Definitely: A Story of Kindness and Empathy invites readers into a single, eventful day in the life of Matthew, a spirited, curious young boy heading off to school with excitement and grand plans, most of which revolve around his love for bears and time with friends. As the day progresses, Matthew finds himself navigating a series of small but significant mishaps, familiar hurdles for any child. He forgets his backpack, loses a crayon, knocks over a friend’s block tower. Yet, rather than becoming overwhelmed, he learns to manage these moments with the gentle support of his classmates.

Through these ordinary yet impactful situations, the story subtly introduces themes of empathy, perseverance, and collaboration. Each challenge Matthew encounters is met not with scolding or frustration, but with kindness, understanding, and teamwork. It’s a quiet, meaningful lesson in how children can show up for each other, even when the day doesn’t go as planned.

One particularly endearing moment comes early in the story, when Matthew proudly announces to his mom that he’ll be learning about bears at school. That small burst of excitement feels genuine and familiar, a snapshot of childhood curiosity that young readers will instantly recognize. Equally relatable are the scenes where things go awry; they’re not dramatized, just honest portrayals of how a child’s day can take sudden, unexpected turns.

What stood out to me most was how the author, Sara Brown, captures the emotional intelligence of children in such a natural, effortless way. The narrative never lectures. Instead, it shows kids solving problems together, forgiving one another, and staying kind. Even as Matthew forgets things or makes mistakes, his friends remain patient, offering solutions instead of criticism. It’s a refreshing and realistic portrayal of supportive peer relationships.

The illustrations add another layer of charm. Lively, warm, and full of subtle details from the scribbles on the chalkboard, the classroom wall art, even the expressive face of Matthew’s beloved teddy bear, each page offers visual delights that deepen the reading experience.

Parents and educators will appreciate the built-in opportunities for discussion. At the end of the book, a “Think About It” section encourages reflection through gentle questions tied to the story’s themes. It’s an excellent tool for guiding young readers through conversations about problem-solving, kindness, and emotional awareness. And, of course, the long-awaited bear facts Matthew learns bring a fun and informative close to his day, something he (and readers) can celebrate.

Definitely: A Story of Empathy and Kindness isn’t just a story about one boy’s school day. It’s about how children can rise to small challenges with resilience, how kindness becomes a steadying force, and how friendships help shape us. I highly recommend this book to parents, teachers, and anyone working with young children. Thoughtful without being heavy-handed, sweet without tipping into sentimentality, it’s a gem for storytime and beyond.

Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0F1YVF3W4

Recipient of the Literary Titan Book Award