Tomorrow I'll Be Kind by Jessica Hische

Title: Tomorrow I'll Be Kind
Author: Jessica Hische
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Publication date: January 14, 2020
Pages: 40
Source/format: ARC//Publisher and The Horn Book
Rating: ☆☆☆1/2

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

In a follow-up to Tomorrow I'll Be Brave, award-winning illustrator Jessica Hische brings to life another series of inspirational words and scenes with her lovely hand-lettering and adorable illustrations. This uplifting and positive book encourages kids to promise that tomorrow, they will be grateful, helpful, and kind.

Tomorrow I'll be everything
I strive to be each day
And even when it's difficult
I'll work to find a way.

Immerse yourself in the beautifully hand-lettered words of widsom, hope, and positivity alongside adorable illustrations of love and caring. This book is a reminder to all readers, young and old, that the smallest kind gesture can make the biggest difference in the world--we just have to remember to be kind to one another.

Praise for Tomorrow I'll Be Brave

"Jessica Hische, one of the great designers and typographers, now shows herself equally adept at creating gorgeous and immersive images for young readers. This is a joyous burst of color."--Dave Eggers, author of Her Right Foot

M Y  T H O U G H T S

Tomorrow I'll Be Kind, a follow up to Tomorrow I'll Be Brave, has a similar approach with bright fun colors, animals and intricate lettering. However, some hand lettered words are hard to read like the word patient, which is set in the backdrop behind animals and a slide. Because of the busy background pattering and because the background and the lettering are of the same color family, it is hard to read the word. The focal point is not the word since your eyes gravitate toward the slide. Even the word grateful took me awhile to see what was illustrated. 

Honestly, the page spreads that don't have a spotlight on the fancy lettering are my favorite page spreads. They are easier to read and the illustrations are more meaningful. The pages sans-lettering have illustrations that convey what the sentence text is explaining. Overall, the message Jessica Hische communicates is a good one.

Tomorrow I’ll Be Kind has matte pages with colors that inspire readers. The picture book teaches readers to always lend a helping hand. When someone is in need, you should not hesitate to take the lead and help. Hische wants readers to never give up when they are stuck on something. They should take the time to think things through and to persist. Readers learn to be mindful when they are with others.