BOOKS: Because of You

At SixSeeds, we believe in the power of a good story.  The books our children are hearing and reading will move, inspire, and sometimes even shape their lives... even young lives. This week, we take a popular kids' book and examine it. Hopefully, the next time you're browsing though a crowded bookstore, our reviews will help you sort through the thousands of titles…  and you can choose wisely!

Each time a child is born the world changes. When you were born, there was a new person for your family to love and care for. And because of you, there is one more person who can love and care for others.

Because of you, there is one more person who needs help
And one more person who can help others.

In a refreshing twist, B.G Hennessy turns the children’s book prototype on its head in her bestseller, Because of You. Instead of a mere celebration of the uniqueness of each new child, she introduces the concept of … social responsibility.  Yes, dear child, you are someone who deserves attention and love…  yet you are also someone who can give it as well. The symbiotic nature of relationship and community takes center stage, a pleasant alternative to the “you’re the center of the universe” theme found in so many kid's books.

What’s not to love about this tender, watercolor-and-ink book?

Plenty, actually.

While the first pages talk about kindness and friendship, parents all across America could be softly lulling their young one to sleep.

Until… the author makes a leap from the practice of caring for others to the closing message, complete with an illustration of the happy, tranquil globe:

When people from different countries help, care, share, and listen to one another, it is called peace…

For Mom and Dad to Consider:

Is this book right?  

The day I reviewed this book, seven kids from four different families played at our house.  (Interestingly, they were from three different countries.) Thankfully, it was a good day.  Everyone was really kind to each other, there were no cross words, lots of sharing, tons of laughter, and yes... even encouraging words. The boys, who were playing in tall grass, however were covered in ticks.  How did they respond to this threat?  Even though they listened to and helped each other, their response was to collect these pesky insects and blow them up in the microwave. 

I intervened, but the near-miss was not a good pre-cursor to this book that jumps all the way from getting along to world peace.  Even in my own house, helping, caring, sharing, and listening to one another ended up in…  well somewhere closer to chaos and a new microwave than “peace.”

While these qualities are certainly crucial aspects of the peace process, what other components are essential? Purposeful mission?  Capable leadership? Truth? How often are we simply satisfied with everybody getting along? Does the mission around which they are peacefully uniting matter?

I’m not sophisticated enough to draw the connections of this mindset to the global political climate we find ourselves in.  But for a nation in a time of war, does this message cut it?

Things to Talk to Your Kids About: 

What are the beneficial results of practicing the things the author is encouraging? Why do we share, listen, help, etc.?

Who serves you? Whom do you serve?

What is peace?

The Bottom Line:

This book seems to be written more for grownups who want to raise socially responsible kids than for the kids themselves.  But if you like that definition of peace -- or can work around it — this might be the book for you.

We are giving this book away this week! Please leave a comment for a chance to win. We always love to hear from you.

On one week from publication at noon (EST), we'll pick a name in a random drawing from all eligible entries received and send you an email notification.  When you receive your package in the mail, you'll find out which book you received!

Limit one (1) entry per person; NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and Washington D.C. who are 18 or older as of date of entry.

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