Friday was our dog Scout’s birthday. He turned nine. In “people years” he is almost a senior citizen – although he still often acts like a puppy.
I learned recently that the smaller the animal, the slower time moves for them. This partly explains why it’s so challenging to swat a fly. You are moving in slow motion to them.
Each day, a staggering 70,000 puppies are born in the United States. This is compared to only 10,000 babies.
In the children’s book industry, they celebrate “book birthdays” on the date of a new book’s publication. If you average it out, only ten children’s picture books are “born” each day.
On Tuesday, my latest book, America Gives Thanks, will be one of them.
The book might have one of the strangest origin stories for a children’s book ever. It was inspired in equal parts by January 6th, my daughter’s 7th grade English essay, field trips and my overall disillusionment with Washington DC – a city which once stirred in me such awe and appreciation.
Yet this is a book of hope.
America Gives Thanks serves as a reminder that, in spite of all our challenges and differences, our history is filled with stories of people who have voiced complaints in order to “bend the moral arc toward justice” and to “form a more perfect Union.”
The stories in the book include those of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Abraham Lincoln, FDR, Marian Anderson and Claiborne Pell. The last name may not sound as familiar as the others, but without his efforts to make college more affordable I likely wouldn’t be writing this to you now.
These stories teach our children – and remind us adults – that it is not only acceptable for us to raise concerns, but it is essential that we do so as it is part of what really makes America great. Providing, of course, that we do so respectfully and peacefully; in ways that bring us together, not tear us apart; and do so to help others, not deprive them of opportunities.
As our country approaches its own big birthday – turning 250 next year – we want our children to both be proud of their country and to, when appropriate, question it.
I love America, and I give thanks to all those featured in this book and those throughout our history who have and continue to speak up to make it better.
Recommendation of the Week: Join me in celebrating America Gives Thanks book birthday by getting one for your family or sending one to someone who is standing up for others.
Consider sharing this with someone who has a raised a concern to make your community better and that you are now grateful for.