Artist Lauren Radke's debut children's book Always Be Nice! introduces Frog and his friends, colorful characters she has enjoyed creating for years. The endearing characters share their message of kindness, while realizing the impact on others. Frog learns the contagion of smiles, and spreads his kindness shown with a progression of illustrations. One more frog smiles, then two, then all are smiling. The difficulty of being nice to others when they are nasty is discussed. Examples are given as to why someone may be acting meanly which could open a conversation, bringing understanding and in the end empathy. The book concludes with suggesting your kindness can change someone's day or even someone's life. Children strive to please and help others, and what better way than practicing being nice. The simple, colorfully illustrated book is first in a series of kindness, friendship, and acceptance. The charming, cheerful characters gently implement their reminders. Having raised four boys and regularly surrounded by preschool grandchildren, Lauren knows the importance and necessity of regular reminders. Everyone can benefit from these reminders while reading Always Be Nice! to their little ones reinforcing the message. Being nice was always a Radke rule and she regularly quoted "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." The amiable Frog, Mouse and Ladybug characters have existed for years and inspiring the development of them into simple stories with simple messages was her young grandchildren.
