Courage and determination are important qualities, for without these tools, a person can quickly crumble when faced with obstacles that life can toss their way.

Unfortunately, there are times when some adults stymie children in this regard by being over-protective, mocking a child’s efforts or putting them down for trying.

Children need to be allowed to try new things, sometimes with a watchful eye, sometimes with a helping hand and sometimes with words of encouragement. Help children develop their own measures of courage and determination.

There will be endless situations in life when they will need to call upon these tools to move forward, make the right decisions, and perhaps ultimately, to survive.

Books to borrow

The following book is available at many public libraries.

“Little Quack” by Lauren Thompson; illustrated by Derek Anderson, Simon & Schuster, 32 pages; read aloud: age 2 to 4; read yourself: age 6 to 7.

Mama Duck and her five little ducklings live in a cozy, soft nest. One day Mama announces to her ducklings that they are old enough to leave the nest, and she plans to teach them how to paddle on the water.

All five ducklings are frightened, but one by one four of the five ducklings muster the courage to jump in and paddle about. Only Little Quack is left in the nest. He wants to join, but does he have the courage?

A marvelously rendered story with the added bonus of counting along with the Quack-U-Lator as each duckling makes the plunge, this selection is loaded with good stuff.

Librarian’s choice

Library: Zelienople Public Library, 227 S. High St., Zelienople

Library Director: Jan Lawrence

Children’s Librarian: Kay Howard

Choices this week: “The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper; “Mouse Paint” by Ellen Stoll Walsh; “Deputy Dan Gets His Man” by Joseph Rosenbloom

Books to buy

The following books are available at favorite bookstores.

“Jose! Born to Dance” by Susanna Reich; illustrated by Raul Colon, Simon & Schuster, 2005; 32 pages; $16.95 hardcover; read aloud: age 5 and older; read yourself: age 7 and older.

Jose Limon was born in Mexico in 1908, full of determination and a fire for life. Among the many things Jose was passionate about, he especially loved music and art.

When Jose was a young boy his family moved to the United States. After Jose finished high school, he moved to New York City, where he burned to give a gift to the world. Jose thought his gift would be as a painter, but when his friend invited Jose to a dance concert, it was then that Jose discovered what his truest passion was — he was born to dance.

Determined to become a great dancer, Jose worked tirelessly. Then, when he made his debut, the audience thundered their approval. Jose knew he had found what he was born to be and went on for 40 years to choreograph and dance for people around the world.

“Reaching for the Moon” by Buzz Aldrin; illustrated by Wendell Minor; HarperCollins, 2005; 40 pages; $15.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 6 to 9; read yourself: age 8 to 9 and older.

From the time he was a little boy, astronaut Buzz Aldrin believed that determination, strength and independence were among the most important qualities a person could possess.

“I knew that if something was important to you, you had to hold on,” he said.

And Aldrin did just that.

Through years of hard work, education, discipline and tenacity, Aldrin finally accomplished what he had set out to do — be an astronaut on the first mission to the moon.

Told in Aldrin’s words, this fascinating true story is inspirational and loaded with grit.

Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children’s literature. She can be reached via e-mail: kendal@sunlink.net.