A children's picture book · by Kelvin Coppage

Hustle & FinesseBe the Light

A story about kindness — and a reminder that one small act of it can change a life. When a boy named Monalito is weighed down by hurtful words, Hustle and his faithful companion Finesse offer him something far stronger than sympathy: hope.

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Ages 5–10 12-minute read-aloud Fully illustrated

Instant download · PDF, EPUB & Kindle · Perfect for bedtime, classrooms and read-aloud circles

Hustle & Finesse: Be the Light — book cover
Ages 5–10Written for
12 minRead-aloud time
Full colourIllustrations
3 formatsPDF · EPUB · Kindle
KindnessCourage & heritage
About the book

One act of kindness
can change a life.

Every child deserves to know that their story matters, their dreams have value, and their light was never meant to be hidden.

Hustle & Finesse: Be the Light — A Story About Kindness is an inspiring children's picture book that reminds young readers that a single act of kindness can change a life. When Hustle and his faithful companion, Finesse, meet a young boy named Monalito who is struggling with hurtful words and feelings of not belonging, they offer him something more powerful than sympathy — they give him hope.

Through gentle guidance, encouraging conversations, and lessons about courage, self-love and cultural heritage, Monalito discovers that he comes from a legacy of kings, queens, scholars and builders. He learns that his story matters, his dreams have value, and his light was never meant to be hidden.

Filled with beautiful illustrations and meaningful life lessons, this heartwarming story teaches children the importance of kindness, confidence and uplifting others. Be the Light encourages every child to walk proudly in who they are — and reminds them that when we believe in ourselves and support one another, we create a legacy that shines for generations to come.

Kindness, shown not preached

Children see what it looks like to notice someone who is hurting — and to do something small about it.

Courage and self-love

Gentle conversations that help a child answer hurtful words with confidence instead of shame.

A legacy to stand on

Monalito learns he comes from kings and queens, scholars and builders — and that the line runs right through him.

Lifting others up

The last lesson is the one that lasts: when you have a light, you hand it to the next child standing in the dark.

Look inside

Read the first few pages

Keep scrolling — the pages turn as you go.

Page 1 Page 6
Page 2 Page 3
Page 4 Page 5
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Read the whole story — get the eBook
Inside the story

Six lessons children
carry home.

01

Words can weigh a lot

Naming a hurt out loud, without shame — the first step out of it.

02

Somebody who stops

What it means when one person notices you, and stays.

03

You belong here

Feeling at home in yourself, even when others make room hard to find.

04

A legacy of kings and queens

Heritage as strength: scholars, builders, dreamers — and you.

05

Your light, out loud

Confidence that lifts a room instead of shrinking one.

06

Pass it on

Kindness becomes a legacy the moment a child hands it to the next one.

Kelvin Coppage · Author

About the author
"Every child deserves to know that their story matters — and that their light was never meant to be hidden."

Kelvin Coppage writes stories for young readers about kindness, courage and the quiet strength that comes from knowing where you come from. Hustle & Finesse: Be the Light grew out of a simple idea: that the right words, offered at the right moment, can change the way a child sees themselves for the rest of their life.

Written for bedtime, classrooms and read-aloud circles alike, his work gives grown-ups a gentle way into big conversations — belonging, self-worth, heritage, and the everyday courage it takes to lift somebody else up.

Kelvin Coppage

KindnessCore theme
Ages 5–10Written for
Read togetherHome & classroom
What readers say

Stories that stay
with a child.

My son asked to read it three nights in a row. On the fourth night he told me he'd said something kind to a boy at school. That's the whole review.

DM
Danielle M.Parent

I read it to my second-grade class during our kindness unit. The conversation afterwards went for twenty minutes — they had so much to say about Monalito.

AR
Angela R.2nd grade teacher

The part about kings, queens, scholars and builders gave my granddaughter language for something I've been trying to explain to her for years.

JW
James W.Grandparent
Get the book

Give a child
their light back.

One download, three formats — read it tonight at bedtime, or tomorrow morning to a whole classroom.

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$14.99 $19.99 Launch price
  • The complete illustrated story
  • PDF, EPUB and Kindle files
  • Read-aloud & discussion questions for grown-ups
  • Read on any phone, tablet or e-reader
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Questions

Before you buy

What age is this book for?

It reads beautifully aloud to children from about 5 to 10. Younger children follow the pictures and the feeling; older ones catch the lessons about heritage, confidence and standing up for someone else.

Which formats do I get?

All three — PDF, EPUB and a Kindle-ready file — in a single download, so you can read on a phone, a tablet, a laptop or an e-reader without buying it twice.

Is there a printed edition?

Yes — get in touch for details on the print edition and bulk orders. eBook readers receive first word when new editions are released.

Can I use it in a classroom or library?

Absolutely. The story works well in kindness, belonging and heritage units, and the download includes read-aloud and discussion questions. Write to us for classroom and library licensing.

What if it isn't right for us?

Email within 30 days and you'll be refunded in full — no questions asked.