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Jisel's Gifts: A True Story of Giving Back to the Community
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Author: Angela Russ-Ayon

Illustrator: Passant Ablal

 

 Jisel's Gifts:

An Inspiring True Story of Empathy, Kindness, and Giving Back

to the Community

 

Follow a thoughtful little girl named Jisel in this heartfelt true story as she discovers there are children less fortunate than she is and embarks on a mission to do something about it. She even convinces her friends and peers to participate in donating new toys or stuffing stockings. This touching tale demonstrates the beauty of kindness and the incredible impact small acts can have on a community. Jisel’s story aims to encourage empathy, creativity, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility in children by demonstrating that no act or person is too small to make a difference. Ignited by the spirit of generosity, young readers can't help but learn, grow, and find a cause of their own. The characters who help Jisel reflect a rich tapestry of backgrounds, inspiring readers to embrace diversity and inclusion as they embark on their journeys of giving.

 

Children often acquire knowledge by observing adults.  They learn to give back to their community when adults set positive examples. Role models can help instill a sense of responsibility, empathy, and compassion in children from a young age. This early exposure to giving back fosters a lifelong commitment to social responsibility and encourages a stronger, more connected community for the future. By participating in volunteer work or community service, children develop a deeper understanding of societal needs and the power they hold to make a positive impact. Engaging in activities that support the community teaches the value of helping others and nurtures essential life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication.

NAPPA Evaluation Comments from Parents:

 

  • “This book is great for social-emotional learning”

  • “Does a nice job showing how kids can make a big difference in the world.”

  • “I like the message of helping others and of kindness.”

  • “I like that it’s based on a true story.”

  • “The illustrations are wonderful and diverse.”

  • “A sweet and inspirational story.”

  • “I like the inspirational message and the diversity of the illustrations.”

  • “This is a positive book for young children.”​​

Foundation/Domain:

Social-Emotional Development

30 pages | Size: 10” H x 8” W

Children's nonfiction

Ultra Premium Color Interior 

IngramSpark

Available in English and Spanish, “Regalos de Jisel”

 

Easy rhymes and repetitive verses are combined with colorful watercolor illustrations highlighted by distinct black-and-white sketches.

 

Other ways to give back to your community:

  • Emotional support for those left out, lonely, bullied, or hurt

  • Community clean-up of public spaces

  • Food drives for local homeless shelters, missions, churches, food banks, etc.

  • Clothing, toy, or book drives for local shelters, churches, orphanages, etc.

  • Neighborhood free exchange libraries

  • Fundraise for charitable causes

  • Help maintain a community garden

  • Volunteer at a pet shelter

  • Environmental projects, such as planting trees, composting, and recycling

  • Chores or errands for the elderly, sick, or people with disabilities

  • Create care packages for military personnel or the unhoused

  • Thank first responders with notes, gifts, or edible treats

  • Participate in charity events for a cause

  • Educational support as a tutor or mentor

Key Takeaways:

  • Compassion can be learned

  • Understand the value of money

  • Learn from everyday errands and experiences

  • Learn life lessons in the kitchen together

  • Transform everyday errands into educational experiences

  • Discover creative ways to play 

  • Sharing is caring

  • Organize your thoughts and actions

  • Ask for help when you need it

  • Inform and empower others

  • Give a little

  • Show up

  • Lend a helping hand when you can

  • Work together to make an impact on the lives of others

  • Support children in their ventures

Bulk Orders: This title is available in bulk directly from the publisher for early childhood and nutrition programs, conferences, non-profit initiatives, licensing, or grants that promote empathy, kindness, charity, giving back to the community, social-emotional development, compassion, volunteerism, altruism, prosocial behavior, social justice teamwork. Contact the publisher (AbridgeClub.com | Russ InVision Co.) directly for quotes, orders, and discounted pricing.

Related terms & phrases: 

 

Socio-emotional learning, social-emotional foundation, charity, community service, acts of kindness, empathy, compassion, giving back to the community, volunteerism, making a difference, social responsibility, teamwork, cooperation, social theme - new experience, social theme - values and virtues.

$11.99 Paperback

(Ultra Premium Interior Paper)

ISBN: 978-1-958627-08-2

Format: Picture book

8" x 10" Portrait

Ultra Premium Color Interior

Age: 3 up

32-Pages

$14.99 Paperback

(Ultra Premium Interior Paper)

Jisel's Gifts | NAPPA Award Picture Book | Kindness, Giving Back | Multicultural | AbridgeClub.com

Jisel's Gifts | NAPPA Award Picture Book | Kindness, Giving Back | Multicultural | AbridgeClub.com

Play Video

A True Story: 

 

This is the true story about Jisel and Marcos Ayon, who began their compassionate journey by saving, collecting, and distributing Kid's Meal toys. As they got older, their journey evolved into collecting and distributing toiletries, socks, and clothing for the homeless.​​

A NAPPA Award Review 

 

“One of the greatest attributes we can cultivate in our children is the desire to show up in the world with kindness and the willingness to help others,” says Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards (NAPPA Awards). “This is why we are celebrating Jisel’s Gifts as a NAPPA Award winner. Its message of empathy and community will resonate with children and parents. We hope it inspires families to find their own unique ways to make the world a better place.”

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