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Caragh Buxton encourages everyone to recognize the value of kindness.

A little rhino charges around his house and school. Everyone reminds him to be more careful, but his clumsiness continues. Will he remember to be gentle when it’s most important? The latest kid's book from Irish-born illustrator Caragh Buxton is all about learning to be gentle. Read on to discover Caragh's inspiration behind her heartwarming tale, Gently, Bentley!

Tell us about yourself and how you started as a children’s book illustrator?

Drawing has always been “my thing”—ever since I was little. And it hasn’t changed much now that I’m an adult! Being an illustrator has been a life-long dream of mine. But I had to put it on hold until my four children were old enough for me to go off and complete my MA in illustration from the Cambridge School of Art.

I never really considered writing my own children’s book. However, I did love being able to dedicate my time to sketching and drawing characters, and it was while doing this that I realized I wanted to write my own stories as well. From then on, the pictures and words seemed to develop together.

Why should parents and educators check out this new title?

Both parents and educators will have dealt with a situation like the scenario in the book. Often it seems as if children have unlimited energy and excitement and are never going to slow down! However, children are also very gentle and kind. They always seem to know when to show tenderness at just the right moment. It is particularly relevant for households with a new baby, or those expecting a new baby, as my story encourages the teaching of kindness and patience to exuberant siblings.

What was your inspiration for this book?

When my children were young, they were often excitable and seemed to have an effervescent amount of boisterous energy. My constant call to them was to “be gentle” or to “slow down.” Yet it was such a wonderful thing to see that they were still so capable of being very kind, caring and gentle when they had to be, despite their energetic nature. It was in these moments, that, as a parent, it all seemed to come together. It would always bring me such joy to see my children being so caring towards each other.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I would like to encourage both adults and children to recognize the inherent value in kindness, be it big or small, and how this can be so beneficial to the people around us!

Thank you, Caragh, and Child’s Play, for the opportunity to learn more about you, what inspires you, and what you hope children will learn from your books. Be sure to check out Gently, Bentley! on our website and request a quote for 25+ copies for your classroom or group today!

Child’s Play, an independent children’s book publisher, offers a diverse range of formats and experiences through reading that both enrich and empower their young audiences. Their books are respected and loved by parents and educators alike. For more information, be sure to check out their site.