Kids into books: The A.O.K. Project

Kids into books: The A.O.K. Project

Author: Vivienne Joseph

Illustrator: Trevor Pye

Publisher: Mallinson Rendel, $14.95

Age Group: 8-11 years

Then Ms Love fulfils my prediction. She has a terminally stupid idea.

"We do kind things for people without being asked. And, what is more important, without expecting thanks or payment of any kind."

I whistle under my breath. For no payment? Ms Love's done well. I look around. People are in shock here. Mouths are open and no one's saying anything.

Even the disruptive element.

Ms Love's talking faster now.

"Some of the acts of kindness I've heard about are people putting money in expired meters, helping with chores like shopping, standing back and letting others go ahead of them in queuesþ there were many ways in which they performed acts of kindness."

Money in other people's parking meters? She has to be joking.

Ms Love glances around the room.

" I want you to write notes as you go alongþ like a diary. I'd like to know how you choose the act of kindness you do and what the response is from the person or people you help. At the end you can write down your thoughts about the project. Then, when you've finished, you can use the word processor to publish a report."

A buzz begins, like a swarm of bees on the move.

Ms Love claps her hands.