By Lauren Rabin
Reading is something I have always enjoyed. Growing up, my siblings and I had the good fortune of having a grandmother who worked in a book bindery. Several times a month our grandmother would bring us parcels wrapped in brown paper containing books that did not make it out of the factory… perhaps the cover was upside down from the pages or a page may have been folded over or oversized. Over the years we collected enough children’s books to play “library” and took turns reading aloud to one another. When asked, I jumped at the chance to participate in the global Read Aloud Day on February 1. Read Aloud Day is all about bringing people together through the shared connection of reading aloud in all our communities. I was able to read aloud in two Greenwich Public School elementary school classrooms and the experience reminded me of the things that adults, especially leaders, can learn from children’s books:
1. Simplicity and innocence – Children’s books often have simple messages and stories that can help adults remember the importance of childlike innocence and the joy of life.
2. Empathy – Children’s books often feature characters who are facing challenges and difficulties and can help adults develop empathy for others and encourage them to be more understanding and compassionate.
3. The power of imagination – Children’s books often spark the imagination and creativity of their readers and can help adults rediscover the joy of using their imagination.
4. Lessons in life – Children’s books often teach valuable lessons about life, such as the importance of perseverance, friendship, and kindness.
5. The joy of reading – Children’s books can help adults rediscover the joy of reading and remind them of the importance of taking time to read and learn.
6. A new perspective – Children’s books often present life and the world in a different way than adult books and can help adults gain a fresh perspective and new insights into the world around them.
As a child, we often turn to books as a source of comfort, entertainment, and education. The two books I read aloud were
“Lemonade in Winter” and “Dragon was Terrible.” Both books offer important lessons that can be learned by both children and adults. These books may be simple in their storytelling, but the messages they convey are powerful and timeless.
“Lemonade in Winter” is a story about two young siblings, Pauline and John-John, who set out to sell lemonade on a cold winter day. Despite the challenges they face, such as the weather and competition from other vendors, the siblings remain determined to succeed. Through their perseverance, the children teach us the importance of hard work and determination. They show us that success can come from even the smallest of ventures, as long as we believe in ourselves and never give up.
Another lesson that can be learned from “Lemonade in Winter” is the power of teamwork. Pauline and John-John work together to overcome the obstacles in their way, and their teamwork is what ultimately leads to their success. This book reminds us that when we work together, we can accomplish anything we set our minds to. Whether it be in our personal or professional lives, collaborating with others can lead to greater achievements than working alone.
“Dragon was Terrible” is another children’s book that teaches valuable lessons. This story is about a dragon who is, as the title suggests, terrible. The dragon terrorizes the kingdom, and no one is brave enough to stop him. However, when a young girl named Sophie (also my grandmother’s name) decides to take on the dragon, she discovers that the dragon is not as terrible as he appears to be.
The lesson that can be learned from “Dragon was Terrible” is the importance of not judging others based on appearance. The dragon was seen as a monster because of his appearance, but it was not until Sophie took the time to get to know him that she discovered his true nature. This book teaches us that it is important to look beyond appearances and see people for who they truly are. Whether it be in our personal or professional lives, it is crucial that we don’t form opinions based on stereotypes or prejudices.
“Lemonade in Winter” and “Dragon was Terrible” are two children’s books that offer valuable lessons that can be learned by both children and adults. From perseverance and teamwork to not judging others based on appearance, these books offer timeless messages that can help us navigate our daily lives. Whether we are children or adults, these books serve as a reminder of the importance of hard work, determination, collaboration, and most of all, kindness.
