I was having a conversation with a friend the other day reminiscing on all of the books we read as children. A majority of people in our generation have grown up with the same characters and have become infatuated with the same stories and illustrations. With the past year allowing a realization of division to surface, from personal to national divisions in the United States, the closing weeks of 2017 may act as a time of healing. I believe some solutions lie within the pages of two of my favorite books.
http://www.fcrr.org/assessment/SLP/Joann_Handouts/The_Rainbow_Fish_PA.pdf
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister – Introspection and Humility
“What good were the dazzling, shimmering scales with no one to admire them?”
“You will no longer be the most beautiful fish in the sea, but you will discover how to be happy.”
This book, at its most basic level, is focused on individuality, but individuality as a double-edged sword. The Rainbow Fish was excommunicated from the other fish for his crude remarks and conceited sense of self, based on his appearance. This serves as a reminder for readers to embrace what makes them unique, both physically and beneath the skin, but also to be humble about it! Nobody really cares that you read Nylon and drink boxed water, Jessica.
It is okay to need help! Just as the Rainbow Fish goes to the wise octopus to ask why he has no friends, it is essential to reach out to others in times of confusion and also to be that person that someone can feel comfortable and safe confiding in.
Acknowledge other people’s individualities, in whatever form that may manifest! Complement the boy in lecture hall wearing the ‘80s jacket with shoulder pads, or the girl in takeout line who doodles on her jeans, or the freshman who performed a poem that spoke to you, even though their voice and hands shook uncontrollably.
Write a terrible song, try to bring back Heelys, and share with others the “shining scales” of yourself as well as the quarter-life crisis you had when you failed Calculus last semester.
“Creative exchange, compliments, and overall enthusiasm and support of others is how divisions are bridged and how communities are formed.”
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein – Sacrifice and Learning to Say “No”
Transitioning into a different take of what it means to be “giving,” The Giving Tree was read to me countless times, and, even now, it leaves me sad at the end. Having grown up Catholic, “sacrifice” is one of those words you hear way too often but never really understand or care about its meaning.
As many of you probably already know, the tree in this story eventually ends up as a stump, lending itself as a resting spot for the boy who grew up continuously taking from it. I believe what left me most disconcerted was the fact that the tree had practically given all of itself for another whom he loved.
Although giving is an essential aspect of every relationship, one should not give until they are nothing. Women especially need to practice saying “no” to things that are expected of them. It is an act of self-care and self-respect, and it may allow the release of certain relationships that take too much and give too little.
Another lesson would be not expecting anything in return for what you do for others. Kindness is not something which should be tallied; there is no such thing as the economics of altruism. Be there for your friends. Be present even if all you have to give is a listening ear. Sacrifice yourself and your time for those who appreciate it.
Three extra, notable books:
http://www.sfasu.edu/echl/documents/Where_The_Wild_Things_Are.pdf
Where the Wild Things are by Maurice Sendak – Imagination
“And the walls became the world all around”
https://batten-2nd-grade-gate.weebly.com/uploads/5/4/9/4/5494193/corduroy.pdf
Corduroy by Don Freeman – Imperfection
“This must be home,” he said. “I know I’ve always wanted a home!”
http://dejamcclellan.weebly.com/uploads/3/9/6/3/39635127/a_bad_case_of_the_stripes.pdf
A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon – Confidence
“Some of the kids at school said she was weird, but she didn’t care a bit. She ate all the lima beans she wanted, and she never had even a touch of stripes again.”
By: Faith Franzonia