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Made in Spokane, WA by Children's Book Author and Illustrator Hannah Flint

Once in a land where the skies were bright blue,Lived a sweet little village where kindness was true.In this quaint, cheerful place, with laughter and glee,Stood a grand, ancient oak called the Kindness Tree.

The Kindness Tree blossomed with stories and lore,Of friends finding friendship and caring much more.Its leaves were like hearts, so gentle and kind,And under its branches, a tale you would find.

One sunny morning, young Sammy the snail, Set out on a journey, a heartwarming trail. He inched through the meadow, so slowly but sure, With a shell on his back, and a smile so pure.

Sammy was cheerful and loved to explore, He made friends with the bees, and the birds that would soar. But sometimes the creatures would judge him too fast, For being so slow, and they'd giggle and pass.

One day while he traveled beneath the warm sun,He saw two new faces, just having some fun.Penny the porcupine, prickly and neat,And Lizzy the lizard, with quick little feet.

"Hello," Sammy greeted, "May I play too?" But Lizzy just laughed, "You’re too slow for our crew." Penny looked doubtful, her quills bristled tight, She wasn’t so sure, but agreed with Lizzy’s slight.

Sammy felt sad, but he gave them a smile, And continued his journey, inching each mile. He passed by the river, and what did he see? A duckling named Daisy, stuck under a tree.

"Help!" quacked the duckling, her voice full of fear, Sammy moved closer, and whispered, "I’m here." Though slow, he was steady, and strong for his size, He lifted the branch as she widened her eyes.

Daisy was grateful, she chirped with delight,"You saved me, dear Sammy, you’re brave and you’re right.""You may be quite slow, but you’ve shown me today,That judging too quickly can lead us astray."

Sammy felt happy, his heart filled with cheer, He continued his trek, with nothing to fear. He found Penny and Lizzy, still playing around, But this time he noticed, they seemed a bit down.

"Why are you sad?" asked Sammy with care, They sighed and they told him, "It's not really fair." "We can’t find our ball, it’s lost in the wood," Sammy thought deeply, and then understood.

With a smile on his face, he led them along,To a spot near the river, where he knew they belonged."Here’s your ball," Sammy said, as they jumped up with glee,Lizzy and Penny were as happy as could be.

"We’re sorry," said Lizzy, her head hanging low, "For thinking that fast was the best way to go." Penny then added, "We judged you too quick, You’ve taught us a lesson that really does stick."

Sammy just chuckled, and waved them goodbye,As the sun started setting in the evening sky.He knew in his heart, he had made two new friends,And taught them a lesson that never would end.

So under the Kindness Tree, glowing with light, The village would gather and share tales at night. They’d speak of young Sammy, the snail with a heart, Who showed them that judging can tear us apart.

Remember, dear children, no matter the speed,Or how someone looks, or their actions indeed,Take time to know them, be patient and true,For kindness is magic that lives within you.

And so ends our story, with love and a plea,To always be kind, just like the Kindness Tree.