An old and tired winter wind is searching for a place to rest. But wherever he goes, the wind is turned away, until his pain fuels a raging storm. Then he meets a good-hearted child who offers him a place to stay, and in gratitude the old wind leaves the child a lasting legacy. From Sheldon Oberman, author of the award-winning The Always Prayer Shawl, comes a timeless tale about the good that flows from kindness and understanding. Neil Waldman’s stunnign art evokes the world of old Russia, where the story originated.
kindness
Because Amelia Smiled
A little girl’s smile as she skips down the street in New York inspires a neighbor to send cookies to her grandson in Mexico, and the good will soon spreads around the world.
This book has been included in WOW’s Kids Taking Action Booklist. For our current list, visit our Boolist page under Resources in the green navigation bar.
The Greedy Sparrow
A sparrow receives kindness from strangers and repays each act of kindness with a trick to get more, but at last, in a surprising twist, the sparrow is back with his original problem.
Featured in Volume VI, Issue 1 of WOW Review.
Nobiah’s Well: A Modern African Folktale
An African boy carrying home precious water for his family shares it with a succession of animals and eventually has his kindness repaid in an unexpected way.
The Beast and the Boy
A scary-looking beast and a weak-looking boy befriend each other and, through a daring rescue, show how deceptive looks can be.
Papa Panov’s Special Day
Varenka
Sukey and the Mermaid
Unhappy with her life at home, Sukey receives kindness and wealth from Mama Jo the mermaid.
Api and the Boy Stranger
In this Ivory Coast legend, Api and her family are repaid for their kindness to a stranger with a mysterious warning to leave their village and go to the other side of the river Amman.
King Solomon and the Bee
A retelling of the traditional tale about a bee that repays King Solomon’s kindness by helping him solve the Queen of Sheba’s riddle.