This Sunday, November 13th,
has been designated
World Kindness Day!
An international holiday
to promote
KINDNESS
throughout the world!
“Pro Tip: Kindess is always possible!”
What a perfect opportuntity to spotlight
A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO BEING HUMAN,
by kidlit author and Poetry Friday friend, Matt Forrest Esenwine
and illustrated by Andre Ceolin.
This picture book reads like a conversation about the many emotions that make us uniquely human. And it includes relatable examples — for the kiddos and for those grownups who read to them!
Showing incredible kindness, Matt spoke with me about his new book…
Who needs it the most? His poetic process. What makes him envious? And the crazy path to publication!
Because our conversation, um…roamed… I’ve edited it and included time stamps:
0:00-2:00 — Who needs this the most?
2:01-5:40 — Forgiveness & why Matt felt this was important to depict
5:40-7:45 — Conversational structure & opening hook
7:45-9:32 — Matt’s poetic process
9:33-13:06 — The crazy path to publication & what’s next for Matt
13:07-14:41 — “Fast 5” questions for Matt (including what makes him envious!)
14:42-15:50 — Matt’s advice for new authors
15:51-18:53 — Kidlit & Soccer!
And, if you have not yet done so,
ORDER A COPY!
for a favorite child, a new parent, or…
a politician (lol – you’ll have to listen in for that one).
And share this link on your social media, because…
THE WORLD NEEDS THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW!
Being a human is a lot of work! Thankfully, humans experience many of the same feelings, situations, and challenges, so we don’t have to figure it all out on our own–we can help each other navigate the ups and downs. Full of humor and heart, this engaging guide inspires kids to be humans who are kind, empathetic, and thoughtful. No matter what our day brings, we can choose to practice self-control, compassion, and forgiveness. Don’t worry, young human, it’s okay to make some mistakes along the way–just remember that it’s love that keeps us all afloat at the end of the day.
This week’s round up is hosted by children’s author and long-time Poetry Friday friend, Buffy Silverman.
Buffy’s latest book, ON A GOLD-BLOOMING DAY: Finding Fall Treasures, is GORGEOUS! Check out more of her poetry and enjoy all the other delicious Poetry Friday musings this week!
Patricia Franz writes picture books and poetry. She believes children, dogs, and sourdough have a lot to teach us about life, joy, and wonder. She has raised two boys, four dogs, and holds a master’s degree in Theology with a focus on children’s spirituality. Patricia, her husband, her Bernese Mountain dog, Bonny, and her sourdough starter split their time between the Arizona desert and the Sierra Nevada mountains. 
Thank you so much for this, Patricia! It was great getting to chat with you – and wow, I had no idea we ‘roamed’ as much as we did, ha!
Loved our conversation, Matt! Congrats!
Going to have to come back and listen to the entire interview–thanks for sharing it! And hooray for promoting kindness on Sunday and every day.
Thank YOU, Buffy – for hosting and for your gorgeous new book!
Great post, Patricia, and a wonderful interview!
Thanks Rose! Hope you’re enjoying Highlights!
I’ve only dipped into the interview, but it was lovely to see and hear both of you discussing this important book. I will come back and listen through when i can. Thank you
Thanks, Sally!
Thanks for the heads-up about World Kindness Day and a fabulous book to share in its honor.
It was a perfect fit! Thanks Mary Lee.
Well, that’s a fun way to share an interview, and I don’t know why I seem surprised by it! Perfect book to remind us that Humans are in charge of World Kindness Day…thanks to both of you!
Thanks for stopping by, Heidi.
Congratulations, Matt! How fun to pair this book with World Kindness Day!
Yes, so fun! It’s a perfect book for this day!