I loved climbing trees as a child, that exhilarating, terrifying race to the top. I can still remember the thrill of reaching hand over hand until I found myself high in the canopy of leaves. The world appeared smaller, less
Peace grows from a respectful mindset/heartset in action. Even small gestures of kindness build relationships so all feel heard/accepted/valued. Creating peace is a group effort. Each of us, young & old, can choose to nurture peace. We’re all safer, happier & healthier when we live in peace. At home, school, or the world stage, peace benefits all of us. It’s the dream for which we can strive and worthy goal which can truly achieve. A blessing.
A child in South Africa is shocked by her frail grandmother’s insistence that she vote a right now possible for the first time in her hundred-year life. Their tender relationship infuses this story with emotional resonance. Thembe understands the heroic effort required.
“Have you ever thought about inventing something of your own? You’re never too young to try.” Parents can paraphrase that quote and say, “You’re never too old to try.” Viewing failure as the stepping stone to success is one foundational theme of the book as reflected in this Edison quote: “I know several thousand things that won’t work.” He learned from failure instead of allowing it to end his dreams. Timeless Thomas conveys this essential life lesson well.
Animals and insects, clouds and rainbows, all quivered with joyful anticipation. And what could ignite such wonder and excitement? The arrival of a new child of course! The story concludes creatures, great and small “somehow, they knew about you!”
Summer offers a wonderful opportunity to build positive memories of time having fun together. Fun is FUN-damental to building strong family ties. It’s a Firefly Night by Diane Ochiltree captures one delightful moment. The reader senses that this is a treasured ritual that the child shares with her daddy an something she will treasure down the years of her life. Betsy Snyder’s luminous art brings the rhyming/counting text to life. Children can make a game of searching for and tracking the number of bugs, flowers, etc. And have fun in the process!
Kids sometimes have difficulty appreciating their own “beauty.” This is particularly true of kids who have experienced “Tough Starts.” Consider sharing the book, “The Best Part of Me” by Wendy Ewald. This would make a great family project. It presupposes that there is something that the child values about themselves. Perhaps it will assist them in appreciating many. Join in the fun and snap pictures of your “assets.” This is the time to lay down any self-judgments about yourself. Lead the way.