Taking lessons from Frederick

In the book Everything I Need to Know I Learned from a Children's Book edited by Anita Silvey, 100 leaders from the arts, humanities, science and business each share how a specific children's book influenced them. You can hear Anita Silvey talking about the book at the Library of Congress.

I shared some of the stories with students last year. I think the Peter Lynch essay is fabulous!  This coming year I would love to inspire the students to write their own essay. Stay tuned on that front.  Right now, I want to share one of mine.

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I spend the summer on a mountain.  Actually I spend it on the side of a mountain.  Really I spend it on the side of a mountain that was a former volcano.  There is always something interesting to do - hike, bike and walk; plant, grow and harvest; or, swim, dive, and paddle.  I engage in these activities, but I spend a good deal of each day just being - looking and listening.  I came to a realization this year.  I am like Frederick. If you are not familiar with the book, watch this.

Like Frederick, I gather sun rays, colors and words.

I hold onto these images and sounds to remember them during the  dark, cold days of winter.

Like Frederick, I gathered the sights and sounds of summer to share.

But unlike Frederick, I am impatient so will share some of them with you now. Don't worry, I still gathered plenty more sounds and sights to share later.