Children’s Books Can Carry Lessons Kids Need to Learn (Even If We’re Not Ready) by Dawn Taylor

Parenting Books
5 years ago

Children’s Books Can Carry Lessons Kids Need to Learn (Even If We’re Not Ready)

When my son, Bailey, was 4 I borrowed a few books from my sister to add some variety to his story time. One of the books was called "Spotty" and was written by H. A. Rey and Margret Rey. For the sake of this tip I won't google it to see what the message really was because I want to have the memory untainted.

It was about a family of white bunnies and one was all spots and was treated differently than his many siblings. I started wondering where the story was going. It seemed such a deep topic, but Bailey seemed to be enjoying the book, his eyes were wide and he was completely focused.

When the family of white bunnies is getting ready to go to an outing the mother decides to leave Spotty home alone so as not to upset the grandpa (I think) who isn't fond of spots on bunnies, and before I could turn the page Bailey was sobbing. He could barely speak.

Why was he was crying? Bailey's words came out in pieces: " Spotty." "Alone." "Why are they leaving him?"

I wrapped my arms around him and assured him everything would be OK. I jumped ahead to show him it all turned out OK. Spotty was an intense read and I worried I could not explain it well. But Bailey had already learned compassion at age 4.

I didn't need to explain.

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Elisa Schmitz
What a beautiful story, Dawn Taylor . Thank you for sharing this powerful memory with us. And you are so right about books and kids. xoxo
Dawn Taylor
thank you, it was a powerful moment and my son has not changed at all in how he cares.
Sheri B Doyle
To be honest I find a lot of times kids stories remind me of what is important in life too.
Dawn Taylor
Yes, I think often, we as parents slow down at story time and can really let things sink in. Love that part of story time- miss that part.

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