One of the wonderful things about being a young child is the joy of
make-believe: bringing toys, dolls, and stuffed animals to life or creating an imaginary friend out of thin air. How valuable to share your new words and thoughts and act out the roles — mother, father, friend — that you are becoming aware of. How exciting it is to imagine yourself a hero or fierce combatant (perhaps dinosaur or soldier) rescuing the fragile or needy who might require the nurturing
of a valiant young child.

Many beloved classics of children’s literature — books like The Velveteen Rabbit, Winnie the Pooh, Corduroy, or The Indian in the Cupboard — make use of this delightful characteristic of children. Children can look through the eyes of characters and explore their world and struggles, as well as life’s darker moments. They can identify with the humanity of the characters, experiencing the pride, loneliness, neglect, separation, rejection, and admiration of
those who are sometimes loving and heroic, sometimes mean and afraid, or other times careless, selfish, or simply unknowing.

This Little Chick, in perhaps the oldest and broadest tradition of using animals as our stand-ins, welcomes us to embrace the sights and sounds of our habitats. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is a wonderful homage to the aforementioned books, a timeless classic about the human condition, a comedy and tragedy filled with empathy, hope, and love. Like Pinocchio, is an edgy book that does not “Disney-fy” life. He Came with the Couch is a little different. Sophie learns that the odd-looking, enigmatic creature, like many others that inhabit our world, has real value. The best books help childhood be both a wonderfilled and reflective time.

> Back to Themes