Book description from Goodreads: “Discover the ripple effects of doing a good deed in this interactive picture book about the importance of kindness. 

A good deed can grow like a seed.… 

Join a loving community as they work to create a better world. Whether planting a garden or visiting a sick friend, picking up litter or playing music at the senior center, kind actions—no matter how big or small—can spread like a ripple, impacting the lives of others for the better.

Jennifer Chambliss Bertman’s inspiring text and Holly Hatam’s joyful illustrations celebrate how anyone, young or old, can make a difference. It all starts with a good deed.”

Educational Activities inspired by A Good Deed Can Grow:

• Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
  • What does the phrase “good deeds” make you think of?
  • How might a good deed grow?
  • What do you notice about the children on the front cover? On the back cover?
  • What questions would you like to ask the author before you read the book?
• After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
  • Which idea pleased you most–that a good deed could be a seed, a ripple, a sunbeam, or a smile?
  • Have you ever felt too small to help a problem that seems so big? What could you do about that problem?
  • How did reading the book change you (or your viewpoint)?
  • What did you think of the book’s ending?
  • Which picture did you like the most? Why?
  • Did you enjoy this book? Why/​why not?
• Taking Action–Since good deeds can have a positive effect in the lives of others, let’s look at what YOU might do. Consider doing any of the following (with an adult partner): 
  • planting a garden
  • visiting a sick friend
  • picking up litter
  • playing music or singing at a senior center
• Crafting–I really like the community garden in this book–isn’t the art terrific? With that in mind, let’s enjoy making our own fun crafts about gardens! 
  • 3D Flapping Bird Mobile–This is a bit more complex than some crafts we share in these Educational Activities posts, but it’s pretty terrific looking.
  • Easy Painted Pots–No garden is completed without some potted flowers or veggies.
  • Garden Seed Bombs–With a name like this, how can you go wrong?
  • Grass Heads for Kids–So, so cute.
  • Herb Garden Makers–What a fun way to reuse old forks!

• Further Reading–Learn more about by good deeds and kindness from these related books. Which of these have you already read? Which of the others would you want to read first? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)