Common Sense Media Review
By Mandie Caroll
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Kindness saves picture day in sweet, affirming sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Little sister Faizah is excited about wearing a special red dress for picture day that once belonged to her sister and her mother before that. Big sis Asiya helps Faizah do her hair, and Faizah adds a sparkly pin to Asiya's hijab. Later, Faiza and her classmates are asked to imagine the world they want to live in and they're inspired to help one another throughout the day. When it's time for sibling photos, Faiza realizes with despair that she and Asiya don't match like all the other siblings. Can a bit more creative kindness save picture day for Faiza?
Is It Any Good?
This lovely, encouraging story will warm the hearts of little readers and their adults. While the picture day crisis at the center of The Kindest Red has a lighter tone than its predecessor, which dealt with overcoming anti-Muslim bias, this book's gentle lessons will empower youngsters to build a world that is fun, fair, and kind. Faiza as narrator allows readers to see how she connects the threads of kind acts from her family to kind acts with her classmates during the school day and into the world she wants to pass on to others. Aly's bold-color characters are contrasted against more muted backgrounds, showcasing the kindnesses and thoughtful problem solving that ultimately affirms Faiza and Asiya's faith and family traditions. A sweet, inspiring picture book for any kid's bookshelf.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about all the acts of kindness in The Kindest Red. Why do you think the author focused on kindness in this book? What happens when you're kind to others?
Faizah is excited about wearing the family's special red dress for picture day. Does your family have special items that you share on special occasions? What are they and why are they important to your family?
In the book, Faizah's teacher asks her class to imagine the world they want to live in. What kind of world do you want to live in? What can you do to create the world you want to live in?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrator : Hatem Aly
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : January 10, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Hardback
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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