A Good Deed Can Grow
Author: Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
Illustrator: Holly Hatam
7 February 2023
Christy Ottaviano Books
32 pages
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!