Inspiring children to put empathy into action every day, by showing them how to shine their light.
Written by: Toluwalola Kasali for MagicBeans Bookstore
Telling stories – a gift to make an impact
My earliest memory of writing was as a child, creating my first stories on pieces of paper, painting the characters with bright colours, and stapling those pieces together to make my first book. What I did not know at the time was the world of possibilities that existed in this form of expression to make a positive impact. Once I came to that understanding, I knew this gift was something I had been empowered with, so I could contribute to the world by making a difference in my little corner – so I write – and my first children’s book is focused on just
that – inspiring children to show empathy and become a light in the world.
Shining a light in a world that needs it
Children begin to see, feel, hear, and experience the world around them as they grow. They go to school, the playground, football practice, dance class, and summer camp – they interact with friends and other children who may have diverse backgrounds, experiences, cultures, and needs. If children are to value other people’s experiences and show understanding and compassion for them, it is important that they hear and see this from parents, guardians, caregivers, and teachers. In interacting with them, you may not have all the answers, but you
can provide them with a compass to help them build social and emotional life skills and values to love themselves and others, accept diversity, help others, and be more inclusive.
When we show them the way to go, it gets a bit easier for them to navigate life. This will help them become aware and enable them to empathise with others in our society, growing to shine a light in a world that desperately needs it.
Let Your Light So Shine – the power of humanity
Every little act of kindness helps children to feel seen, heard, accepted, remembered, and loved. Children learn by example, and by showing them how to lead with compassion, gratitude, kindness, courage, acceptance, and love, they can do the same. This book shows children how to put empathy into action daily by being kind with their words and actions, sharing with others in need, standing up for a friend who is being bullied, holding out a helping hand to a friend, accepting our diversity, making everyone feel welcome, and being courageous. Through a collection of short stories and beautiful illustrations, this book
demonstrates the power of humanity. It helps children to develop values that can help to make the world a better place. Children can learn to impact their communities in little positive ways and achieve profound impact – that, my friend, is the power of our shared humanity.
Supporting children across the world
When we choose empathy, we can begin to see the world through the eyes of another person.
Even though we may not fully understand what it feels like to walk in the shoes of another, we can listen, be understanding, and try to help in any little way we can. We need to show kids why helping and giving back matters - and that is the spirit and purpose of this book.
Through this, children can come together to listen, care for others, improve their schools and communities, contribute to societal problems and be of service to others.
As children read this book, we can ask them to also share their perspectives on how they view the different characters and try to put themselves in their shoes.
About the author
Toluwalola is an author, advocate, professional and director of an award-winning documentary. She loves children and hopes to inspire and support them with her book. She hopes that by writing this book, children can learn about the power of humanity by sharing with them examples of compassion, kindness, courage, giving, gratitude, acceptance, and love.
Let Your Light So Shine
Written By: Toluwalola Kasali
Illustrated By: Kateryna Hubaidulina
For more information about this book and how it also supports children across the world:
Visit the website: https://letyourlightsoshinebook.wordpress.com/
Instagram: @letyourlightsoshinebook
To find this book and other great self published children's books, visit our website @ www.magicbeansbookstore.com
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