Kind Karl

A grumpy crocodile learns what good can come when he chooses kindness in this adorable picture book for kids ages 4–8.

With everyday examples, approachable language, and adorable illustrations, adults will love introducing kids to mindfulness and meditation, inspiring them to look inward with curiosity and kindness.


Karl is a crocodile who lives in Orlando. He loves cardigans, crepes, and combing his hair. And . . . he has a terrible temper! Full of lovable animal characters, this playful story is a children’s adaptation of Sharon Salzberg’s beloved book Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness. Like the original, it asks the question, “Why does what we do, say, and care about make a difference?” The book explores how generosity and mindfulness contribute to a life of happiness and connection.

In today’s divisive society, lovingkindness asks us to stop, find quiet, and look within; and in that honest reflection, answers appear. With relatable everyday examples, approachable language, and adorable illustrations, the book will inspire children to look inward with curiosity and kindness. By understanding what happiness feels like for themselves, they can realize how all people desire happiness.

The book includes accessible activities at the end to help kids and parents start a lovingkindness practice in their own lives.“Sometimes the biggest emotional bite can come from being too hard on oneself.”
—Publishers Weekly

“A great addition to elementary collections and a great way to introduce social-emotional learning practices.”
—Booklist
“Practical, relatable, and fun, Kind Karl: A Little Crocodile with Big Feelings is a wonderful resource for teaching SEL.”—The Children’s Book ReviewSharon Salzberg is one of America's leading spiritual teachers and authors. A practitioner of Buddhist meditation for over thirty years, she is a co-founder of the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies and the Insight Meditation Society, and she directs meditation retreats throughout the United States and abroad. She is the New York Times–bestselling author of Real Happiness, Lovingkindness, and Real Change.