BOOKS: You Can Do it

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!

Title:  You Can Do It!

Author: Tony Dungy

Illustrator:  Amy June Bates

Publisher: Little Simon Inspirations

Age:  4-8

Cost: $16.99

Buy it: You Can Do It!

Rating:  5 ½ seeds out of 6

Bestselling author and coach Tony Dungy writes about his family in You Can Do It!, a compelling book about finding and following one’s dreams.  Particularly, he writes about Linden, his little brother.  While Tony figures out early in life that sports are his passion, Linden doesn’t have a clue what his “it” is.  When a toothache causes Linden to go to the dentist, however, he experiences the excitement and joy that Tony feels about sports. Big brother Tony spurs Linden on in a way that parents long to see in their children.

While the focus is on Linden discovering his dream, the story is framed in a realistic dreams take work kind of way rather than a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow sentimentalism. Particularly notable, we see a journey that really belongs to the child. No parental manipulation here, in fact good parenting can be found throughout this story.

There is Encouragement: One of several examples is when Dad reminds Linden, “You’ll find your dream in your own time.”

There is Exposure: Linden gets quite excited about science after being encouraged to look into his Dad’s microscope.   

There is Communication: Dad gives his son a glimpse into his own heart as he talks about finding his “it” while encouraging Linden that he will find his as well.

Things to Talk to Your Kids About:

What do you enjoy doing?

What needs in the world can you meet with your abilities?

What will it take to get better at the things you love?

What are your siblings’ and friends’ skills? (The book wonderfully counteracts selfishness by showing the family’s concern and appreciation for the people around them.)

For Mom and Dad to Consider:

It’s a good reminder not to get parental desires for children’s futures all tangled up with what the kids really can and should do with their lives. Ask the question -- is the child willing and able? Too often, parents focus on one to the exclusion of the other. But to look at both their willingness (do they want to do it?) and ability (are they gifted in this area?) is a good diagnostic tool that can keep parental ambitions in check.

The Bottom Line:

While it would have been nice to have some other careers highlighted (it’s easy to be proud when a child turns out to be dentist), the story is authentic to the Dungy family’s experience…  and a poignant and touching picture of family life.