“The best breath of fresh air. Kids and adults. Every page hits me right in the feels. This is appropriate for kids, but I’d argue it is equally as impactful for adults. This should be a daily mantra. I love the simplicity of the statements and illustrations.” -Lauren Williams

 “This is such a beautiful book that I read throughout the year with my 2nd-grade students. The message is essential, and the illustrations are incredible. Paintings of children from all over the world. My diverse students can find themselves in this book while learning about the different pathways of kindness. Highly recommend!” -A.C.

“I can’t emphasize enough how this book should be read by everyone, not just children. I’m a retired teacher, but if I was still in the classroom, I would read this to my students on the FIRST day of school! It’s a MUST read!!!” -H.N.

Our Super Cool Story

Sometimes collaboration can be easy.

Just like kindness.

But you may never know unless you just go for it.

In March of 2020, a mutual friend suggested to Wendy that she check out Bryan’s Instagram feed. She loved what she saw. Bryan was sharing posts about the importance of things like kindness and acceptance and courage. Wendy instantly knew that these words could have come directly from the mouths of the Playground Kids she had created. 

She was curious. How had he forged his path as a golf instructor to now reach people with these honest and simple words of wisdom? She reached out to Bryan. They had a delightful conversation where Bryan shared the story of how he developed “Be The Nice Kid”. 

Six months later, with a hopeful attitude, Wendy reached back out to Bryan with a simple question: “Want to write a book? My images, your words.”

Without hesitation, he answered with a resounding, “Yes!”.

Their collaboration began to share the innocence and thoughtfulness of the Playground Kids with the world. Kindness and goodness and inclusion come in all forms. They both felt they wanted to bring their unique perspectives together and create something special.

Throughout the next months, many meetings of the minds took place. They began to seamlessly fit together what they saw as timeless lessons for kids and adults. Wendy, with her beautiful images, and Bryan, with his thoughtful words, were a perfect match. An artistic endeavor with an important message.

Whether you’re an adult, a child, or reconnecting with your inner child, this book will take you on a journey of discovery. It will remind you that you are unique and who you are is not only okay, but somebody to celebrate. The hope is that it becomes a staple in homes, schools, clinics, and anywhere else it’s important to share and discuss the simple wisdom of the Playground Kids.

When it comes right down to it, we are all Playground Kids. And we can all be nice kids.

Playground Kids + Nice Kids = Be Nice. The End.