A children’s book by Sharon Salzberg & Jason Gruhl

Illustrated by Sébastien Mourrain

Arriving December 2025 in hardcover & ebook formats

“Sometimes the biggest emotional bite can come from being too hard on oneself.”

Publishers Weekly

Pre-Order

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Shambhala Publications

Hardcover & eBook release coming on December 9th, 2025

About The Book

A grumpy crocodile learns what good can come when he chooses kindness in this wonderful picture book for kids ages 4–8. With everyday examples, approachable language, and delightful 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’s beloved book Lovingkindness. 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 lovable 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.

Pre-Order Gifts

Pre-Orders in the U.S. qualify to receive:

  • Karl Sticker Pack

  • Lovingkindness Bracelet

  • Temporary Tattoo

  • Kindness Postcard

  • Fridge Magnet

  • Coloring Pages

  • Guided Audio Meditation

International Pre-Orders qualify to receive:

  • Coloring Pages

  • Guided Audio Meditation


Bonus Gifts will be sent out in by snail mail & email in early December. Multiple pre-orders are eligible for multiple bonus gifts, but can only be mailed to one single address. Offer valid until December 15th, 2025. For questions or redemption issues, please contact our Support Team right here.

Kid’s Podcast Series

Sharon is hosting a Kid’s Series on her podcast as part of the book launch for Kind Karl. She is interviewing educators, caregivers, and researchers about the ways meditation, mindfulness, and lovingkindness can impact children of all ages and the family systems that support them. New episodes in the series will be released bi-monthly through the end of 2025.

Go To Complete Podcast Series

Virtual Book Launch

December 9th, 7 - 8:15pm ET • Hosted by the IMS Book Club • Free to Attend

Join for Free

About the Authors

Co-Author Sharon Salzberg is one of America's leading spiritual teachers and authors. A practitioner of Buddhist meditation for over fifty years, she is a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society.

Co-Author Jason Gruhl is the former Executive Director and founder of The Joshua School and Psychotherapist. He holds a master's degree in Counseling Psychology and a bachelor's degree in English and Psychology.

Illustrator Sébastien Mourrain is the creator of over forty picture books and documentaries published by Gallimard, Seuil, Bayard Éditions, and Éditions Milan, among others. He lives in Lyon, France.