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 Mindful Moments for Every Age 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.
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