YOUR TURN NOW
age group: 
9+ yrs
Number of pages: 
100
Publisher: 
Fun OK Please
Themes:
inspirational value education
Genre:
fiction
 

 

“Hello, babies. Welcome to Earth. It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It's round and wet and crowded. At the outside, babies, you've got about a hundred years here. There's only one rule that I know of, babies—you've got to be kind."

This quote by Kurt Vonnegut perfectly sums up 'Your Turn Now' a delightful collection of anecdotes that aim to do exactly one thing - remind the reader that our main purpose in life is to be kind to each other. This especially rings true in the world today where we are taught from a very young age to be wary of strangers we meet, this book serves as a reminder to its readers that the change we want to see in the world must start with us.

Based on the movement of the same name that was started by Rushabh Turakhia, the life experiences and stories are laid out in a way that will leave even the most cynical of readers pleasantly surprised. Each story features a ‘little blue card’ which is passed forward to create a chain reaction of love and goodness. These blue cards are also enclosed in the back of the book and are a particularly great touch. It’s also worth mentioning that each story is based on true incidents with only names and circumstances changed for privacy which serves as a template for younger readers to learn by example. From helping someone who is lost, to giving someone money for life saving medication, the book shows its readers that no act of kindness is too small. Another lovely addition to the book that is worth mentioning is the YTN ‘kindness’ calendar at the back which mentions many wonderful ideas for spreading love throughout the year. The book is filled with a plethora of good Samaritans and is peppered throughout with delightful illustrations making it the perfect reminder parents to continue teaching not just caution but also empathy towards the people around us and that even the smallest gesture can make a huge impact in other people’s lives.

Overall, the book is wonderfully upbeat and will definitely put a smile on anyone’s face – young or old. Keep this book around as a constant reminder that while the Earth may be round and wet and crowded, it’s up to us to make the trip worthwhile.

Reviewed by Sanaya Fernandes