For Children, She Wrote

Perseverance. We've all shown it, as we face seemingly impossible tasks, sometimes reluctantly, but our stick-to-itiveness, that ability to stay with a job no matter how long or unpleasant, is what gives us strength when others have thrown in the towel. Teaching our children perseverance can be challenging. How do we encourage a child who wants to quit because something feels "too hard"? Author Polly Cameron's, "I Can't," Said the Ant is a fun, easy rhyming story that not only demonstrates perseverance (by the Ant), but teamwork, encouragement and cooperation, too. In the story, a teapot falls of a shelf in the kitchen. The Ant feels incapable of helping the teapot - he is so small and alone, what can he possibly do? The story takes off as kitchen tools, appliances and food offer encouragement, advice, and running commentary regarding the difficult task. "Pick her up," said the Cup. "I Can't," said the Ant. ...

We've all been this duck at one time or another. A little duck's worries about sinking are faced head on in Eve Bunting's "I'm a Duck". Jumping in? Swimming? As peer pressure and self-criticism envelop the young duck, i t all seems impossible. Friends offer to help but duck realizes some scary things have to be faced alone. "I'm a Duck" is beautifully written by Eve Bunting, author of 250 books. At 89 years she is still writing and inspiring us. Her books are often allegories for important issues, such as racism and homelessness "I'm a Duck" reminds children and adults that we are each perfectly made for our own unique purpose. Bunting uses Duck, web-footed and waterproof, to illustrate trusting yourself and embracing who you are. Everyone at the pond knows Duck can swim except Duck.  Eventually, Duck takes the plunge and realizes she's just fine the way she is.  "No one says my stroke is strange, or asks if I w...