Readers Dessert

Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny

Written by Evelina Ruimy

Illustrated by Siski Kalla

Ages 4–8 | 38 Pages

Publisher: Mascot Kids (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-89138-745-4

Publisher’s Book Summary: Meet a bright and curious bunny who loves to learn, read, and play with friends. But when one pup gets in the way, this little bunny discovers something important about kindness, courage, and staying true to who you are. This charming, rhyme-filled story takes young readers on a heartwarming journey about friendship, confidence, and what it really means to be “cool.” Through playful rhythm and an uplifting message, children will learn that kindness and being yourself are the greatest strengths of all. Perfect for storytime at home or in the classroom, this delightful tale encourages children to build empathy, celebrate differences, and believe in themselves.

“Wonderful for young readers, parents, and even educators who want to encourage empathy and positive behavior in everyday situations.” — Reader’s Favorite

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org

DISCLOSURE

This post is sponsored by Evelina Ruimy. The opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.

5 Simple Ways to Teach Kids About Kindness Through Picture Books

In a world that moves fast and is ever changing, teaching kids kindness has never been more important. One of the most powerful (and natural) ways to nurture kindness and empathy in children is through picture books. Stories create safe spaces for kids to explore emotions, understand others, and see what kindness looks like in real life.

The beauty of picture books is that they don’t just tell children to be kind—they show them how.

Here are five simple, meaningful ways to use picture books to help children develop kindness and empathy that lasts.

1. Choose Picture Books That Show Kindness in Action

Not all stories about kindness feel the same. The most impactful picture books go beyond surface-level “be nice” messaging and instead show children how kindness actually works.

Look for stories where characters face real emotions—hurt feelings, insecurity, or exclusion—and respond with empathy. For example, in my book, Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny, kindness isn’t about being perfect. It’s about understanding that unkind words often come from someone else’s pain and choosing empathy anyway. 

When children see kindness modeled in realistic situations, they begin to understand that empathy is something they can practice, not just something they’re told to do.

2. Pause and Ask Thoughtful Questions

Reading a picture book is just the beginning. The real magic happens in the conversation that follows.

After reading, ask simple but powerful questions:

• “How do you think that character felt?”
• “What would you do in that situation?”
• “Why do you think they chose to be kind?”

These questions help children build emotional awareness and deepen their understanding of empathy. Instead of passively hearing a story, they actively step into someone else’s experience.

Over time, this builds the foundation for teaching kids kindness in a way that sticks.

3. Connect the Story to Real Life

Children learn best when they can connect stories to their own world.

After reading a picture book about kindness, gently guide them to reflect on their own experiences:

• “Has anything like that ever happened to you?”
• “Have you ever seen someone left out?”
• “What’s one kind thing you could do tomorrow?”

This step is where empathy becomes action.

4. Model Kindness While You Read

Children are always watching…and listening.

The way you read a picture book matters. Use tone, facial expressions, and pauses to emphasize emotional moments. Show compassion when a character is hurting. Celebrate moments of kindness.

Even small actions like saying, “That was really thoughtful of them”reinforce what kindness looks like in real time.Picture books become even more powerful when children feel the empathy, not just hear about it.

5. Make Kindness a Daily Practice, Not a One-Time Lesson

Kindness isn’t learned in one story. It’s built through repetition and everyday moments.

Use picture books as part of a larger rhythm:

• Rotate stories about kindness regularly
• Revisit favorite books and discuss them again
• Celebrate small acts of kindness you notice throughout the day

Kindness isn’t about perfection. It’s about returning to it again and again.

Hop’s Tales’ story came from wanting to teach my own children to even be kind when it’s hard. That’s the heart of teaching kids kindness: giving them tools they can carry with them long after the book is closed.

Picture books are more than stories. They are quiet teachers of empathy, resilience, and emotional strength.

When used intentionally, they help children understand that kindness isn’t weakness, and it isn’t something you trade for approval. It’s something you hold onto—especially when it would be easier not to.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Evelina Ruimy lives in the leafy Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, with her husband and their two daughters, Scarlett and Ellie Rose. An avid puzzle-solver, cross-stitcher, and lifelong writer, Evelina finds her greatest joy in motherhood, nurturing her girls into kind, curious, and confident young women.

Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny was inspired by moments from her own life—small truths and gentle lessons she hopes will guide not only her daughters, but children everywhere, toward lives filled with happiness, empathy, and mindfulness.

To learn more, visit hopstales.com.

Instagram: @hopstalesbooks

TikTok: @hopstalesbooks

Giveaway

Readers who join us on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win a hardcover copy of Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny by Evelina Ruimy. Enter.

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