This week my writing partner Jenny and I were talking about our favorite books for kids. One of my favorites growing up was Dr. Seuss’ McElligot’s Pool. Jenny had never heard of it so I ran to the basement and grabbed it. “I didn’t read much when I was young.” I told her, “but I loved this book.” And though I didn’t realize it at the time, McElligot’s Pool is about believing. Believing and dreaming of the future. And as I listened to Jenny read little Marco’s words out loud, I had forgotten how strong and clear I hear that message. I paged through the book when she was done. I had read this book a million times, and though I couldn’t have told you the little boy’s name, the one who sat holding a stick as a fishing pole, peering wide-eyed into a tiny spot of water, I remembered his dreams. I felt them as if they were mine. After a grumpy old farmer tells him he will never catch a fish in McElligot’s Pool, young Marco is not deterred. Young Marco still believes and dreams that life is full of possibilities. Or at least that is what he taught me.

I had to run to the basement again to dig out another one of my favorites. This book was a newer one that I had read for my kids. What If The Zebras Lost Their Stripes? By John Reitano. This is a book that every adult should read. My daughter is nineteen years old now and when I told her I wanted to blog about What If The Zebras Lost Their Stripes? She said, “Oh I loved that book!” Then she paused, “Wow, I just realized the message, about racism and […]