Over the last couple of years, I’ve been focusing on writing, illustrating and publishing a children’s book. Just like all of life’s existence, it has been a journey!
While doing research, one of the questions it raised for me was, “What were some of my favorite books as a child?” I found it interesting to go back and take a look at a few of the books I remember from my childhood and reread them as an adult. I asked myself, “What lessons were taught? How has that lesson shaped my life? Is it still relevant today?”
One of my favorite authors is Dr. Seuss. I love how he made up words, encouraged thinking outside the box, with a fox, and that his characters looked quirky.
I laughed when I went back and reread the magical The Cat In The Hat. I still carry one message with me today that this book taught me. Have fun playing and enjoying life, and don’t forget to clean up afterward. I have definitely taken that lesson to heart throughout my human existence! Just ask my mom.
One of my other favorite and most memorable books is The House at Pooh Corner, by A.A. Milne. As you can see from the photo, this book has been chewed on and well loved! I am not confessing anything, but if you look closely, someone, not me, drew a little poo coming out of Pooh’s tuchus. You can’t prove anything, it wasn’t me!
Anyhoo, Pooh and his beloved friends taught me so much about appreciating and recognizing the beauty in all life. And of course, one of the best all-time lessons I learned from Pooh himself, use a spoon to get the honey out. Unless I want my head stuck in a honey jar!
We don’t always think about the effect something will have on a child, what is appropriate, or what message is it teaching. I cannot think of a book at the moment, but I can think of many television shows and movies that I loved as a child and watch today horrified. That is part of the ever-changing existence we live. Life is always changing, at one point in your life you may find something funny but at a different time in your life, not so much. The great thing about being alive is that we can make a different choice in each moment.
I look forward to sharing my children’s book with all of you. But until then here is my new website link and….
An invitation: I invite you to think about or search out one or two of your favorite childhood books. Reread them and create some space to ponder what lessons the book taught you. How has it shaped your life? Is the book relevant today? Feel free to share in the comments down below. Have fun (and clean up after).
♥peace and love