Be The Train...

Sometimes children's books (or at least the ideals in them) can change your life!

My mom always read to me, and encouraged me to read aloud to her, and even to myself for better comprehension. I still read aloud...even to my college students and when doing my own lesson planning & homework. One of my favorite childhood books may be cheesy to some, but it always inspired me as: The Little Engine That Could (1930).

The train itself is passionate and constantly optimistic. Maybe I also liked that it was a girl. There were and still are so few female main characters in children's books, that are not some super heroes' sidekick, girlfriend, or at least a helpless princess/ damsel in distress type. This is particularly interesting, since both the original train and the later heroine are females and vehicles! Trains, planes, automobiles, etc...are usually only considered masculine or at least "for" males.

Additionally, she loves her work—delivering toys and treats to bring joy to children on the other side of a mountain. But like everyone in life, she experienced a hang-up and could no longer run; she and her friends (the toys) had to ask other trains for help (none of which would acquiesce, for various reasons). They began to cry and worry. Finally, a small blue engine came along.

She did not feel strong/ big enough to make a difference; however, she put forth the effort, wanted to help others, and most importantly...believed in herself—speaking the iconic words, "I think I can...I think I can..." pushing the other train up and over the hill—into the valley of deserving children awaiting their gifts.

 

Because of my mom's push to educate me, my ongoing mentor, and many other individuals I am indebted to for life, I will be able to go down into a "valley" and hopefully bring joy and inspiration to others as well.

 

This is an image of the book I taught for my lesson sample the day I got hired: Is Your Mama a Llama? :)

 

 

 

Always remember, reading, education, the help of others, and believing in yourself can make a difference. You may fail a ton of times, be denied help, and even have to cry a bit; however, keep trying, "thinking you can," and one day, it WILL pay off!