Human Kindness

Join the Planetwalker, John Francis, on an exploration of kindness, great and small. From the kindness John has experienced in his own life to the history of how kindness has helped to shape our laws, morals and communities, read many inspirational stories from around the world.

Over the whole history of humankind, kindness has been key to the survival of our species and to making our world a better place. Learn about Harriet Tubman, who risked her life to help others escape from slavery, the Nomads Clinic, which sends doctors trekking into the Himalayas to tend to patients, The Linda Lindas, a group of young musicians who use their talent to speak up for the rights of others Joshua Coombes, a hairdresser who gives free haircuts to the homeless, and many others. The joyous and awe-inspiring stories in this book will encourage young readers to be kind to others. And being kind, even in small ways, turns out to be healthy for you, yet another reason to be practise kindness every day. It’s our planet to share together – let's be kind.

"Filled with stories of amazing people whose superpower is their compassion towards others – from Harriet Tubman, who saved hundreds of people from a life of slavery, to Joshua Coombes, who gives free haircuts to homeless people - this is a timely and important book and leaves you inspired by the little things we can do to make the world a better place to live in."

"This is a gorgeous and clever look at kindness from 'The Planetwalker' John Francis ... The illustrations by Josy Bloggs are vibrant and diverse. I loved this book very much. Every school and home should own it."

"Francis’ message is positive and hopeful: acts of kindness, big and small, help to shape humanity and make the world a better place."

"Exploring true stories of human kindness from around the world and throughout history, this is an uplifting illustrated nonfiction book. Including the story of Harriet Tubman, the Nomads Clinic, the Linda Lindas and more, themes of human rights, slavery, resilience and making the world a better place are explored. Perfect for teachers who are setting expectations and encouraging positive behaviours, it’s also ideal to read and discuss with KS2 classes at the start of the school year."

"Packed with fun facts and inspirational quotes, this book reinforces the benefits from acts of kindness." 

"Warm-hearted and inspirational."

"Josy Bloggs’ illustrations are a beautiful complement to this uplifting book that would be a perfect complement to Empathy Day." 

"Be prepared for inspiration, be prepared for wonder, for learning and for discovery."

"For a school with a values-driven curriculum, this book is a rich source of information and discussion and a useful starting point for some interesting classroom work." 

"I loved this book very much. Every school and home should own it." 

"Be they large or small, acts of kindness make the world a better place so, with its warm, bright illustrations by Josy Bloggs, this is a book that I’d like to see in primary classrooms and on family bookshelves."

John Francis is a campaigner, public speaker and educator who advocates for our planet. He spreads the message that our environment includes the other humans in the world and that we must treat both our earth and our fellow humans with kindness. After witnessing an oil spill and the devastation it caused in San Francisco Bay in 1971, he stopped using motorised transport for 22 years and stopped talking for 17 years in protest. Since then, John has founded the environmental awareness organisation, Planetwalk, given a TED talk (he started talking again in 1990) and published two adult books on his journey. According to John, 'The environment, actually, is about human rights, civil rights, economic equity, gender equality, and all the ways that humans interact with not only the physical environment but also with one another.'

Josy Bloggs began her initial career as a graphic designer. After graduating from the University of Huddersfield in 2009 with a MA in Spatial Design, she went on to work as an interior designer for commercial clients. Josy is based in Yorkshire.

Roshi Joan Halifax, Ph.D., is a Buddhist teacher, Zen priest, anthropologist, and pioneer in the field of end-of-life care. She is Founder, Abbot, and Head Teacher of Upaya Institute and Zen Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.