I've been learning Japanese and looking for children's books for reading practice - Kuma-Kuma Chan looks perfect! And it'd be a wonderful and easy way, like you said, to remind myself of the smaller things in life that ultimately give us a bit of solace.
Thanks Taylor, I needed this! I too have fallen off the wagon while fixated on watching the world burn around us. Kuma-Kuma Chan is the perfect antidote.
I bought Kuma Kuma-Chan for my daughter a few years ago and we loved reading it together, but for some reason I'd kind of forgotten about it. Thank you so much for reminding me to revisit, and for providing me with a new-found appreciation for its deep and perfect simplicity. Wondering if you've read any Sato the Rabbit books, they seem like they'd be right up your alley!
Thank you for this post, it was what I needed to hear today (and every day for the past, oh, forever or so, it seems like). I love the idea that finding a place comfort and calm provides an environment for finding courage. What a beautiful post!
I really needed this post today. It really feels like the world is falling apart right now and we've also been through a slew of therapies and doctors appointments just to find out that my oldest not only has ADD but is also autistic. So it just feels like I have control over nothing right now. I realize that it isn't cancer or something serious, but it still feels like this impossible situation and there just isn't any peace or respite in my life. Just reading these pages that you have shared brought me to tears because it feels like I am the little bear. Some days all I get is the chance to plant some seeds and weed in my garden. I don't know why that makes me cry. Maybe it's everything I have going on right now, but this was lovely. Thank you so much for sharing. It was very needed and has inspired me to go back to all the childrens books I have to seek some solace.
Annie, oh girl, I completely understand what you're going through. Things could always be worse, but that doesn't mean what you're dealing with isn't hard! It's OK to feel emotional, and I'm glad this could lift your spirits a little. I am in the midst of dealing with the exact same things as you (for three of us!), and it can feel so overwhelming on top of everything else. It helps me to focus on the present and what I can control. I quickly spiral into stress mode! Art, books, nature, friends, and a long walk help immensely! Sending you love!
This was wonderful to read. I have been thinking a lot about imagination lately - how and when we lose it, what incites it, and how we can cultivate more of it as adults (no easy task amidst the news and life obligations). Thank you for continuing us to slow down, notice and imagine a little more.
Thanks, Christy. Yes, that is what I've been doing too. The news makes it especially hard, but also, being so busy with my daily tasks, it can feel like I don't have time to foster my creativity. However, I've been trying to think of those tasks differently and lean into them. That helps me feel like they aren't running my life, but ARE my life, and helps me think more creatively (sometimes!). :)
I didn't know of this book and illustrations are so subtle and beautiful. I loved Katherine Rundell's series on children's literature and find great comfort in returning to old favourites. Thank you for the introduction and such an enjoyable piece.
Oh Taylor, how do you always seem to know what I need to read? Thanks for this gift! When I start feeling like my ideas and stories are frivolous and small in a world so big and scary, I will remind myself imagination is a NECESSITY ♥️ We definitely need more pathways to love right now.
Thanks, Rachel! I've been struggling with this recently. It's been blocking my brain and draining me, but when I zoom in and focus on what matters to me—the things I can control each day—it helps me so much! And believing in imagination!
I've been learning Japanese and looking for children's books for reading practice - Kuma-Kuma Chan looks perfect! And it'd be a wonderful and easy way, like you said, to remind myself of the smaller things in life that ultimately give us a bit of solace.
I'm so happy you found them. I hope they help. :)
Thanks Taylor, I needed this! I too have fallen off the wagon while fixated on watching the world burn around us. Kuma-Kuma Chan is the perfect antidote.
Thanks, Kelsey. Hopefully little Kuma-Kuma Chan can help gently guide us back onto the wagon. :)
I bought Kuma Kuma-Chan for my daughter a few years ago and we loved reading it together, but for some reason I'd kind of forgotten about it. Thank you so much for reminding me to revisit, and for providing me with a new-found appreciation for its deep and perfect simplicity. Wondering if you've read any Sato the Rabbit books, they seem like they'd be right up your alley!
Oh, I'm so glad, Anne. Yes, I have read those books—they are so dreamy and lovely!
Thank you for this post, it was what I needed to hear today (and every day for the past, oh, forever or so, it seems like). I love the idea that finding a place comfort and calm provides an environment for finding courage. What a beautiful post!
I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you.
Im amazed by this post and how children’s books takes us somewhere else. Thanks so much Taylor, for taking the time to write it and share it
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Sonia. Thank you.
♥️
Thanks for your courage. I love what say about imagination. Please keep this going.
Thank you!
We love Kuma Kuma Chan in our house too. Such a beautiful series.
❤️
I really needed this post today. It really feels like the world is falling apart right now and we've also been through a slew of therapies and doctors appointments just to find out that my oldest not only has ADD but is also autistic. So it just feels like I have control over nothing right now. I realize that it isn't cancer or something serious, but it still feels like this impossible situation and there just isn't any peace or respite in my life. Just reading these pages that you have shared brought me to tears because it feels like I am the little bear. Some days all I get is the chance to plant some seeds and weed in my garden. I don't know why that makes me cry. Maybe it's everything I have going on right now, but this was lovely. Thank you so much for sharing. It was very needed and has inspired me to go back to all the childrens books I have to seek some solace.
Annie, oh girl, I completely understand what you're going through. Things could always be worse, but that doesn't mean what you're dealing with isn't hard! It's OK to feel emotional, and I'm glad this could lift your spirits a little. I am in the midst of dealing with the exact same things as you (for three of us!), and it can feel so overwhelming on top of everything else. It helps me to focus on the present and what I can control. I quickly spiral into stress mode! Art, books, nature, friends, and a long walk help immensely! Sending you love!
This was wonderful to read. I have been thinking a lot about imagination lately - how and when we lose it, what incites it, and how we can cultivate more of it as adults (no easy task amidst the news and life obligations). Thank you for continuing us to slow down, notice and imagine a little more.
Thanks, Christy. Yes, that is what I've been doing too. The news makes it especially hard, but also, being so busy with my daily tasks, it can feel like I don't have time to foster my creativity. However, I've been trying to think of those tasks differently and lean into them. That helps me feel like they aren't running my life, but ARE my life, and helps me think more creatively (sometimes!). :)
I love that—I’m going to remember that idea this week and see how my mindset might shift. I appreciate you!
Loved all of this, Taylor. Thank you.
I'm glad, Jacob! Thank you.
I didn't know of this book and illustrations are so subtle and beautiful. I loved Katherine Rundell's series on children's literature and find great comfort in returning to old favourites. Thank you for the introduction and such an enjoyable piece.
I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
Oh Taylor, how do you always seem to know what I need to read? Thanks for this gift! When I start feeling like my ideas and stories are frivolous and small in a world so big and scary, I will remind myself imagination is a NECESSITY ♥️ We definitely need more pathways to love right now.
Thanks, Rachel! I've been struggling with this recently. It's been blocking my brain and draining me, but when I zoom in and focus on what matters to me—the things I can control each day—it helps me so much! And believing in imagination!
I’m with you and cheering you on ♥️ your stories and voice matter to me!
Have you read any Sato the Rabbit? Similar vibe I’d say!
I have! Those books are beautiful. And “Little Shrew” by Akiko Miyakoshi has some similarities too.
As an elementary educator, I delight in reading children’s books. You so eloquently described their inherent magic
Thank you! And yes, they’re life-changing. ❤️
I'll be forever amazed how children's books can put softness and potency onto the same page with ease. Really enjoyed these life lessons!
That is such a lovely way to describe them. 100% agree.