The Greatest Eight: Teaching Kids Core Skills for Life

I am pleased to announce that The Welcome Book is part of the collection of books Reach Out and Read has selected with The Greatest Eight and the generous support of Blue Cross Blue Shield! The Greatest Eight is an innovative, evidence-informed initiative designed to teach 8 core skills to children aged 0-8, fostering a strong foundation for a lifetime of mental wellness. Reach Out and Read Rhode Island partners with pediatric medical providers to encourage families to read together with their children every day, promoting not just literacy but also building strong emotional bonds. A huge THANK YOU to the team for this great honor!

Summary

If you meet someone new in the world today,
there is a very kind word you can say.


“Welcome!”


Welcoming somebody shows that you care.
You’re happy to see them. You’re glad they are there.

From inviting a friend to play to welcoming a new baby into the world, this sweet book celebrates all the ways we can welcome those around us—and shows readers that even small acts can have a big impact.

The Welcome Book by Danna Smith, illustrated by Juliana Perdomo, published by Simon & Schuster ©2025

4 thoughts on “The Greatest Eight: Teaching Kids Core Skills for Life

Leave a Reply