DADS READ: “Bear Came Along” by author Richard T. Morris and illustrator LeUyen Pham

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JER: “Bear Came Along” by author Richard T. Morris and illustrator LeUyen Pham is my favorite children’s book of 2019, so far.  It is a perfect metaphor for LIFE.  Each of us have distinctive personalities, strengths, and weaknesses.  It is easy to assume that we know best how to navigate the issues that arise when we end up in the “river”. But we actually need a little bit of curiosity, a little friendship, a little caution, a little bravery, a little excitement, a little contentment, and a little acceptance of the unknown to make it “down the river”.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: “As a parent, I learned pretty quickly that kids are born with inherent personalities.  We do our best to guide them, but their distinctive characteristics define who they are.  All these diverse personalities go out into the world and balance one another.  Sometimes the hardest thing to do is embrace the other, especially when that other is so different.  But it is through this connection that we truly discover our best selves - our strengths, our weaknesses, our fears, our courage.  This story says, ‘Take a chance!’ ‘Hop on board!’ ‘Work together!’ ‘Trust each other!’ ‘Share the adventure!’ I hope you enjoy the ride.” - Richard T. Morris

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