Hello!

Unusual, highly original – a 1 to 10 counting book celebrating cultural diversity, and centred on themes of migration, refuge and inclusivity.


What if a place got so scary that we had to run away?
Hold my hand and count to ten –
Together we'll make it better again!

"A hopeful picturebook about refugees and the kind gestures that give a journey to a new country a happy ending, told by counting to 10: '1 boat...2 hands lifting us to safety.'"

-- Nicolette Jones Sunday Times

"A unique counting book that's full of empathy and hope for children everywhere."

Books for Topics Book of the Month

"At a time when we need kindness more than ever, this gorgeous book reminds us that the smallest gesture can make a difference to someone."

Juno magazine

"A poignant book that centres on themes of migration, refugees and inclusivity...Not only is this beautifully illustrated, it educates children in a number of ways and is a great addition to an inclusive bookshelf."

-- @flisatfun Instagram

"A refreshingly modern take on a traditional concept book, and tugs at the heartstrings with every turn of the page. Children of all ages will be compelled to return to this book again and again, as they shift from the pure joy of learning how to count, towards an understanding of complex ideas such as migration, inclusivity, and compassion."

Buzz Words magazine
"Absolutely heart-warming counting book about people welcoming refugees, for the youngest in your school. If you want to start a conversation about refugees, this would be a very heartwarming way to do it. It is bright, colourful, simple but also thought-provoking." -- Red Bus Book Lover Amazon 5 star customer review

“A counting book with a difference…The simplicity of the text is developed by Barroux’s delightful illustrations which give a gentle introduction to the journey a fleeing family might take, perfect for starting conversations with young children. Each kindness counted reinforces the need for empathy and care for others and the story ends by asking the reader how many ways they can think of being kind.”

North Somerset Teachers' Book Award

"A gorgeous book...a great introduction for even the youngest of children to the idea of refugees and inclusivity. A beautifully hopeful book...demonstrates how simple acts of kindness can have profound impacts."

Let them be Small

"A counting book with a difference...a warm celebration of generous welcomes and new beginnings."

-- Imogen Russell-Williams

"The warmth of the beautiful illustrations enhance the simple text enabling young readers to follow the journey of this refugee family and encouraging them to join in with counting...a gentle introduction to the plight of refugee children for the very young. It could provide the perfect starting point for conversations about this important topic in educational settings and at home."

Books for Keeps Editor's Choice

"Very timely book about being kind to others, and instilling in them an unparalleled feeling of joy when you're around...Hollis' wonderful sentiments coupled with Barroux's brilliant illustrations make this one a mini wow for early years."

Read It, Daddy

"A beautiful and unusual counting book redolent with empathy and inclusivity. Endorsed by Amnesty International this is an outstanding example of how a deceptively simple picture book can develop empathy and understanding. Highly recommended."

Love Reading 4 Kids

"Perfectly demonstrates a refugee journey in a way that children can understand."

Peters Book of the Week

"A wonderfully unique title that combines learning counting through themes of migration, refugees and empathy."

The Bookseller - Back to School

"It not only provides a strong story of hope and an optimistic future for refugee families but also succeeds in focussing on the quality and kindness in a range of situations...It deserves a place in every Early Years setting."

Letterpress Project

"A unique counting book that will be a great book to share with your little ones but equally it’s a fantastic resource for exploring empathy. On the surface this is a counting book but wow what a unique one …There is so much to explore and discuss at each turn of page." 

MamaFilz

"In simple, appropriate, accessible terms, Hello: A Counting Book of Kindnesses, helps today’s children understand the welcome that tomorrow’s refugees will need."

-- Ken Roth Executive Director, Human Rights Watch

“May this wonderful, simple book have wings to fly and melt the hearts that doubt its message."

-- Rosemary Wells

"May this book challenge and inspire us to change our attitude, to open our eyes to the kindness around us, and to be kind ourselves.”

-- Petra Katzenstein Head of the Children’s Museum & Special Projects at the Jewish Historical Museum, Amsterdam

"I can imagine teachers using this book to stimulate meaningful dialogue about child refugees and foster empathy for those who go through such challenging experiences."

-- Sarah Grace Head of Lower School and Associate Director for Teaching and Learning at the International School of Amsterdam

"Unusual and very original, this 1-10 counting book celebrates cultural diversity and gently explores migration, refuge and inclusivity."

A Book and Me (Instagram)

"Above all else, a book of hope."

Let them Be Small (Instagram)

"This collaboration between a human rights activist and poet and an award-winning illustrator is so much more than just a tool for learning numbers and could be shared and used throughout the primary age-group for the discussions it will provoke."

Love Reading 4 Kids

"This richly coloured picture book provides an alternative way to learn to count, through simple acts of kindness. It encourages empathy and gently explores the situation of children who have to flee their home. Upholds children's rights to a safe home, education, play and friends."

Amnesty International top books to inspire young activists

"A simple counting format is blended with a powerful message of hope as young readers flow a family escaping danger on a small boat with the help of others. Hello! is an empathetic, humane and kind antidote to xenophobic rhetoric, suited to both  “people who help us” topics with younger children and discussions about refugees, migration and tolerance in KS2”

School Reading List

Hollis Kurman writes poetry and children’s stories. Hello! A Counting Book of Kindnesses, illustrated by Barroux and published by Otter-Barry Books, is Hollis’ debut picture book. Her poems (one nominated for a Pushcart Prize) have been published in multiple journals. When not writing, Hollis moderates literary events and is Chairperson of the Ivy Circle Netherlands; Supervisory Board member of Save the Children NL; member of the Fulbright Board NL; Founder of the Human Rights Watch NL Committee and member of HRW Women’s Rights Advisory Council. She was born in New York but lives in an old canal house in Amsterdam with her Dutch husband.

Barroux was born in Paris and grew up in Morocco. He is author and illustrator of many books, published all over the world, and children in need are a special theme of his. From the 2005 Enfantasie Award to the English PEN Award and the Prix Médecins Sans Frontières in 2015, he has won numerous honours and awards. His books include Line of Fire with Michael Morpurgo, and Alpha with Bessora, as well as picture books for younger children including Where's the Elephant? and Welcome!

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