Praise for Mia Inspired!

     One of my absolute favorite parts of reading month is being a guest reader for young children.  When I was a middle school counselor and as well as a secondary school principal, I always volunteered to visit the elementary schools and guest read to various classes.  The children's awe and anticipation as they sit attentively, listen to a story, marvel over the illustrations, and eagerly await the outcome has always been so inspiring to me!  That feeling was no different today as I was a guest reader in my daughter's Junior Kindergarten class at the Goddard School.
     I was recently blessed with the opportunity to receive one of the first copies of Mia Inspired! A Caterpillar at a Crossroad, which is written and illustrated by Pam Brooks-Crump and just released last month, when she asked me to review it for her.  It was that book that I chose to read today, and I am so glad that I did.  The kids absolutely loved it and the teacher commented that [the author] "did such a nice job with the illustrations as well as the concepts in the story".
     Mia Inspired! is about a caterpillar named Mia who dreams of seeing the world.  As she thinks about the world around her, she begins the process of metamorphosis and finds herself trapped in her chrysalis and questioning what is happening to her. Through the process of self-talk, she assures herself that she is okay and her home in her chrysalis is a safe place.  When she awakens, she hears her "Inner Guide" speaking to her and encouraging her to go out and see the world, yet she continues to struggle with the fear within her.  Mia musters enough courage to ask her "Inner Guide" to lead the way, and soon she escapes her cocoon and discovers she is a beautiful Monarch butterfly.  Even though Mia is pleased with the personal change she has undergone, her doubts continue when she learns that she will have to travel on a 2,000 mile journey to Mexico.  However, her Monarch butterfly friends come to the rescue when they provide Mia with the encouragement she needs to make the journey.       

     Mia Inspired! is a parent, educator and counselor's dream!  It is a beautiful story containing numerous metaphors for important life themes such as rest, renewal, protection, and shared love as well as personal change, self-appraisal, encouragement, and the idea that there is always strength in numbers. Additionally, the "Inner Guide" can be interpreted in multiple ways: as one's self-talk, as a guardian angel guide on the side, or perhaps even God or the Holy Spirit leading the way.  It makes no difference whether one's spiritual beliefs are religious or secular, the concept the the "Inner Guide" works!  Finally, it is softly, yet beautifully illustrated.  Each illustration depicts a gentleness that is repeated in written form throughout the duration of the story.
     Although this story was thoroughly enjoyed by 4 and 5 year-olds, it is truly an inspiring story for people of all ages.  Every parent, teacher, school counselor, principal, and youth leader should have it one their shelves as it can be a catalyst for many of life's important discussions.  It is fast becoming one of my bibliotherapy favorites! Visit www.miainspired.com for a full teaching curriculum appropriate for ages 3-10, games for kids to play, bookmarks, as well as Joy Tools!, which is a monthly newsletter from the author.
     Be Inspired!  May your Inner Guide lead you in the direction of your dreams!