About the Author

Hollis Kurman writes poetry and children’s stories. Hello! A Counting Book of Kindnesses, illustrated by Barroux and published by Otter-Barry Books, is Hollis’ debut picture book. Her poems, one nominated for a Pushcart Prize, have been published in multiple journals. When not writing, Hollis moderates literary events and is Chairperson of the Ivy Circle Netherlands; member of the Fulbright Board NL; Founder of the Human Rights Watch NL Committee and member of HRW Women’s Rights Advisory Council. She was born in New York but lives in an old canal house in Amsterdam with her Dutch husband and their two children.

Barroux was born in Paris and grew up in Morocco. He is the author and illustrator of many books, published all over the world, and children in need are a special theme of his. From the 2005 Enfantasie Award to the English PEN Award and the Prix Médecins Sans Frontières in 2015, he has won numerous honours and awards. His books include Line of Fire with Michael Morpurgo, and Alpha with Bessora, as well as picture books for younger children including Where's the Elephant? Barroux lives in Paris.

Reviews

This richly coloured picture book provides an alternative way to learn to count, through simple acts of kindness. It encourages empathy and gently explores the situation of children who have to flee their home. Upholds children's rights to a safe home, education, play and friends.
*Amnesty International top books to inspire young activists*

A hopeful picture book about refugees and the kind gestures that give a journey to a new country a happy ending, told by counting to 10: '1 boat...2 hands lifting us to safety'.
*Sunday Times*