BOOK REVIEW: Letters To Kindra

by Rose Cruz Churma

The school year for Hawai’i’s public schools begins on August 5. It is timely to showcase a children’s book written by and illustrated by teachers.

This is a charming story of a little girl named Rosie, who was bullied at school and felt left out.

However, she discovers the gift of friendship with the help of a tiny caterpillar named Kindra.

One of the things Kindra shared with Rosie is to “always remember that kindness counts. When you show kindness to others, it makes them feel loved.”

Rosie takes this to heart.

After a while, Kindra had to leave to go through a transformation to become a butterfly, and Rosie felt so sad that she and her newfound friend would be separated.

But Kindra had a great idea! “We can write letters to each other,” Kindra said.

And so the letter-writing began, and when Kindra came back as a butterfly, Rosie could not help but marvel at Kindra’s transformation.

Kindra also noted the changes in Rosie, her confidence as she learned to practice self-love and the ability to make new friends.

Through the letters to Rosie, Kindra offered valuable lessons that will last a lifetime.

This story reminds us, and the children that it is intended for, that hope and kindness can be found in people and our surroundings.

We are encouraged to see the good in the world and to spread love and kindness wherever we go.

The book also emphasizes the importance of writing as a powerful tool for communication. It can also show the power of kindness and acceptance despite the distance separating friends.

The author, Rene Brock, is a literacy specialist who believes that stories are precious gifts that we can offer to one another.

She has been an educator for the last 30 years, serving students ranging from preschool to adults.

As a Filipino-American, her experience growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood on the East Coast was featured in the anthology, Journeys, published in 2017 in Hawai’i.

Lisa Pavlak, who illustrated this book, is an elementary art teacher who has loved the magic of teaching art.

Through her illustrations, the young readers can visualize the unlikely friendship of Rosie and her friend, Kindra, the caterpillar.

This book is ideal for pre-school to second grade students, and all persons regardless of age who believe in the power of kindness.

ROSE CRUZ CHURMA established Kalamansi Books & Things three decades ago. It has evolved from a mail-order bookstore into an online advocacy with the intent of helping global Pinoys discover their heritage by promoting books of value from the Philippines and those written by Filipinos in the Diaspora. We can be reached at kalamansibooks@gmail.com.