There’s a time to shine for all of us, but often we sparkle most when our actions are done quietly. There are two lovely ladies at our church who, without being asked, started their own little visitation ministry. Each week they go to visit shut ins, or the sick, taking them a church bulletin, words of encouragement, and share some laughter. This week – they took my mom, who is home-bound a bouquet of carnations. I didn’t even know until Mom told me about it. These ladies are so quiet in their serving – yet everyone in our church has been touched by their love and kindness.
In my PPB pick this week, our little heroine, Rosie, learns that to be noticed sometimes you just need to be quiet and do the right thing.
Title: Rosie Sprout’s Time To Shine
Author: Allison Wortche
Illustrator: Patrice Barton
Publisher: Alfred A Knopf, 2011
Genre: Fiction
Audience Age: 4 & up
Themes/Topics: Competition, School, Kindness
Opening Sentences: ”Violet was the best – everyone agreed. She ran the fastest in gym class. She sang the highest in choir practice. She was the loudest storyteller at lunchtime. And she looked the fanciest on picture day.”
Synopsis: Rosie is envious of Violet who is ‘best’ at everything. Poor Rosie wants to be best at something, but Violet never gives her a chance. When the entire class gets to grow their own pea plant, Rosie sabotages Violet’s. When class starts the next day, it is announced that Violet is out with the chicken pox. Rosie feels horribly guilty, but finally discovers what she is best at in the process.
Why I like it: Rosie is a normal child. She feels jealousy each time Violet is ‘best’ at something (which is often), and she is not. We’ve all had those feelings at times when we seem to be invisible to others. When reading the story, even my four-year old grandgirl felt sorry for Rosie – but gasped when Rosie was naughty to Violet’s plant. The story resolves itself very gently, without any adult intervention or preaching. Rosie knows what is the right thing to do – but even goes beyond that to make things good. This is a lovely, gentle story about kindness and hard work being more important than being noticed.
The illustrations are by Patrice Barton, who is one of my favorite illustrators. There is a freshness and energy in the classroom drawings. The children are depicted in such natural ways and expressions I think Ms Barton must have drawn them while sitting in an elementary classroom.
Oh – and a side note, a week later after I had already returned this book to the library, my 4 yr old grand asked if we could read ‘Rosie’ again…I guess it made an impression.
Activities/Resources: Teacher’s Handout w/word search & drawing suggestions, 5 different plant growing suggestions recommended by teachers here.
Availability: Readily available. Amazon, Barnes & Noble
(Susanna Leonard Hill is the originator of PPBF and you can find all the other PPB recommendations and links on her blog. Also remember, Susanna is offering an online writing course-see my post from yesterday or go directly to Susanna’s blog.)
Blessings on your day, and enjoy the book.
Laura (Grandmamiller)
What a wonderful service those ladies do for people in your church. Years ago, my late husband was touched by such acts of kindness. I try to do similar things to return the kindness. And, what a lovely book. I’m heading back over to my library account to add this title. Have a wonderful day.
Stacy, what a wonderful way to perpetuate kindness. You will like this book.
What a good example for other children, Laura…not only to restore but to go the second mile. No wonder your grand kids were impressed! Thanks for sharing…
That second mile is often more difficult – but more rewarding.
Bringing smiles into others lives – the women must enjoy themselves immensely! I look forward to reading this book, too.
These women are amazing – and you’d never guess which ones they are – because they are two of the quietest women in our church.
Love it – I see a nice story here too!
Ooh what a great lesson. A lot of people must be ignoring the don’t preach rule, because this is full of it but in a good way.
I went with a few ladies from my friend’s church to visit widows before Christmas and I loved it so much I want to do it again, but I feel so sorry for this one lady who was so incredibly lonely on an evening when everyone else is busy with their families, I wish she lived nearer to me I’d go there and write.
There is also a widow lady in our church who started visiting at a nearby nursing home. She would stop and talk to the residents-complete strangers-and just say some kind words and have a prayer. Her mobility has slowed her down now (she is 89), but her kindness has never ceased. Mother Teresa said once, preach the gospel at all times, when necessary use words.”
Thanks for stopping, Catherine.
Awh, that’s lovely.
What a cute book with a big message. That Rosie on the cover looks so sweet! Thanks for sharing this one!
You’re welcome, Rhythm. By the way, I liked your ‘Valentine’ look this week…and did you notice any odd mail? There seem to be dog hairs on my keyboard.
Well, thank you! Nothing odd coming this way! Dog hairs on the keyboard – crazy. Although around our house I don’t think that there is any surface that is free from dog hair. We like to make our presence known in subtle ways.
Laura, what child hasn’t felt like Rosie — invisible to other kids, especially to another who shines. This story is very real for kids and I’m so glad you shared it. I must check it out for my granddaughter. I love the message.
Thanks, Patricia, I know you’ll enjoy it.
This book reminded me of the sign at our post office. “Be polite. Not because others are polite to you, but because it’s the right thing to do.” And it is!
Wow – I like that!!
I love big-hearted stories like this. This is a book I suspect ALL kids can relate to. What sweet ladies in your church.
I like them too – they also serve to remind us adults *ahem* how we should behave. And those 2 sweet ladies just surprised me by taking me to dinner (my hubby was not home this evening).
This book sounds lovely, Laura. The message is wonderful. And I love the cover art. It’s so true… just like your church ladies… that oftentimes good deeds go unsung and those are the really good people – the ones who do things genuinely and not for recognition. Thanks for adding this book to our list!
Thanks, Susanna. From the first I ever read your blog – that is the feeling I’ve had about you – you genuinely care about all of us.
What a lovely, lovely book. And what lovely ladies at your church! Thanks, Laura, for sharing both stories with us.
My granddaughter asked for this book twice today. I’m not sure what it is she likes so much. I think it could be the illustrations. They are a lovely soft pastel but have an authentic warm feel to them. But then the story just draws you in.