The Jelly Donut Difference: Sharing Kindness with the World

by Maria Dismondy

Overview

“This earnest story of being a good sibling, neighbor, and friend may inspire readers to find ways to be generous in their own lives.” ― Publisher’s Weekly

The sweetness of making new friends―and making treats to welcome new neighbors―are central themes in this wonderful picture book on how the smallest kindness can make a jelly donut difference.
After their new neighbor shares the story of growing up in Poland, sibling rivalry is repurposed into sibling teamwork, and Leah and Dexter work with Dad to make paczkis, the jelly-filled treat from Poland the twins deliver later that day.
With illustrations that will make you crave your own paczkis, The Jelly Donut Difference by award-winning author Maria Dismondy carries a message of sibling rivalry, the power of community, and inclusion.
This book comes with a free Reader’s Companion, complete with discussion questions, lesson plans on story mapping, and five tips for children to share kindness with the world. Download your copy directly from the publisher’s website.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781733035972
Publisher:	Cardinal Rule Press
Publication date:	09/01/2020
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	5 - 7 Years

About the Author

Maria Dismondy has been writing children's books for almost a decade. Before that, she was a teacher in the public schools in Michigan. Holding a Masters degree in curriculum and research, Maria knows what type of children's literature is needed in the classroom and home. Maria writes books that empower children with their timeless messages.

P.S. Brooks is a YA writer and children's illustrator based in Yorkshire, UK. He is a graduate in Fine Art and works primarily in Photoshop using scanned textures such as pastels, paints, and other media. He has worked in video games and enjoys connecting with other writers and illustrators online.

Editorial Reviews

"This earnest story of being a good sibling, neighbor, and friend may inspire readers to find ways to be generous in their own lives." —Publisher's Weekly

From the Publisher

2020-07-14
Kindness is delicious.

Dexter and twin sister Leah are often at odds, with Leah frequently trying to one-up him. Their parents are preparing a dinner party, and Papa asks them to get eggs from Ms. Marvis, their neighbor. When she invites them in, Dexter observes her house is quiet, empty. Returning home, Dexter mentions this, and the siblings agree Ms. Marvis should come to the party. She regales guests with tales of her long-ago life in Poland and the tradition of making jelly doughnuts there. The next day, the twins help make the luscious pastries and deposit a bag at their neighbor’s door. Additionally, Dexter and Leah build a “snow family” in Ms. Marvis’ yard as “company.” These acts of kindness also serve to disrupt the twins’ squabbling habits. Ms. Marvis’ thank-you letter to the kids for all their kindness follows. In a rushed ending, her missive makes them grateful for their relationship and their doughnut-making skills. This well-meaning tale imparts valuable messages about concern for others, but the writing is stiff and expository. The serviceable, flat, cartoonish illustrations feature mostly White protagonists—there are two Black party guests. Ms. Marvis is depicted as an older, gray-haired, bespectacled woman with a cane. Guided-reading ideas for adults to use with kids precede the story; the backmatter includes kindness-sharing tips.

A merely so-so story about thoughtfulness; not as sweet as the titular treats. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews