Everyone Has a Story:
A Heartwarming Book on Kindness for Kids, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

Inspire Your Child with a Story That Teaches Empathy, Friendship, and the Power of Small Acts of Kindness

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The Story Behind
Everyone Has a Story

As a parent, Ryan Vet has always prioritized raising his kids to be thoughtful, kind-hearted individuals. Everyone Has a Story is more than a book about kindness; it’s a deeply personal project born from Ryan’s own values and life experiences.

Ryan Vet has spent years helping executives, leaders, and teams learn the value of putting people first. Through his training programs and public speaking, he emphasizes that everyone has a unique story and deserves respect and empathy—principles he wanted to pass on to his young sons. Everyone Has a Story stemmed from a video training series Ryan created for frontline workers at one of his portfolio companies. The series, which encouraged leaders to approach every customer and client with compassion and intention, showed how even small interactions could be meaningful, teaching true leadership and connection. Seeing the impact these lessons had on adults, Ryan wanted to translate this message into a children’s story that would resonate with families everywhere.

At home, he began teaching his sons these same values. Through small, intentional acts Ryan and his sons began to see the ripple effects of kindness. Each gesture sparked smiles, built unexpected connections, and showed his kids that kindness and respect matter, no matter where they are.

“These simple moments taught my kids that respect and kindness truly matter and that small gestures can lead to meaningful connections,” Ryan shares. “Everyone Has a Story became a way to turn these lessons into a heartfelt story, that I was able to work on with my sons. The animals are based on his their favorite stuffed toys. My goal is to create a book that helps parents, caregivers, and teachers instill kindness and empathy in children, while making it fun and engaging for kids of all ages.”

Through Milo’s journey, kids learn to look beyond what they see on the outside and appreciate the hidden stories within each person they meet. Everyone Has a Story encourages kids to practice kindness and empathy, showing them that even a friendly wave or an invitation to play can make a big difference.

About the Author

Ryan Vet is a global speaker, executive, and thought leader on customer experience and leadership. Known for his dynamic presentations, Ryan has inspired audiences worldwide, from Fortune 500 companies to nonprofits, spreading his message of empathy-driven leadership and purposeful connection. His work has been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, and in Forbes, USA TODAY, and more. As the author of four books, including Cracking the Millennial Code, Ryan is passionate about generational dynamics and values-based leadership. With Everyone Has a Story, the first book in the Jungle Gems series, he aims to inspire children to see kindness as a strength and to recognize the unique value in everyone they meet.

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Why Everyone Has a Story Stands Out Among Books on Kindness for Kids

If you’re looking for a book about kindness that’s engaging for toddlers and preschoolers, Everyone Has a Story is perfect. The story is beautifully illustrated to capture the attention of young children and designed to help kids see the world from different perspectives. It’s more than a book—it’s a tool for helping kids grow into compassionate, kind-hearted individuals. Plus, it was designed hand-in-hand with input and creative direction from Ryan’s young children.

Key Themes in Everyone Has a Story:

Empathy

Through Milo’s journey, children learn that everyone has feelings and experiences they may not see.

Friendship

Kids discover that including others and making friends can be easy and fun.

Small Acts, Big Impact

Milo’s story shows that even a small act of kindness can have a huge impact on someone’s day.

Perfect for Storytime: Books About Kindness for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Caregivers, teachers, and parents looking for books about kindness for preschoolers will find Everyone Has a Story to be a joyful and inspiring choice. The language and illustrations are age-appropriate, making it ideal for storytime with toddlers and preschoolers who are just beginning to understand friendship, empathy, and the importance of treating others kindly.

Free Downloads! Bring the Story to Life with Coloring Pages and Activities

Want to add even more fun to the story? Sign up below for exclusive access to FREE coloring sheets and activities inspired by Everyone Has a Story! Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, these resources help kids interact with Milo’s world in a hands-on way.

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A Book About Kindness That Sparks Conversations

As your child follows Milo on his journey through the jungle, Everyone Has a Story offers simple yet impactful moments that can lead to meaningful conversations. Ask questions like:

“How do you think Perry Parrot felt when Milo waved hello?”

“What does it mean to help someone feel included?”

“How could you be kind to someone today?”

With each question, you’re helping your child think about kindness in a way they’ll remember. Everyone Has a Story becomes more than just a book about kindness for kids—it becomes a way to connect and share values as a family.

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Ready to Start the Journey?

Let Everyone Has a Story be the start of a kindness adventure for your child.
Whether they’re a toddler, preschooler, or in early elementary school, Milo’s journey is a wonderful way to introduce the idea that everyone’s story matters—and that kindness is a gift we all can give.