Spring is a time of wonder, beauty, and hope. It's almost like the center of the circle of life, because it gives all living things a chance to start over again. We can choose to remain on the path we've been following, or we can find ways to alter our course. It's the choices we make that change our lives.
As I suggested yesterday, we all have some great potential locked inside of us that is just waiting to emerge. Another one of my favorite picture books, Bubba and Trixie, by Lisa Campbell Ernst, illustrates this point in a fun and subtle way.
Bubba is content simply being a caterpillar, and becomes very scared when he learns that he will transform into a butterfly. He has a fear of the unknown, and thinks he might lose his ladybug friend, Trixie. Bubba thinks he can prevent his metamorphosis by wrapping himself in a cocoon for the winter.
When spring comes, Trixie is still there, and Bubba still feels like himself. Trixie helps him to realize that he's still the same Bubba on the inside, even though he now has beautiful wings. Trixie also helps Bubba to overcome his fear of flying. The two best friends soar to new heights, as a result.
Bubba and Trixie show us that each of us can fly, if only we're willing to try. If you'd like to listen to a song or two that will inspire you to find your own way to fly, here's I Believe I Can Fly, by R. Kelly, and Unwritten, by Natasha Bedingfield.
Another picture book that inspires individuality is The Art Lesson, by Tomie dePaola. Most of us are familiar with this author, and you'll definitely be seeing more of his books here in the future!
This book shows us that in order to be the best we can be, we have to work with all of our colors, and not just a select few. When what's around us is limiting, we need to find creative ways to unleash our full potential. What I love about this book is that it also shows us how children can teach us. I've learned more from children than I ever have from any adult!
My daughter used to constantly draw rainbows. They are so beautiful, and so precious, and she realized that at a very young age. Real rainbows don't last very long. We need to stop and take them in when we are lucky enough to see them.
Children are like rainbows in that they have so many colors inside of them, and our time with them goes by so fast. We need to inspire them to read, to learn, and to embrace what makes them special. We also need to help them to overcome their fear of trying new things. There may not be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but they'll never know unless we help them try to find it.
How will you capture the rainbow in your child this spring?
