123s of Kindness at Bedtime A Touch & Feel Board Book (Books of Kindness) by Patricia Hegarty

In a world where kindness often feels in short supply, Patricia Hegarty’s 123s of Kindness at Bedtime offers a gentle, tactile, and visually delightful way to introduce young children to the power of compassion. This touch-and-feel board book isn’t just about counting—it’s about counting the ways we can be kind.

As a parent, educator, or caregiver, you’ve likely encountered countless bedtime books. But how many of them weave together early numeracy, sensory engagement, and emotional learning so seamlessly? Hegarty’s work stands out as a rare gem in children’s literature, making it a must-have for families who want bedtime to be both comforting and meaningful.

123s of Kindness at Bedtime follows a simple yet profound structure: each number (from 1 to 10) corresponds to an act of kindness. The book doesn’t rely on a traditional narrative but instead presents vignettes of animals and children engaging in small, thoughtful gestures—sharing a blanket, saying “goodnight,” or helping a friend.

The tactile elements (soft fur, textured fabrics) make it interactive, ensuring little hands stay engaged while absorbing the book’s message. The illustrations by Summer Macon are warm and inviting, with a soft color palette that naturally eases children into a bedtime mindset.

Since this is a concept book rather than a character-driven story, the “characters” are more symbolic. Cuddly bunnies, sleepy bears, and friendly mice model kindness in ways toddlers can easily understand. The diversity in human characters (different skin tones, abilities) subtly reinforces inclusivity—a crucial lesson in today’s world.

What makes these characters effective is their universality. A child seeing a fox share berries with a hedgehog can draw parallels to sharing toys with a sibling. The lack of complex backstories keeps the focus on actions, which is perfect for the target age group (1-4 years).

Hegarty’s prose is rhythmic and soothing, making it ideal for read-aloud sessions. The text is sparse but intentional—each line serves a dual purpose: reinforcing counting and kindness. For example:

"1 hug to say goodnight,
2 friends sharing a blanket tight."

The rhyme scheme is consistent without feeling forced, and the pacing aligns perfectly with a winding-down bedtime routine. The touch-and-feel elements aren’t just gimmicks; they reinforce the themes (e.g., a fuzzy blanket texture when discussing sharing warmth).

At its core, 123s of Kindness at Bedtime teaches that kindness isn’t a grand gesture—it’s found in small, everyday moments. The book normalizes empathy by showing it as a natural part of life, whether it’s:

• Sharing (toys, food, space)
• Comforting (a hug, a kind word)
• Inclusivity (playing together, helping others)

As someone who reads a lot of children’s books, I was struck by how effectively this one balances education and emotional resonance. My toddler loved tracing the textures while repeating the numbers, and I appreciated that the kindness lessons didn’t feel preachy—they felt natural.

The emotional impact is subtle but lasting. After reading, my child started pointing out “kind” actions in real life (“Look, that’s like the bunny sharing!”). That’s the mark of a great children’s book: it extends beyond the pages.

Compared to other bedtime or counting books (like Goodnight Moon or Counting Kisses), 123s of Kindness at Bedtime stands out for its dual focus. Most counting books stick to numbers; most kindness books are narrative-driven. This one merges both, making it a versatile addition to a child’s library.

It’s also more interactive than standard kindness-themed books (Kindness is My Superpower), thanks to the tactile elements. The closest comparison might be ABCs of Kindness, also by Hegarty—but the bedtime theme here gives it a cozier, more intimate feel.

✅ Multi-sensory learning – Combines counting, touch, and emotional lessons seamlessly.
✅ Gentle, inclusive messaging – Diverse characters and low-key, relatable scenarios.
✅ Perfect for bedtime – Calming visuals and rhythm ease the transition to sleep.

❌ Limited story arc – If you prefer narrative-driven books, this might feel too simplistic.
❌ Delicate textures – Some touch-and-feel parts may wear with heavy use (though this is common for board books).

• Ages 1-4 – Ideal for toddlers learning numbers and social skills.
• Parents seeking meaningful bedtime reads – More substance than a standard “goodnight” book.
• Educators & caregivers – Great for teaching empathy in classrooms or daycare.

While the text is simple, certain lines linger:

"5 stars that twinkle, oh so bright,
6 sleepy hugs to hold you tight."

The imagery is soothing, and the connection between nature (stars) and human warmth (hugs) is beautifully done.

In an era where social-emotional learning (SEL) is increasingly prioritized in early education, books like this fill a critical gap. Kindness isn’t just a moral lesson—it’s a skill, and 123s of Kindness at Bedtime makes it accessible to even the youngest readers.

Patricia Hegarty’s 123s of Kindness at Bedtime is more than a counting book—it’s a quiet, powerful tool for nurturing empathy. The combination of sensory engagement, gentle rhymes, and inclusive illustrations makes it a standout. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or teacher, this book belongs on your shelf.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

• How do you teach kindness to toddlers in everyday moments?
• What’s your favorite interactive children’s book?
• Do you prefer concept-based or story-driven bedtime books?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how this book resonates with your little ones!

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