Sharing Our Stories: Picture Book Goodness!

I was inspired to begin this post after reading Glenda's Slice of Life, Kid-Lit Catharsis.  I never finished that slice. So I'm finishing it and sharing it for SOS. It's perfect for today's prompt - writer friends are important. I frequently show up for SOL, SOS, or Poetry Friday without ideas for writing. But if I just dive in and start reading posts, pretty soon someone's words will inspire me. And that is one of the main reasons that my writer friends are important. They keep me connected to poetry, to books, to writing, to reading, and to them. On to my unfinished post, inspired by Glenda's words  . . .

My days are filled with picture books. Sometimes I preview them before sharing them with my grand boys, but sometimes we just jump in and discover a new story together. Tuesday morning was one of those days. I try to bring three books each time I come, but my book bag was down to just two books: Spot Says Please, an Eric Hill board book (we loved pretending to eat the chocolate cake that Sally offered at the tea party), and a new-to-me title, I Dream of a Journey by Akiko Miyakoshi.

The first page pulled me in, "This is my hotel. Small but cozy, it's my pride and joy." The hotel keeper's guests tell him stories of places he's never been and he finds himself with " . . . a great yearning to go far, far away."  And so he goes on a journey in his dreams (which many of us may find ourselves doing during this time of pandemic).  

And then, these golden lines: 

"When I'm traveling, each day brings unexpected happenings. 

I collect these special moments, treasuring them in my heart." 

It's important that we pay attention to the unexpected happenings that pop up in our days. Today it was seeing a friend when I ventured out briefly in our unhealthy air to pick up library books. It warms my heart to see a friend, even when we're wearing masks. 

Glenda asked us to share the picture books that heal our souls. And so I share two additional favorites that I've read over and over during the past six months. 

I wrote a bit about The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse for a blog post in April. It is still one of my favorite books. I love that I had it from the library for several months and have since purchased it and gifted several copies to family members.

The last book that I'll share is a favorite Cynthia Rylant title published in 2005, The Stars Still Shine. These words from the book jacket capture how I feel about this book: ". . . this gentle, life-affirming book reassures us all that, even in uncertain times, every day of every year offers good things that will bring us joy." You will love the illustrations, you will treasure the words, and you will find yourself spellbound by the goodness of this book.

I can't write about picture books and their goodness and how they sustain me without a note of gratitude to my writer friends whose recommendations guide my reading life. I'm blessed indeed!

To savor the magic of story, join the fun by linking your story at Sharing Our Stories.