Last week I wrote to you about how reading aloud to those you love makes them feel special. As feeling special is a universal dream, it’s a simple way to “make it so.”
Another universal dream is to have our very own adventure—one where we do brave things and make a difference. The fantasy adventure genre is a perfect container to bring this dream alive. The Curse of the Neverland sees eleven-year-old Piper Pizzinni carried to the Neverland by Belle, formerly Tinker Bell, told that she is Peter Pan’s only remaining heir, and tasked with saving the magical island. You have to admit, it’s a significant adventure!
Today’s recommended read also brings dreamed-of adventure to life beautifully:
The Sign of the Cat, by Lynne Jonell
“Talking cats, a missing princess, swordfights with villains, and secret identities combine in this epic tale of bravery and self-discovery on the high seas.”
—Goodreads Blurb
It starts: “Duncan was a boy who could speak cat.” Clearly, this boy is unique—harking back to the universal dream of wanting to be special. But he doesn’t know how special. As far as he knows, he’s spent his entire life being told by his mother to never stand out, even when it means under-achieving. His resentment at having to pretend he is less talented than he really is, is completely understandable.
This very resentment sends Duncan out from his island home, in search of recognition. The fact that he gets far more adventure than he bargained for is our pleasure as readers, along for the vicarious ride.
So it is with Piper Pan and Her Merry Band. While they set out to do one thing, circumstances require even more. A grand adventure generally takes us by surprise, demands everything we have, plus, (growth is required in order to succeed), and leaves us with greater awareness and appreciation of who we are and what we are capable of. Another word for this: self-confidence.
Adventure, even the vicarious kind, grows confidence. A child (or a grown-up) reads for the pleasure of the adventure, and ends up with another positive emotional journey to add to their arsenal, as well as the undeniable tool of facility with language. Reading grows vocabulary. Reading grows confidence.
Here’s to reading—both by yourself, and with those you love!
P.S. Welcome to those of you I met at “Frosty’s Holiday Fair” at the 5th Avenue Retirement Center last weekend! Whether you left with a book or just said “hello,” it was great to meet you.
P.P.S. The hardback version of my book will only be available through the end of December, 2015. The cover becomes a “collectible,” as the paperback has a new cover design. If you know my Piper Pan, Alexi Rampp-Taft, and want to commemorate her appearance, buy an extra copy now!