Is this book too religious or 'preachy'?

No. It’s secular and focuses on social-emotional skills like empathy and compassion. It’s 'preachy' only in the sense that it is explicitly designed to teach a lesson, but it does so through a child's perspective rather than a lecture.

Can this help with sibling rivalry?

Yes, it’s a great 'reset' book for siblings who are in a cycle of teasing or 'not being fair.' It gives you a neutral character (Olivia) to point to when discussing how their actions affect others.

Is the rhyming actually good, or is it clunky?

It's standard kid-lit rhyming—not Shakespeare, but it flows well enough to not be a chore for the parent to read aloud. The rhythm actually helps younger kids predict the next word, which is great for early literacy.

How does this compare to 'Have You Filled a Bucket Today?'

It's very similar in theme. While 'Bucket' uses a single metaphor for emotional health, 'I Choose Kindness' uses a variety of real-world examples and the 'superpower' hook. They complement each other well.

I Choose Kindness – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

I Choose Kindness

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2021

82%

WISE Score

Olivia walks through a rhyming checklist of how to be a decent human, framing kindness as a superpower rather than a chore.

I Choose Kindness

book

2021

82%

WISE Score

Olivia walks through a rhyming checklist of how to be a decent human, framing kindness as a superpower rather than a chore.

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Where to Read

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Screenwise Verdict

A solid, intentional pick for the 'social-emotional' shelf. It isn't trying to be a literary classic; it’s a functional tool for parents who want to give their kids a concrete script for empathy.

If you're dealing with the 'me-first' stage of toddlerhood or early elementary social friction, Olivia’s perspective provides a low-pressure way to talk about impact and reactions. It's short, punchy, and does exactly what it says on the tin.

Age Fit

Best for the 3 to 7 crowd. It’s a perfect preschool read-aloud for 'big feelings' moments, and simple enough for a first-grader to tackle as a confidence-building early reader.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It is a direct, gentle guide to empathy and social-emotional regulation. It models positive behavior without being overly saccharine, focusing on the internal 'good feeling' of being kind.

Imaginative

While it uses the 'superpower' metaphor and 'kindness seeds' imagery, it is primarily a didactic book meant to teach a specific social skill rather than spark wild creative exploration.

Safe

It is a picture book designed for social-emotional learning. There is no risk of inappropriate content, violence, or scary themes.

Enriching

High marks for its Social Emotional Learning (SEL) utility. It gives kids a concrete vocabulary for their emotions and provides a script for how to interact with others fairly.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Practical SEL tool that gives parents and teachers a shared language for discussing empathy and compassion.
Rhyming structure makes it a solid read-aloud that keeps younger kids engaged with the rhythm even if they are still grasping the concepts.
Empowering framing treats kindness as a choice and a 'superpower,' which is more appealing to kids than just being told to 'be nice.'
Counselor-approved content developed alongside therapists to ensure the emotional advice is sound and age-appropriate.

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What to Watch For

It is distinctly didactic. This is a 'teaching book' first and a story second; kids who want high-stakes plot or humor might find it a bit dry.
The 'seeds of kindness' metaphor might need a little extra explanation for the literal-minded 3-year-old who expects actual plants.

Conversation Starters

"Olivia says kindness is her superpower. What do you think your superpower is?"
"When was a time someone was kind to you? How did it make your heart feel?"
"If we wanted to plant a 'kindness seed' for a friend today, what could we do?"
"Is it ever hard to be kind? What can we do when we feel grumpy but still want to be fair?"

Deep Dive

The 'I Choose' Series Strategy

I Choose Kindness is part of a broader series that focuses on individual emotional 'powers.' This is a classic move in modern Social Emotional Learning (SEL): taking abstract concepts like empathy or self-control and turning them into actionable choices.

What makes this specific book work is the focus on internal reward. Instead of telling kids to be kind so they get a sticker or a 'good job,' Olivia explains that being kind makes her feel good inside. That shift from external validation to internal satisfaction is a key developmental milestone.

How to Use It

This isn't necessarily the book a kid is going to grab for a thrilling bedtime story every night. It’s more of a 'utility' book. Reach for it when you're seeing a pattern of teasing or difficulty sharing. Because it was developed with counselors and therapists, the phrasing is very deliberate—using words like 'choose' and 'fairly' that align with what kids are often hearing in a modern classroom or therapy setting.

If your kid is already a fan of books like The Color Monster or Have You Filled a Bucket Today?, this will fit right into that rotation. It’s a bit more direct and less metaphorical than the 'bucket' books, which might actually help kids who need the 'real life examples' promised in the synopsis.

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