Hard Work Pays Off, Big-Time (or Pig-Time?)

Have you ever been told you couldn't do something?  Few activities in life come easily at first, even for talented felines such as moi, and it helps to be encouraged over the early rough bits.  But our instant gratification society places a premium upon immediate results, and so we are often faced with what are perceived to be insurmountable challenges, either by ourselves (and so we give up) or by others (sadly, including those instructing or evaluating us), who tell us to give it a rest.  Either way, we try, we encounter obstacles (or do not achieve success straightaway), and so we move on to the next flavor of the moment.

This scenario applies to youngsters, too.  Olympic and world champion figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi drives home this point with good humor and grace in her children's picture book, Dream Big, Little Pig! (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, Juvenile Fiction/Picture Book, 2011) (ISBN  9781402252754).  The illustrations by Tim Bowers capture the moods beautifully.  Poppy's disappointment with the difficulties she encounters when she explores different types of personal expression, as well as the disappointment she feels when discouraged by others, are poignantly felt.  Finding one's talent niche isn't easy for anyone, especially for a pot-bellied pig, but Poppy perseveres, until she ultimately triumphs in discovering her passion and skill.  The plot is ably summarized in this book trailer by The Lady With the Red Hair.

When it comes to achieving your dreams, hard work pays off, big-time.  With the love and support of family, friends, and mentors, you can become anything.  I can't think of a better message for a children's picture book.

Keeping the "Im" Out of Possible,

Cauli Le Chat

MPL Roving Reporter

Readers' Advisory News Beat

P.S.  There are more dream songs than you've had hot dinners, but "Runnin' Down a Dream," from the album Full Moon Fever (1989) by Tom Petty, is flat-out cool.