As I say, take a deep breath and consider this: it might not be your thing (and that’s ok).

You can tell your middle kids that sometimes it might seem like they can’t do the things they want to do in the way they want to do them (or the way their siblings do them). This story will inspire you to help your middle children discover and celebrate their unique talents. Not only is his drawing beautiful, but it says everything he wanted to say. He draws a turquoise river and a tree, and finally, he draws his friends. He draws a bright orange sun that is dripping tear-like drops of light onto the world. Why, oh why, then, is poor Tapir lost for words?!Įventually, Tapir begins experimenting with his pencils. Giraffe has a way with words, Hippo is clever, and Flamingo is a talented songwriter. In this story, Tapir is surrounded by very talented friends. Then, maybe invite them to draw their favorite ice cream flavor or how a hug feels. The artist Simone Shin does a great job of incorporating Nico’s simple scribbles and drawings into the colorful double spreads of mixed-media illustrations.Īfter reading the story, you can ask your kids their thoughts on what it feels like not to be understood and how they might communicate better. The second step is to think if a particularly strong feeling has a color, shape, or texture, and let it all out on paper. Seeing what was inside you out in front of you can be a revelation and a relief. The first step in an art therapy session is to invite kids to slow down, listen to their bodies, and identify what they are feeling. The truth is all our children need to learn strategies for dealing with strong feelings. He lets his ideas and feelings flow through him, and then “ escapes into his paper in a whirlwind of color. Nico is a creative boy who is moved to draw unusual things, like the “ ring-ring” of the ice cream truck and the warmth of the sun.

Samantha on a Roll by Linda Ashman