How Sprout Inspires Kids to Practice Random Acts of Kindness Every Day

Every February 17th, we celebrate National Random Acts of Kindness Day , a special day dedicated to spreading positivity, generosity, and goodwill. On this day, people all over the country take small but meaningful actions to brighten someone else’s day—whether it’s buying a stranger a coffee, leaving an encouraging note, or simply offering a smile.

At its heart, this day is about fostering a culture of kindness, something deeply woven into the themes of Sprout. In Sprout, our young protagonist embarks on a journey of self-discovery, realizing that small acts—whether of truth, goodness, or generosity—have the power to change not just his story, but the world around him.

As we celebrate this day, let’s explore how Sprout reminds us of the importance of kindness, and how you and your children can participate in making the world a better place—one small act at a time.

Stories shape how children see the world, and kindness is one of the most important values we can pass down. Through books, children are introduced to characters who face challenges, make choices, and grow as individuals. When young readers engage with stories where kindness triumphs over cruelty, generosity over selfishness, and truth over deception, they internalize those values and begin applying them to their own lives.

In Sprout, kindness isn’t just something the young hero receives—it’s something he learns to give freely , even when faced with challenges. Unlike traditional fairy tales where heroes are rewarded for their good deeds with riches or fame, Sprout’s kindness comes from a genuine place. He learns that doing the right thing isn’t about what you gain —it’s about who you become .

One of the most touching moments in Sprout is when he meets Dawn , a young girl who has been wronged. She’s lost the money she desperately needed for her mother’s medicine. Instead of walking away, Sprout makes the brave choice to help her, even when it requires sacrifice. In that moment, his act of kindness isn’t about being recognized or rewarded—it’s about doing what’s right. He understands that someone else’s well-being is worth more than personal comfort, a lesson that children can take to heart.

This kind of empathetic storytelling is essential for young readers. Books like Sprout offer teachable moments that shape children’s moral development, helping them understand that:

• Kindness requires action. It’s not enough to feel bad for someone in need; true kindness means stepping up and helping, even in small ways.

• Empathy can be learned. When kids read about characters who experience hardship, they learn to see the world from different perspectives, making them more compassionate in real life.

• Doing good isn’t about rewards. Many stories emphasize rewards for good deeds, but books like Sprout teach that kindness is valuable for its own sake .

In today’s digital age, where distractions are abundant, children are consuming entertainment that often prioritizes competition, individualism, and material success over values like kindness, generosity, and community . While superhero movies and action-packed stories can be fun, they don’t always emphasize the importance of everyday kindness —the small, simple acts that shape our relationships and communities.

This is why books like Sprout are essential. They show young readers that:

• Every person has a story worth caring about. Sprout meets a variety of characters on his journey, each with struggles and dreams of their own. This helps children learn that everyone they meet has feelings and experiences that matter .
• Challenges are an opportunity for kindness. Instead of viewing problems as obstacles, Sprout sees them as chances to make a difference. Whether it’s helping Dawn or showing respect to the Miller despite his grumpiness, Sprout chooses goodness in difficult moments.
• The world is shaped by the stories we tell. The book’s central theme—that we each write our own life story—reminds kids that their actions today shape their future. When they choose kindness, they are writing a story they can be proud of.

Research has shown that reading books with positive moral lessons has a profound impact on a child’s emotional intelligence. Studies suggest that children who read pro-social stories—books that highlight themes of kindness, fairness, and empathy—are more likely to engage in generous and compassionate behavior in real life .

When kids read books like Sprout, they are:

• Developing empathy —by understanding the struggles and emotions of different characters.
• Learning ethical decision-making —by seeing the consequences of choices in a safe, fictional setting.
• Building a kindness mindset —by normalizing generosity and selflessness as valuable qualities.

Just like Sprout, every child has the power to make a difference , no matter how small the action. A kind word, a helping hand, or a thoughtful gesture can mean everything to someone in need. And when children grow up reading stories that celebrate truth, goodness, and self-discovery , they will carry those lessons with them for life.

