Don’t judge a book by its cover

On Thursday afternoon, I took a break from work and turned on the television. I was hoping to get a quick update on the weather. Can we expect some sunny skies this weekend? Or is Mother Nature going to stick out her tongue and keep it cold and gray? Of course, I turned on the TV to a political free-for-all. Two politicians were going after each other, fighting over President Trump’s speech to Congress.

They looked like two little kids. They were both spouting half-truths and talking over each other. I felt like I was in a zoo. I didn’t have the stomach for it and switched the channel. Of course, the next channel had essentially the same thing. Some Pro-Trump lawmaker was giving his thoughts on the potential elimination of the Department of Education. I had enough. I turned the TV off and went back to my office.

I had been working since 6 a.m. and wasn’t ready to get started back up yet. I needed a mental break, so I turned behind me and pulled a book off the book shelf. It wasn’t just any book. I found myself reaching for the Bill Martin Jr. written and Eric Carle illustrated children’s book Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Brown bear, brown bear

The book is a classic that encourages children to be observant of the world around them. In the book, a brown bear is asked what it sees. It leads to a chain reaction where each animal mentioned sees another animal of a different color. The story ends with a classroom of children who look back and see all the animals and their teacher.

When our kids were young, the book was a nightly must-read. The idea of me, an old man, reading a kid’s book for his own enjoyment is probably a bit, well . . . comical. Maybe even worrisome. I swear, though, that I haven’t lost my mind.

In recent months, during periods of upheaval and anger, I’m turning more and more to children’s books of all types. I’m talking about picture books, early readers, chapter books, and books left over from when my kids were young.

I’ve been turning to children’s books because the news of the day has been so depressing. One political party going after the other, looking for their five minutes of fame. Supposed leaders searching for the “Gotcha” moment that will nail the other side. Everyone looking out for themselves and not giving a crap about anyone else.

On the other hand, children’s books have served as a great reminder. They’ve showed me what is right and good in the world. They’ve reminded me of what is real.

Looking for a little courage

For example, when police investigations into the New Orleans truck attack that killed 15 people and the Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas dominated the news in January, I found myself reading fellow blogger Lauren Scott’s children’s book Cora’s Quest. (Lauren can be found on her blog, Baydreamer Writes.)

In Scott’s wonderful little book, fawn Cora gets separated on a wooded trail from her ma and pa. When she looks up from investigating a fuzzy caterpillar, her parents are gone. She starts to worry about being in the big forest all alone. Of course it gets scary. The tree branches look like they’re reaching out to grab her. Have you been in the woods in the dark? It can be a scary place. She can feel her tummy rumble and fear “trickle from her nose to her hooves.” I was right there with her.

Despite everything, she stands firm and reminds herself that “My body may be small, but my courage is big.”

When she thinks she can’t bear it anymore, her parents come from behind a bush. Of course, the three kiss and celebrate. They hurry home to feast on apples and acorns. If we ever needed a reminder to be courageous in the world, now is the time. Everyday some new problem comes out of the woodwork and the world seems minutes from calamity. Despite it all, little Cora shows us the way. “My body may be small, but my courage is big.”

What a great reminder. I can’t think of better advice. Yes, you go Cora! Lauren’s writing is touching and the colorful images by her illustrator Chris Mendez jump off the page. It’s perfect for young kids and the young-at-heart like myself. Be sure to check it out.

Small words, big ideas

So yes, my reading tastes have gone back in time a few decades. Oh, I still love normal adult content. I’m a fan of good action and adventure thrillers and fantasy and historical fiction as much as the next person. I love long complex reads too. Sign me up for War and Peace. I even find Marcel Proust’s immense eight-part novel, “Remembrance of Things Past,” weighing in at more than 1.5 million words, enticing.

But there’s something about the optimism and hope of young adult novels and children’s books. Some of my favorites over the years have included: Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little by E.B. White, The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary, Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans, The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper and anything by Dr. Seuss.

They remind me to stay strong and be of heart.

For good measure, I’m putting down the lengthy tomb that I’ve been reading — one that I keep putting off and have been bored to death with — and instead have picked up Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone to re-read for the millionth time.

Potter falls under the Young Adult section in the library. It is meant for kids. However, I’ve long found that it has much to say to me as an adult.

Something tells me that it will be just what the doctor ordered. What are you reading? What brings you peace during times of tension?

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For more information:

Check out Lauren Scott’s new children’s book, Cora’s Quest.