I love books. I love the way reading can transport you - into a different, fictional world, into history, a foreign land, new worlds of knowledge or even alternate realities. But, I have a secret.
I LOVE childrens books.
This is not simply because I am a mother. I have loved childrens books since I was really young of course, but then, as I got older, I loved them for their illustrations. My imagination coming to life in phenomenal, yet often under-appreciated, works of art.
As an adult, before having children, I loved these books for their deep, inherent messages. Sometimes, the greatest of life's lessons can be taught in a short, well-executed story. The best of the best in children's books accomplish this without your realization - until the moment hits you. The story is no longer just a story, but a deep lesson. A reminder of how simple learning can be, if done well.
"Rosie Revere, Engineer" is a one such story. I bought it for my children and my daughter loves the complex, rhyming cadence of the story. My son loves the prose, the pictures and is also capturing the deeper meaning. This book provides a platform for conversations with my children I never expected to have at their age, yet, they are conversations that are important at ANY age.
You see, Rosie wants to be an engineer. She creates gadgets and loves it, but when she creates something for a loved one who laughs at her and her gadget, she feels like a failure and stops creating. Another family member with a need comes a long, and she ultimately tries again yet finds another "failure" and laughter. Except this time, the laughter was intended with jubilation, not malice. Pure joy at such a fantastic first try - a great base to learn from and try again.
"Life might have its failures, but this was not it. The only true failure can come if you quit."
If that isn't a life lesson of resiliency & failing forward in the midst of those who will laugh at the dreamers, I do not know what is.
Buy the book. Share the book. You will not regret it.
**On a personal side note, at the end of this book there is another hidden bonus. There is a tribute to Rosie the Riveter and the women during WWII who persevered and ensured that the planes, tanks and farms continued to succeed and produce. Freedom was fueled by their sweat, blood and tears. As the proud granddaughter of a WWII veteran, being able to use this book as a way to teach both life lessons and an important part of American history is worth every penny. Cheers Grandpa Buddy, I know you are smiling down on us as I make sure that in this family, we never forget.
