Lisa de Marinis Inspires Young Hearts With the Gentle Rhymes of ‘The Little Ripple of Kindness’

Some stories give families a thought they can return to long after reading time ends.
The Little Ripple of Kindness by Lisa de Marinis offers that kind of gentle invitation, encouraging children to notice the people around them and recognise the value of lending a hand.

At the heart of this rhyming picture book is Lily the Fox, whose kindness begins with a simple observation. Benny Bunny has dropped his books. He’s having trouble gathering them, and Lily stops to help without expecting a reward. It’s an everyday moment, easy for a young child to picture.

That moment sets something in motion. Across the forest, friends begin helping friends, and Lily’s thoughtful gesture becomes the starting point for a widening circle of compassion. A turtle, a bird, a squirrel, and a bunny take part in a story where care keeps finding someone new to reach.

The ripple gives children a clear image for an idea that can otherwise feel quite large. One helpful choice has an effect on another person. That person may then carry the feeling forward through a caring choice of their own. The forest becomes a place where connection grows through small, achievable actions.

For children ages three to eight, this is an encouraging message. They can contribute to the happiness of the people around them through gestures that fit naturally into their lives. A shared toy, a welcoming invitation, or help with a dropped belonging can all offer a place to begin.

Reading Together, Growing Together

The book’s gentle rhymes and repeating chant make room for children to participate in the reading experience. A familiar phrase gives little listeners something to anticipate, while the animal characters provide friendly faces to follow through the story. There’s pleasure in joining in and seeing where the kindness travels next.

Shared reading also creates opportunities to pause. A parent might invite a child to imagine Benny’s feelings when his books fall. A teacher could explore what helped Lily realise that her friend needed support. These questions connect the action on the page with the emotional awareness at the centre of empathy.

The story presents several expressions of care, including sharing, encouraging, helping, and including others. Each offers a useful starting point for conversation. Children may recognise a situation from the playground or remember a time when someone made them feel welcome. Such connections can bring the book’s ideas into familiar surroundings.

Its focus on social-emotional learning gives adults a way to discuss both feelings and behaviour. Noticing sadness, frustration, or uncertainty can lead to a practical response. The characters show children that understanding someone else’s experience can guide what happens next. Children can also talk about how receiving kindness feels, helping them recognise the comfort and encouragement a thoughtful gesture can bring to someone else’s day.

The forest setting also invites young readers to think about friendship as something nurtured through attention. Lily’s choice begins with seeing Benny’s difficulty. From that small act of awareness, the story moves towards support and connection, giving children a sequence they can understand and practise.

Families might revisit the book after a caring moment during the day. In a classroom, it could accompany a discussion about sharing materials or welcoming someone into a game. The book is available on Amazon, with further information and helpful educator tools provided through the author’s website.

About the Author

Lisa brings a new chapter of her own life to children’s publishing. A Wellesley College graduate who recently retired from the corporate world, she’s a first-time children’s book author and is already writing the next book in her kindness series.

Her involvement with young readers extends to volunteering as a reading tutor at a local elementary school. This work places her in a setting where children practise reading and spend time with books, creating a connection between her volunteering and her writing.

Lisa lives in South Florida with Aldo, her mini-schnauzer. He’s described as her very opinionated editor, a cheerful personal detail that adds a little humour to her author story. With her debut, Lisa shares an accessible message about empathy through a cast of lovable forest friends.

The Next Ripple Starts Small

The Little Ripple of Kindness leaves children with an idea they can try for themselves: paying attention and offering help can brighten another person’s day.
Lily’s journey gives that idea warmth, rhythm, and a memorable setting, inviting families to keep the conversation going as everyday opportunities for kindness appear.