In a completely different direction than my first post, I will turn to children’s books, specifically picture books, and a wonderful master of this genre.
One of my favorite picture book author and illustrator is Patricia Polacco. Through her early school years Polacco struggled with reading but thrived in her art. Polacco was the subject of bullying and hid her inability to read. Eventually a teacher diagnosed her dyslexia and began to help her learn to read. Her book Thank You, Mr. Falker is Polacco’s retelling of this interaction.
Polacco was born in Michigan to parents of Eastern European-Jewish and Irish descent. She was surrounded by family including her parents, stepfather, grandmother, brother, aunts, uncles and cousins. When her parents divorced, she went to live on her grandmother’s farm in rural Michigan. Polacco writes lovingly about these people and places in her stories. They are endearing stories full of memories from a wonderful childhood. She has a wonderful ability to turn her childhood memories into unforgettable tales.
One of the things I appreciate about Polacco’s books is her ability to impart loving lessons without being preachy. She shares stories about goodness, tolerance and kindness. I walk away thinking, yes, this is how it should be. Neighbors should take care of neighbors. Everyone should perform acts of kindness whenever possible. We should all be storytellers. And we should all recognize and appreciate the goodness that surrounds all of us.
Patricia Polacco has written many books so there are plenty to choose from. Anyone of Polacco’s books is worth adding to your family collection. At this time of the year, I recommend any of her holiday books. Christmas Tapestry is one I highly recommend. When a leak ruins the wall in his father’s church, Jonathan Jefferson Weeks thinks Christmas Eve service will be ruined. Luckily, he and his father find a beautiful tapestry, perfect for covering the damaged wall. But then, an old Jewish woman recognizes the beautiful cloth. Her discovery leads to a real miracle on Christmas Eve. Or Trees of the Dancing Goats.Trisha loves the eight days of Hanukkah, when her mother stays home from work, her Babushka makes delicious potato latkes, and her Grampa carves wonderful animals out of wood as gifts for Trisha and her brother. In the middle of her family's preparation for the festival of lights, Trisha visits her closest neighbors, expecting to find them decorating their house for Christmas. mInstead, they are all bedridden with scarlet fever. Trisha's family is one of the few who has been spared from the epidemic. It is difficult for them to enjoy their Hanukkah feast when they know that their neighbors will not be able to celebrate their holiday. Then Grampa has an inspiration: they will cut down trees, decorate them, and secretly deliver them to the neighbors, "But what can we decorate them with?" Babushka asks. Although it is a sacrifice, Trisha realizes that Grampa's carved animals are the perfect answer. Soon her living room is filled with trees -- but that is only the first miracle of many during an incredible holiday season.
Or try Welcome Comfort. Welcome Comfort, a lonely foster child, is assured by his friend the school custodian that there "is" a Santa Claus, but he does not discover the truth until one wondrous and surprising Christmas Eve.
Or perhaps Uncle Vova’s Tree. This brightly illustrated picture book celebrates the Russian Orthodox holiday of Epiphany through a look at the traditions, bold costumes, and decorations connected with this special day.
Or maybe read Tikvah Means Hope. This is not a holiday book but still worth reading. Justine and Duane and their neighbors are happily getting ready for Sukkoth, the Jewish harvest holiday. Suddenly, catastrophe strikes as a fire sweeps through their town. Luckily for everyone, there are still miracles in this world--sometimes in the shape of a little cat. This heartfelt story is a stirring celebration of life, friendship, and--most of all--hope!
Give any of Patricia Polacco’s books a try and you will not be disappointed.
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