Kindness is something the world needs more of, now more than ever, says Zaynab Al-Yassiri.

A two-time UWindsor alumna with a 2013 BASc in environmental engineering and a 2014 B.Ed, she placed kindness at the centre of her self-published debut book, entitled Lunch Box Wisdom.

In it, protagonist Ali is excited and nervous for his first day of kindergarten. With the help of his trusty lunch box — where his mama places her words of wisdom — he overcomes his fears, chooses to be kind, and makes a new friend.

Aimed at children entering daycare or school for the first time, the book is meant to be encouraging for kids and parents, Al-Yassiri says.

Lunch Box Wisdom is a 24-page paperback book, available for purchase from online retailers, as well as Indigo stores in Windsor and Lakeshore. For more information, visit @zayschildrenstories on Instagram.