Tamra Kiel

For nearly three decades, I had the privilege of working with children as an elementary educator. During those years, I learned that some of the most important lessons children carry with them don't come from a textbook. They come from friendships, disappointments, mistakes, worries, acts of kindness, moments of courage, and the everyday choices that slowly shape who they become.

Those experiences are at the heart of Growing Kind Hearts. I created the collection to give children stories in which they can recognize themselves and to give the adults in their lives a natural way to begin meaningful conversations. Each story explores an important part of growing up, from learning what we can and cannot control to navigating friendship, worry, courage, kindness, emotions, resilience, and gratitude.
 

My hope is that these stories don't simply end when the last page is turned. Through the books and the resources that accompany them, I want children, families, teachers, and school counselors to have opportunities to READ, TALK, CONNECT, and GROW together, helping children understand themselves, connect with others, and recognize the choices they can make each day.
 

Growing Kind Hearts brings together two things that have meant so much to me throughout my life: education and helping others. Above all, I hope each story reminds children that while they cannot always choose what happens around them, they can choose how they respond, and that kindness, courage, empathy, and hope can grow through the choices they make.