It’s easy to see how some people shine. Star athletes, talented actors and musicians, comedians with larger-than-life personalities who make everyone laugh; these are the people who shine so brightly that they seem to make others blend into the background. At least, that’s how Piper feels. Piper is the main character of the new book Shine! By J.J. and Chris Grabenstein, and she’s a “blender” in a middle school full of very shiny people.
We recently had the opportunity to introduce this heart-warming book at our Shine! book reading event at This n’ That Creative Studio. Children and parents listened to the first several chapters which introduced Piper, her passion for astronomy, and her challenges trying to fit in at a prestigious new school full of very talented students who all shine very brightly. Even in the first couple of chapters of the book, it’s very clear that some of Piper’s classmates may be talented, but they definitely aren’t kind. When a special contest is announced at her school, Piper has to figure out a way to stand out without losing sight of what truly makes her shine.
 |  |  |
The chapters we read together sparked discussions about some of the more subtle (but wonderful) ways people can shine. The families at our storytime brainstormed some great ideas:
 |
- Thoughtfulness
- Kindness
- Being someone others can count on
- Being inclusive
- Having passion for something
- Trying hard
After our brainstorming session, everyone was asked to think about what really makes each of them shine…and then write a letter to themselves about their own very special qualities. Adults and kids all made beautiful cards for themselves, and while I don’t know what they wrote, I know they all did so with smiles on their faces. They addressed the cards to themselves and gave them to me. I will mail them in a few months to remind each and every one of them how much they shine!
Building on the themes of kindness and thoughtfulness, our storytime participants also donated bar soap for local veterans in need, and created beautiful cards for our servicemen and women, thanking them for their heroism and courage (more shiny qualities!). These cards will be sent to Operation Gratitude to be distributed with care packages to support our active-duty troops and veterans.
 |
All of the children at the event were eager to find out how Piper survived her middle school experience and how the contest turned out. Actually, the parents wanted to know the ending of the book, too! Shine! is a sweet, engaging story with a big dose of fun and some thought-provoking lessons about kindness, friendship, and shining from the inside out. Perfect for ages 8-12, or even as a read-aloud book with younger children, Shine! is on order at the Pima County Library and available now for purchase wherever books are sold.
Do you want an opportunity to shine with an act of kindness? We are still collecting soap for local veterans in need! Drop off a bar of soap (or two) at This n' That Creative Studio (7401 E. 22nd St) through November 30. The collection bins are located in the Holiday Mercado, open every day except Wednesday.
 |
I was provided with products and compensation for this promotion. All opinions are my own (and I really enjoyed this wonderful book).
