Book Recommendations: Book that spark JOY
BECAUSE by Mo Willems (Author), Amber Ren (Illustrator) is a powerful symphony of chance, discovery, persistence, and magic in this moving tale of a young girl’s journey to center stage.
A few months back while I was walking around my local park I came across a group of middle-aged people playing soccer. They were not young, not buffed, and did not move like gazelles. But, oh, the joy on their faces as they kicked the ball and cheered. They were playing not because they be in the NFL, they just loved the game.
How many times have we encouraged our kids to do something just because they might like to do it, not because it will help them get sharper, score higher, or help with their essays? Rewards like promising them a Nintendo if they get a 4.0 GPA, or taking a trip if they may move them temporarily, but won’t help our children find the thing that gives them that inner JOY.
Here are some children’s books on finding that inner motivation
THE WONDERFUL THINGS YOU WILL BE by Emily Winfield Martin is a reminder that we are all capable of great things, no matter who we are or where we come from.
MAYBE by Kobi Yamada (Author), Gabriella Barouch (Illustrator) This is a story for everything you will do and everything you can be. is an inspiration tucked inside an adventure, perfect for readers of any age who may be asking, What next?
DANCING IN THATHA’S FOOTSTEPS by Srividhya Venkat and Kavita Ramchandran highlights the beautiful art form of Bharat Natyam and reminds us to challenge societal norms. Dancing should be for everyone – girls and boys included.
JINGLE DANCER by Cynthia L Smith (Author), Cornelius Van Wright (Illustrator), Ying-Hwa Hu (Illustrator) an affirming story of a contemporary Native American girl who turns to her family and community and their tradition of jingle dancing.
