When I do my weekly storytime at Big Hill Books in Minneapolis, I like to plan a bit for the adults the kids bring with them. The kiddos bring their parents, their grandparents, their nanny etc. All are adults who know what is going on in the world. Many of whom look like they need storytime more than the kids who brought them. Especially these last few weeks. The news is hard — everywhere, but especially in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area where I read. Big Hill Books is certainly in the thick of things, with ICE presence and raids all around.
I believe that kids do better when their adults do better. So if I can give these worried and exhausted adults some images and language to help them reset and better channel their heartbreaking mess of emotions and fears, recommit to the kind of presence they want to have in a child’s life, and refocus on hope, justice, and belonging … well, that seems as important as introducing circle time, fingerplays, and new books to the kids.
A few of my favorites ….
The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates (Amy’s young daughter).
An economy of words and simple and beautiful art shows us a red “big, friendly umbrella” who likes to help and gather people in. The umbrella spreads wide and gives shelter to all who are in need when the rain falls. Several page spreads explain the inclusive and grace-filled nature of the umbrella — whether you are tall, or hairy, or plaid…whether you have two legs in toes shoes, galoshes, or hightops — or four legs … or more, or less or different in some way — the umbrella stretches to cover all.
Some people worry that there won’t be enough room under the big umbrella.
But the amazing thing is … there is.
There is always room.
There is always room — always space to come together, to seek and provide shelter, to be with those who are unlike ourselves under an umbrella we open — an umbrella with a generous heart, a merciful presence. What an awesome image to carry with us!
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
A child with dreams and delightful gumption builds an amazing project with blocks. Out of nowhere, things come crashing down. Animals barge in and talk and laugh, they pretend nothing happened, they want to clean up the evidence of the disaster, they want the child to retaliate. The child is not helped by any of this. And then the rabbit comes. The rabbit sits next to the child and waits, holding space, providing quiet comfort until the child begins to speak of what has happened.
written by Cori Doerrfeld, published by Dial Books
The rabbit listens as the child tells the story and rages and remembers, and makes new plans. Not all of the child’s ideas are great ones, but the rabbit does not judge. The rabbit listens. And gradually the child’s better angels settle back in, as do the dreams of building something amazing.
Such an important reminder for adults — calling forth our own grace and compassion as we listen to the children in our lives.
Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Teresa Martinez
Yo-Yo Ma is a boundary pusher — he uses music to bring people together, to celebrate the wonder of who we humans are. He is more than a musician — he’s a leader of positive and possible change in our world. This picture book, beautifully written and illustrated, tells the story of The Bach Project which Yo-Yo Ma began in 2018 — a two-year effort to increase global connections through music. He performed J.S. Bach’s six cello suites in 36 places around the world, collaborating with community leaders at each site to plan a day of action and build a more connected future.
I play a recording of Mr. Ma playing the prelude to Suite #1as I read. The children love identifying the cello on each spread and counting the people who come to hear Bach’s music. They love the name Yo-Yo. The shoulders of their adults drop with the music and beauty in this book. People take a collective breath together at the end, inspired, comforted, and more empowered to do the work that needs to be done in their corner of our world. It might seem like a lofty subject for a picturebook, but it is so well done that adult and kid ears hear it for what it is — a song of hope, possibility, celebration, and change.
Thank-you for this, Melanie. Excellent, timely selections! More artists, like See Change and Bruce Springsteen and Amanda Gorman and Joan Baez, using their voices and gifts to lift us up and give us hope…
It’s so often the artists who lead the way!
Melanie ~ the world needs more people like you. As you know, folks all over the world are rising up with courage and love (like the protagonist in these books) to make our country and this world a safe and beautiful place for the next generations. Thank you for your contribution
You are very kind – thank you, April.
Melanie, such great choices. Thank you.
Thank you!
Melanie, I felt myself relaxing just READING about your storytimes. You are doing these children and their parents such a great service!
Thank you, Joyce! It is a highlight of my week!
What a wonderful post, Melanie. You know it’s a good storytime when the grown-ups are as engaged as the kids. Yay for these beautiful books – and you!
Thank you, Laura, for these kind words!