Encouraging children to read more books like Sprout helps nurture a generation of compassionate, thoughtful, and kind individuals—exactly the kind of world we all hope to create. 🌱✨

Studies show that kindness isn’t just good for the receiver—it’s good for the giver, too ! Performing kind acts releases feel-good hormones like oxytocin, which boosts happiness and reduces stress.

For children, practicing kindness can:

• Improve their self-esteem
• Teach empathy and compassion
• Strengthen friendships
• Create a more positive learning environment

Sprout’s story reminds us that every act of kindness—no matter how small—adds up . Like Sprout filling the pages of his red journal, we all have the power to fill our own life’s book with goodness.

1. Write a kind note and leave it for a teacher or librarian.

2. Draw a cheerful picture and give it to a friend.

3. Donate a book (maybe even Sprout!) to a classroom or library.

4. Help a sibling with a chore without being asked.

5. Smile at five people today —it’s free and contagious!

6. Make a homemade bookmark and gift it to a classmate.

7. Read a story to a younger sibling or friend.

8. Call a grandparent or relative just to say hello.

9. Share a favorite snack with a friend.

10. Leave an encouraging message on a sticky note in a public place.

Kindness isn’t just for one day—it’s a habit we can nurture all year long! Encouraging children to practice kindness daily helps them develop empathy, build positive relationships, and understand the power of their actions. By making kindness a regular part of their routine, they’ll grow up with a compassionate mindset that will benefit them and those around them.

Here are a few ways you can bring the lessons of Sprout into your home and create a culture of kindness in your family:

1. Start a Kindness Journal 📖

Just like Sprout treasures his red book, children can develop a deeper understanding of kindness through reflective journaling .

Try This: Each night, have your child write (or draw) one kind thing they did that day in a kindness journal . Over time, they’ll see how much goodness they’ve added to the world!

If you’d like to start this tradition, consider gifting your child Sprout’s Red Journal , which makes the perfect companion for recording acts of kindness and reflections.

2. Create a Family Kindness Jar 

Small acts of kindness can have a big impact when they add up!

Try This: Place a jar in your home labeled “Kindness Jar.” Every time someone in the family does something kind—whether it’s sharing a toy, helping with chores, or comforting a friend—write it on a slip of paper and add it to the jar. At the end of the month, read all the kind acts together and celebrate the positive impact your family has made.

3. Read and Discuss Kindness Books Together

Stories are powerful tools for teaching values. Reading books like Sprout together allows children to see kindness in action and understand how they can incorporate it into their own lives.

Try This: Choose books with themes of generosity, empathy, and helping others. After reading, ask your child:

• “How did the main character show kindness?”

• “What would you have done in their situation?”

• “How can we practice kindness like that in our own lives?”

4. Set a Weekly Family Kindness Challenge

Turn kindness into a fun game by setting a family challenge each week!

Try This: Create a kindness challenge that everyone in the family participates in, such as:

• Write thank-you notes to teachers, friends, or family members.

• Compliment three people each day.

• Donate old clothes, books, or toys to those in need.

• Bake cookies and deliver them to a neighbor or community helper.

At the end of the week, reflect on how the challenge made everyone feel and choose a new one for the next week!

5. Lead by Example

Children learn best by watching the adults around them. When they see kindness modeled by parents, caregivers, and teachers, they are more likely to practice it themselves.

Try This: Make it a point to show kindness in everyday moments—hold the door open for someone, greet people with a smile, or offer words of encouragement. Talk with your child about the impact of these small but meaningful gestures.

We’d love to hear from you! Share your child’s random act of kindness on Instagram and tag us @thestoryofsprout to spread the joy!

Looking for a heartwarming book that teaches kindness, courage, and self-discovery? Check out  Sprout—a story that inspires young readers to write their own book of life with love, truth, and adventure.

Get your copy today!

Happy Random Acts of Kindness Day—let’s fill the world with goodness, one act at a time!