Kind Karl

A Little Crocodile with Big Feelings

Jason Gruhl, Sharon Salzberg, Sébastien Mourrain

$44.95 $38.17

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Shambhala Publications Inc
09 December 2025

Children's & young adult fiction & true stories

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.

By: Jason Gruhl, Sharon Salzberg
Illustrated by: Sébastien Mourrain
Imprint: Shambhala Publications Inc
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 279mm, Width: 203mm,
Weight: 567g
ISBN: 9781645472476
ISBN 10: 1645472477
Pages: 32
Publication Date: 09 December 2025
Recommended Age: From 4 to 8 years
Audience: Children/juvenile , English as a second language
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Sharon 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.

Reviews for Kind Karl: A Little Crocodile with Big Feelings

""Sharon Salzberg understands the power of story, skillfully [employing] anecdotes from her own life and others' to enliven Buddhist teachings and to demonstrate their relevance to every aspect of life. Salzberg has written a book brimming with the mindfulness, wisdom, and compassion that she teaches so well."" Publishers Weekly