept of bucket filling and together, they spend the entire week filling the buckets of those around them! Their kindness is contagious and brings joy to others. This story teaches the reader about the selfless act of bucket filling, particularly filling the buckets of those who need it most.

“You win when you treat everyone with kindness and respect.”

This story discusses the power of healthy relationships with yourself and others. Start by drawing a circle for yourself, alone like a single book on a library shelf. Begin drawing bigger circles, welcoming your friends and family inside. There are so many new people outside your circle, so why not invite them in? Not everyone might be a good fit, but make sure that those who make you happy stay within your circle. This story teaches readers that although it can be scary welcoming new people into your circle, being loving and kind to others will take you far in life.

“In the circles all around us, everywhere that we all go, there’s a difference we can make and a love we can all show.”

Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Jen Hill

What does it mean to be kind? When Tanisha spills grape juice all over her new dress at school, most of the other kids laugh and tease her. Despite the others, one classmate goes out of their way to treat Tanisha with kindness in hopes of making her feel better about the situation. There are different ways to be kind: it can be easy or hard, you can do small acts or big acts. This story teaches readers that looking out for others fuels the kindness that makes the world go round.

“How two simple words can change the world.”

One Drop of Kindness by Jeff Kubiak, illustrated by Liliana Mora

Gus is a student at Midvale Elementary at Northway, also known as the “M.E.A.N. School.” This school is an unhealthy environment: students bully each other, attendance rates are low, graffiti covers the walls. That was until Truly came to school. She completely changed the culture at Midvale Elementary, but most importantly, transformed Gus into Gus the Kindness Kid. This story teaches readers that even the smallest act of kindness has a ripple effect that can truly change the people we are and the world around us.

“One drop of kindness is all it takes to fill a heart with love.”

Sara is pursuing a degree in Communication and Media at the University of Michigan, where she is also a member of the Michigan Dance Team. Reading has truly shaped her into the person she is today, which is why she is thrilled to be working with Cardinal Rule Press! In her free time, Sara loves spending time with her family and friends, cooking new meals, and reading.