Kid's Corner - Book Review of 'I Can Do Anything'
Excerpted from Kid's Corner by Felicia M. Tomasko
As the holidays draw near, we gather with family and friends to exchange gifts that bolster our sense of enthusiasm, play, and joy. But all this gift-giving leads many people to think critically about the subtle messages that our presents carry - are they inspirational or self-defeating? With children, the importance of these thoughts cannont be overstated. Just before the holidays can be a perfect time to evaluate a child's bookshelf and even add a book or two to bolster the spirits, warm the heart, and initiate a smile. And lucky for you gift-buyers, there's been a flurry of children's books recently popping up on the scene to inspire warmth for this winter.
How often do we hear people around us - family, friends, kids, and even ourselves - say "I can't?" All too often, it seems. There are times when it is quite easy to feelk hopeless and incompetent. To combat this collective ennui and pervasive unbelief in ourselves, the Luster family collaborated on the kid's book I Can Do Anything! It is one of the most sought-after children's books at Chaucer's, proving that the powerful refrain "I can" is one kids need to hear.
The book's illustrations by Tina Sedone feature bright drawings of happy, smiling, fresh-faced children playing, reading, and dancing together. They state: "I can red. I can draw.... I can ride my bike. I can play ball. I can cartwheel. I can swim. I can do it all." I-can-do enthusiast Duffie Bart has been on area radio and television stations, as well as in schools and libraries, spreading the message of self-empowerment espoused in the book. The can-do kids pictured in the illustrations are introduced at the end, personalizing the tale of empowerment and giving youg readers multicultural faces, names, and stories they can relate to. While it seems that stories emphasizing affirmation can be difficult to find, these stories are necessary because success comes more from attitude and sweat than anything else. Being part of a neighborhood and believing "I can" are lessons we are never too old to remember. I Can Do Anything! instills these messages for young kids. A page of "can do" kids in teh book even includes a mirrored face, so the reader can see himself or herself reflected in the can-do spirit. The website, complete with more information about the "Can do" family, is www.IAmACanDoKid.com.
^ to top |
