On two different occasions, I have had the pleasure of hearing Brother Juniper read aloud to a crowd of attentive young children at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. On both days, the children alternated between rapt attention and happy giggles. What was so funny and intriguing? Brother Juniper, in his generosity, gave away all sorts of things - and sometimes the very clothes on his body! The children wonder what can possibly become of such a generous, and seemingly foolish man, who gives away everything. The delightful resolution to the story answers their questions, and provokes children to follow the way of sharing and generosity.
Certainly generosity is a trait that many parents want for their children. Yet like the other virtues, what is most compelling to children (and their parents) is not a lecture about its importance, but a real example of it in practice. Children's literature provides a unique and wonderful opportunity for parents to present, celebrate and emulate these examples. It also provides a shared experience in which parents can point back to 'the generosity of Brother Juniper' as parents and children together face daily opportunities to show generosity.
As parents, the question is not whether we are teaching our children, but what we are teaching. This book is a wonderful tool for such teaching.
Teaching with Literature
April 2, 2009
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