In today’s feature, Writers & Authors sits down with author, educator, and mindfulness expert Jenna McDonough to talk about her heartwarming children’s book, Kind Kids: The Adventures of Hurley, Pearl, and The Pink Soldiers of Kindness. Drawing from real-life parenting moments and years of experience in education, Jenna shares how one simple idea blossomed into a powerful movement centered on emotional awareness and compassion.
📚 About the Book
Kind Kids: The Adventures of Hurley, Pearl, and The Pink Soldiers of Kindness is a 24-page picture book (ISBN-10: 1662968582 | ISBN-13: 978-1662968587) available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4csQqzT
✨ The Interview
Writers & Authors: What inspired you to write Kind Kids?
Jenna McDonough:
It started with a very real moment—my kids arguing in the backseat of the car. Instead of just hearing the noise, I suddenly saw the story. Within 24 hours, I had written the entire book in my phone.
I had always dreamed of writing a children’s book, but this felt different. It became a way to combine everything I’ve learned about emotional awareness, conflict resolution, and empathy into something tangible for families. I wanted kids to see themselves in the story—and parents to feel supported in everyday moments.
Writers & Authors: Hurley and Pearl feel so real. Why show both love and conflict?
Jenna McDonough:
Because that’s real life. Sibling relationships are full of both connection and conflict. One moment they’re laughing, the next they’re arguing.
I wanted to show that conflict doesn’t mean something is broken—it’s actually an opportunity to repair and grow. The foundation is always love, even in hard moments.
Writers & Authors: Why is emotional regulation such a central theme?
Jenna McDonough:
Emotional regulation is the foundation for everything. When kids learn to pause, breathe, and reflect, they gain tools they can use for life.
We’re moving away from the “just toughen up” mindset and toward understanding that big emotions are part of being human. Teaching kids how to regulate—not just telling them to calm down—changes everything.
Writers & Authors: What age group did you write this for?
Jenna McDonough:
Primarily ages 4–9. That’s where most of my experience lies, both professionally and personally. I understand how children in this age group process emotions and conflict, and I wanted to meet them exactly where they are.
Writers & Authors: How much of your own life is reflected in the story?
Jenna McDonough:
Honestly—every part of it. The sibling dynamics, the emotional moments, the way conflict is handled—it all comes from real-life experiences as a parent and teacher.
Even the “Soldiers for Kindness” idea was inspired by real interactions. The story is grounded in lived experience, not imagination from a distance.
Writers & Authors: What scene meant the most to you?
Jenna McDonough:
The moment when the mom guides the kids to pause, breathe, and express their feelings. There’s no yelling—just presence and calm guidance.
That scene reflects the kind of response I think many of us wish we had growing up. It shows that conflict can be a moment for connection, not escalation.
Writers & Authors: What role does the letter from Colonel Pinkerton play?
Jenna McDonough:
It turns the story into a call to action. Kids aren’t just reading—they’re invited to participate.
It gives them a sense of purpose and ownership, encouraging them to spread kindness in their own lives.
Writers & Authors: What do you hope children feel after reading the book?
Jenna McDonough:
Empowered. I want them to know they can handle big emotions and make a difference through kindness.
Most importantly, I want them to feel seen, supported, and capable.
Writers & Authors: What conversations do you hope this sparks in families?
Jenna McDonough:
Honest conversations about emotions. Questions like:
- “How did that feel?”
- “What could we try next time?”
I also hope families begin practicing simple moments of co-regulation—pausing, breathing, and connecting together.
Writers & Authors: How can teachers use this book?
Jenna McDonough:
It’s a powerful social-emotional learning tool. Teachers can use it for:
- Reflection and writing prompts
- Classroom kindness challenges
- Conflict resolution discussions
It gives students shared language and practical tools they can actually use.
💛 A Message About Kindness
Writers & Authors: You say kindness begins internally—what does that mean?
Jenna McDonough:
Kindness starts with understanding your own emotions. When we pause and take responsibility for how we feel, we create space to respond instead of react.
You can’t pour calm from a dysregulated cup.
Writers & Authors: How do you define true kindness?
Jenna McDonough:
True kindness is intentional. It’s not performative—it’s rooted in self-awareness, emotional regulation, and compassion.
It’s also about treating yourself with the same grace you offer others.
Writers & Authors: Why is self-kindness so important?
Jenna McDonough:
Because it’s the foundation. If we’re constantly hard on ourselves, it’s harder to show up with patience and empathy for others.
Children learn kindness by watching how we treat ourselves.
Writers & Authors: What’s the connection between emotional regulation and kindness?
Jenna McDonough:
Regulation creates the pause. And in that pause, we can choose kindness.
Without regulation, kindness can feel forced. Together, they create grounded compassion.
Writers & Authors: How can parents model kindness daily?
Jenna McDonough:
Be present. Truly listen. Show patience and curiosity instead of reacting quickly.
Sometimes the simplest act—being fully present—is the most powerful form of kindness.
Writers & Authors: What small habits build empathy?
Jenna McDonough:
A simple five-minute daily check-in. Let each family member share something from their day.
Those small moments build understanding—and that’s where empathy grows.
🌍 The Ripple Effect of Kindness
Writers & Authors: Can small acts really make a big impact?
Jenna McDonough:
Absolutely. One small act can shift someone’s entire day—and that shift ripples outward.
Kindness is contagious.
Writers & Authors: What does it mean when a child wants to be a “Soldier for Kindness”?
Jenna McDonough:
It means they want to make a difference. They’re choosing connection, compassion, and awareness.
That’s powerful.
Writers & Authors: How does kindness strengthen sibling relationships?
Jenna McDonough:
It transforms conflict into connection. It helps siblings communicate, repair, and build trust over time.
Writers & Authors: Why does giving kindness feel so good?
Jenna McDonough:
Because it connects us. It reminds us that we have the power to positively impact others—and that’s deeply fulfilling.
🌱 Personal Reflection
Writers & Authors: How has writing this book changed you?
Jenna McDonough:
It stretched me. It fulfilled a lifelong dream, but also pushed me out of my comfort zone.
Knowing it has helped even one child makes it all worth it.
Writers & Authors: What did you learn about yourself?
Jenna McDonough:
That I’m capable of more than I thought. And that when something aligns with your heart, you find the courage to pursue it.
Writers & Authors: If you could share one message with every child?
Jenna McDonough:
You are important—and your feelings matter.
You already have the tools inside you to find calm and peace.
Writers & Authors: One takeaway for parents?
Jenna McDonough:
Pause. Breathe. Listen.
Your calm presence can change everything.
Writers & Authors: What’s next for Hurley and Pearl?
Jenna McDonough:
They’re continuing their mission—spreading kindness and navigating real-life challenges.
Their journey is just getting started.
💫 Final Thoughts
Through Kind Kids, Jenna McDonough offers more than a story—she provides a roadmap for raising emotionally aware, compassionate children. With relatable characters and practical tools, the book invites families and educators alike to embrace kindness not as a concept, but as a daily practice.
👉 Learn more at: jennamcdonough.com
👉 Follow along: @JennaMcDonough
Because sometimes, the smallest act of kindness can create the biggest ripple. 💛
