Books teach compassion and kindness
In a world riddled with selfishness, greed, crime and other ills, sometimes it's hard to remember there are many, many good people in our own backyard and across the globe. Surely one of the best ways to rid our world of what plagues it is to teach children to be kind, compassionate people.
Verbal teachings and daily examples by adults to the children in their care is probably the greatest means to instill compassion and kindness in children. Books also can play an instrumental role in helping to deliver that message, and today's reviewed books address precisely that.
The following book is available at many public libraries.<B>"Rabbit's Gift"</B> by George Shannon, illustrated by Laura Dronzek, Harcourt, 32 pages; read aloud: age 3 to 7; read yourself: age 7 to 8.Rabbit knew it was going to snow soon, so he hurried to find some food. At last he found two turnips and quickly rolled them home. As he nibbled on one turnip, he thought about Donkey and wondered if she had enough to eat. Rabbit took his extra turnip to Donkey, and when Donkey wasn't there, he left it by her door. Ultimately, Rabbit's generosity is repeated over and over from one forest animal to another.A fresh retelling of a very old folktale, this powerful little book is loaded with messages of kindness, friendship and compassion.
<B>Library:</B> Saxonburg Area Library, 240 West Main St., Saxonburg<B>Library Director:</B> Steve Twentier<B>Children's Programmer:</B> Judy O'Brokta<B>Choices this week:</B> <B>"Pale Male — Citizen Hawk of New York City"</B> by Janet Schulman; <B>"The Quiltmakers Gift"</B> by Jeff Brumbeau; <B>"The Thief and the Beanstalk"</B> by P.W. Cantanese
The following books are available at favorite bookstores.<B>"Notes from the Dog"</B> by Gary Paulsen, Wendy Lamb Books, 2009, 132 pages, $15.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 11 to 12 and older; read yourself: age 12 and older.Fourteen-year-old Finn doesn't really fit in. He's not comfortable with people and conversation, and prefers to spend most of his time either alone, with his dog, Dylan, or his friend, Matthew. Now that summer vacation is here, Finn's plan is to read as many books as he can and speak to fewer than a dozen people during the entire summer.Finn's plans become altered when he and Matthew meet Finn's new neighbor, graduate student Johanna. Johanna is vibrant, friendly and full of a zest for life. Johanna also is stricken with breast cancer, and in her fun and engaging style, talks openly about it. Although older, she treats the boys as if all three were equals and strikes an easy, quick friendship with them, especially Finn.It isn't long before Johanna's zeal for life has washed over Finn in many unexpected ways. He finds himself planting a huge garden for Johanna, helping to care for her after chemo treatments, and suddenly discovers his ability to positively connect with others as he helps raise money for breast cancer. Throughout, mysterious, uplifting notes about Finn are delivered to him by his dog, Dylan, and Finn begins to view himself and life in a completely different light.Master storyteller and award-wining author Gary Paulsen has once again crafted an unforgettable novel that is both deeply moving and peppered with Paulsen's signature humor. It is everything you would expect from Paulsen, and then much more. A story of family, friendship, love and compassion, "Notes from the Dog" is an extraordinary, powerful book. Beautifully written, perfectly paced, a cast of unforgettable characters, and a flawless blending of multilayered themes, this one is a must-read.<B>"14 Cows for America"</B> by Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez, in collaboration with Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah, Peachtree, 2009, 40 pages, $17.95 hardcover; read aloud: age 6 to 10; read yourself: age 8 to 10.Kimeli is a Maasai tribesman and Stanford University student. He hasn't been home in a very long time, but in June of 2002, he returns to his Kenyan village. Kimeli knows his fellow Maasai will be eager for stories, and when they ask him if he has any to share, he nods, then relates the true story of what he witnessed when visiting New York City on Sept. 11, 2001.The Maasai are stunned, for they are "easily moved to kindness when they hear of suffering or injustice." Reacting to the sorrow and suffering of Americans half a world away, the compassionate Maasai offer the greatest gift they have — 14 cows for America.An extraordinary true story of generosity, compassion and hope, "14 Cows for America" is rich on multiple levels for young and old alike.<B><I>Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached via e-mail: kendal@sunlink.net.</I></B>
