48 online
 
Most Popular Choices
Share on Facebook 93 Printer Friendly Page More Sharing
Exclusive to OpEd News:
Life Arts    H4'ed 12/16/19

Gifts That Help Kids Cope with our Political Climate

Follow Me on Twitter     Message Meryl Ann Butler
Become a Fan
  (81 fans)

My granddaughter was trembling and scared when she told me that her mom had been crying after the last presidential election, because "a very bad man is in charge of us." She was only four at the time.

Three years later, she's still stressed about our political climate.

How can we help our kids and grandkids get through this portion of the American adventure with hope and maybe even a sense of empowerment? I went to my KidLit411 Facebook group for suggestions - I got a lot of great ones, and my granddaughter and I checked out all of the books we could get our hands on. Here are the ones she liked best:

We've Got the Whole World in Our Hands (Scholastic Press, 2018) is Rafael Lopez' reassuring adaptation of the familiar song, featuring his signature stunning illustrations. (See my interview with Rafael on OEN here.) The joyful images and soothing refrains offer a sense of comfort in distressing times.

We've Got the Whole World in Our Hands
We've Got the Whole World in Our Hands
(Image by Rafael Lopez)
  Details   DMCA

Sulwe (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2019) by Lupita Nyong'o with captivatingly beautiful illustrations by Vashti Harrison tells a story of a little girl's concern about the color of her skin, and her path to finding the light within--the source of her real power.

Sulwe
Sulwe
(Image by Lupita Nyong'o)
  Details   DMCA

Finding Kindness (Henry Holt and Co., 2019) by Deborah Underwood with lovely illustrations by Irene Chan is a simple, poetic reminder to look for kindness everywhere, and offers easily doable kindness activities that any age can put into action.

Finding Kindness
Finding Kindness
(Image by Deborah Underwood)
  Details   DMCA

Myla's #1 choice was Grace for President (Disney-Hyperion, 2012) by Kelly Dipucchio and illustrated by LeUyen Pham - Myla wanted me to read it to her over and over, and when I got tired of that, she just read it to herself. When Grace's teacher reveals that the United States has never had a female president, Grace decides to be the first.

Reading
Reading 'Grace for President'
(Image by Meryl Ann Butler)
  Details   DMCA

Myla's runner-up was a how-to craft book, Potholder Loom Designs: 140 Colorful Patterns by Harrisville (Schiffer Publishing, Ltd., 2019.) It offers an assortment of patterns that can be woven on Harrisville's vintage-style potholder looms.

Potholder Loom Designs
Potholder Loom Designs
(Image by Harrisville Designs)
  Details   DMCA

Myla has a thriving potholder business; at 7, she makes almost minimum wage (after paying for the supplies) and she can hardly keep up with the orders from her devoted customer base. And the process of creativity is a balm for the soul.

"Crafting can help those who suffer from anxiety, depression or chronic pain, experts say. It may also ease stress (and) increase happiness."

Myla making a potholder on her Harrisville Potholder  Loom
Myla making a potholder on her Harrisville Potholder Loom
(Image by Meryl Ann Butler)
  Details   DMCA

The holiday season is a perfect time to offer our youngsters comfort and hope through specifically selected gifts.

See Myla's book choices for 2018 here.

Rate It | View Ratings

Meryl Ann Butler Social Media Pages: Facebook page url on login Profile not filled in       Twitter page url on login Profile not filled in       Linkedin page url on login Profile not filled in       Instagram page url on login Profile not filled in

Meryl Ann Butler is an artist, author, educator and OpedNews Managing Editor who has been actively engaged in utilizing the arts as stepping-stones toward joy-filled wellbeing since she was a hippie. She began writing for OpEdNews in Feb, 2004. She became a Senior Editor in August 2012 and Managing Editor in January, (more...)
 

Go To Commenting
The views expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of this website or its editors.
Follow Me on Twitter     Writers Guidelines

 
Contact AuthorContact Author Contact EditorContact Editor Author PageView Authors' Articles
Support OpEdNews

OpEdNews depends upon can't survive without your help.

If you value this article and the work of OpEdNews, please either Donate or Purchase a premium membership.

STAY IN THE KNOW
If you've enjoyed this, sign up for our daily or weekly newsletter to get lots of great progressive content.
Daily Weekly     OpEd News Newsletter
Name
Email
   (Opens new browser window)
 

Most Popular Articles by this Author:     (View All Most Popular Articles by this Author)

CEO Ridiculed for Raising Minimum Wage to $70K Has the Last Laugh

The Bizarre Theft of Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski's Miracle Cancer Cure

Mysterious Bayou Sinkhole Continues to Cave In: Radiation, Hydrocarbons Detected

Tips for Avoiding Coronavirus

Relentless Bayou Corne Sinkhole Nearly 30 Times Original Size (UPDATED with Cave-In Video)

Sex, Love, and Jesus: A Few Surprises in the Easter Basket

To View Comments or Join the Conversation:

Tell A Friend