Kind Kids

 

The Adventures of Hurley, Pearl, and The Pink Soldiers of Kindness

Children's Book

Date Published: October 10, 2025

Publisher: Gatekeeper Press

Hurley and Pearl are a brother and sister duo who usually get along but, like all siblings, sometimes struggle with their emotions. One day, when Pearl’s singing pushes Hurley to his limit, a family conflict teaches them both an important lesson: kindness begins with understanding and taking responsibility for your emotions.

With Mom’s loving guidance, Hurley and Pearl learn the power of pausing, breathing, and reflecting before reacting. They discover that kindness can heal hurt feelings, bring people together, and make everyone feel seen and loved. Inspired by Mom’s story of spreading kindness through small pink toy soldiers, the siblings embark on a heartwarming mission of their own—to brighten others’ days, one soldier at a time.

At school, Hurley comforts a classmate with a pink soldier after a tough moment on the playground, while Pearl lifts the spirits of a substitute teacher who feels overwhelmed. Through these small but powerful acts, Hurley and Pearl realize that kindness doesn’t just help others—it also fills their own hearts with warmth and happiness.

Their journey is about more than sharing toys; it’s about spreading love, empathy, and connection to everyone around them. Along the way, they discover a simple truth: kindness can change the world, one thoughtful gesture at a time.

Complete with a heartfelt letter from the fictional Colonel Michael T. Pinkerton, Kind Kids inspires young readers to share their own adventures of kindness. This delightful and empowering story encourages children to take small steps to make big impacts in their families, classrooms, and communities while reminding them that kindness to others begins with being kind to themselves.

Perfect for parents, teachers, and children alike, Kind Kids is a touching exploration of sibling dynamics, emotional growth, and the ripple effect of simple, kind acts.

 

About the Author

My name is Jenna McDonough, and in addition to being a children’s book author, I work with both adults and children to help them better understand and manage their emotions. I am the creator of the Peaceful Kids App—the first-of-its-kind emotional intelligence app designed to teach children and their caregivers how to integrate tools and techniques for emotional regulation into daily life. Organized by both age and emotion, the app offers meditation, mindfulness activities, somatic resets, breathwork, and binaural beats. It also includes an Adult Meditation Library and is home to two of my signature courses: Highly Meditated and Introduction to the Healing Arts.

Beyond the app, I guide adults in identifying and releasing stuck energy through meditation, sound baths, and custom-designed healing experiences. I also developed coaching programs, such as Lifestyle Design and a proprietary program for high school juniors and seniors, as well as for any young adult navigating a transition year, to help them prepare with confidence for life beyond the classroom.

My professional journey began in education. I hold a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Communications Journalism from Florida Atlantic University, and started my career as an Elementary ESE teacher. While I found teaching deeply fulfilling, I also experienced firsthand the challenges of burnout, which inspired me to seek balance through meditation, mindfulness, and yoga. As my life evolved and I became a mother, I continued to deepen my personal practice, remaining committed to wellness while shifting my focus toward family.

During the global pandemic, I witnessed the surge of anxiety and stress across all ages and felt called to expand my work. What began as a personal passion evolved into a mission: to equip others—children, parents, and adults alike—with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges with greater peace, presence, and emotional intelligence.

In recognition of my dedication to wellness and emotional regulation, I have and continue to serve as a member of the 2024 and 2025 Forbes Health Advisory Boards.

Contact Links

Website

Instagram

YouTube

Facebook

LinkedIn

Purchase Link

Amazon