Deedee Cummings's Blog, page 26
November 17, 2020
The beauty and power of words: Family Literacy Month
I love to write.
Blog posts, articles, books, …you name it. The beauty and power of words fascinate me.
The articles I write for publications like Story Monsters or websites like Multicultural Children’s Book Day take more thought and effort, but they are still enjoyable to create.
Penning children’s books is a whole different story.
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The majority of the stories I write about come from experiences I have had through my work as a therapist with children in foster care. There is something so disheartening about working alongside children who regularly experience such heartbreak. I wanted to write stories of hope and how they too could find hope even in their darkest hour.
My book, Heart, was written solely with that purpose in mind.
Heart is a book for all ages and all walks of life because, within the pages, readers, parents, and educators will find affirmations that will soothe their battered heart. The gentle lesson in the book is that, when our heart closes from fear, other emotions like love, peace, joy, and happiness become closed off as well.
This was a recurring issue that I saw in the foster kids that I worked with as a family therapist. When these traumatized kids read Heart, it’s my hope that the lyrical prose and stunning illustrations will reignite their beliefs of love, life, faith, and the power of prayer.
Heart will help lift readers’ spirits and serves as a guide to the path to healing.
I also love writing for children because they still believe in the power of anything. Kids believe that you can fly on the wings of a butterfly or that you can tunnel your way to Australia straight from your backyard. That kind of thinking alone is kind of magical. Children’s books lift me up and remind me of the beauty and simplicity of the world. And a lot of times they leave me with the feeling that I can do anything I want to.
Some of the diverse picture books that I’ve written, like In the Nick of Time, were almost effortless for me to write because the story came straight from a message that was on my heart.
I love the beach so much that one of my earliest books, My Trip to the Beach, is all about how readers can visualize a trip to the beach to help calm and focus when physically *going* to the beach isn’t possible for them. This is an especially helpful tool during a time when pandemic-related restrictions are at an all-time high.
Sometimes I feel like stories like this one almost “fall out of me” because they are so much of a part of me as a person. The series I am working on now, Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess, is loosely based on my daughter’s life who just so happens to be a Broadway actress. I felt very compelled to write the Kayla series not only because I am incredibly proud of my daughter, Kayla Pecchoni, but also because I recognize a growing love of musical theater among kids and their families.
This series is about a little girl who follows her dreams even when other people in her life have a different set of expectations for her.
All of the books I have written, in addition to this series, are very special to me because I know I am helping to fill the gap and reduce the lack of picture books with Black children in there. It makes me very proud to know that, because of the 10 diverse picture books I have published, kids will have an easier time finding a book with a lead character who looks like they do.
It is important for me to write stories for children of diverse backgrounds and experiences because they deserve to feel their stories are important to the world too.
Scrambling for last-minute gifts? The Make A Way Media catalog has 11 books to choose from and orders over $50 will enjoy a special discount AND free shipping by using SAVE25 at checkout!
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Perfect for anyone who is looking to add to their bookshelf, or wanting to gift one to a special home, classroom, or organization, with some extra incentives. Go HERE to view the full line-up of amazing diverse picture books, workbooks, and coloring books from author Deedee Cummings.
The post The beauty and power of words: Family Literacy Month appeared first on Make A Way Media.
November 10, 2020
Calling Out the Lack of Diverse Holiday Picture Books (And What I Did About It)
My family absolutely loves the holidays.
Christmas is a very special time for us. We go all out with addressing all the senses. Every single one. The sights of the warm lights. The smells of the tree, the food, and all the cookies. The sounds of holiday music- all day every day. The hardy laughs and sharing of old stories. Warm hugs from old and new friends. Wrapping packages and tying bows. Making things pretty and spreading all the joy. Watching reruns of movies we’ve seen too many times and my favorite- reading our holiday book collection.
But finding holiday picture books with Black characters (especially one with brown young boys) was always challenging and every year it seemed even harder to find a new title that we didn’t already own.
I remember grumbling to myself, why is it so difficult to keep building this collection? My family loves Christmas too, why can’t we be represented in the books my kids read?
True to form, when the student is ready, the teacher will appear.
That time just happened to also be the year I reread the late great Toni Morrison famous quote “If there is a book you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”
That was the year I decided that the next diverse holiday book that I would add to my family’s collection would be one that I wrote myself.
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As I was writing the story, it dawned on me that a classic holiday storyline involves characters helping Santa Claus save the day. I had not yet been able to find that story with a Black boy as the leading protagonist.
I then began to think about every single holiday movie we watch and all of the books we read. I want Nick (my son) to grow up in a world where he receives the same messages that other children do about his role in our community. He needs to see characters who look like him, to have messages of his ability to be competent, helpful, and successful reinforced in his mind.
My child, like every other child, deserves to be seen as the hero. My child deserves to know that he also is capable of helping Santa save the day. Santa can trust him and can call on him. He can be a leader in kindness. He can save the world. But it is sometimes hard to be what you cannot see. Not impossible. Just hard.
And from that realization, In The Nick of Time was born.
In The Nick of Time is a timely tale about a Little Brown Boy who Saves Christmas. Nick Saint never really put a lot of thought into his name until one snowy day in December when he accidentally receives a letter meant for Saint Nick. Realizing there is not much time left until Christmas, Nick opens the letter. The unexpected message inside ultimately leads him on a journey of understanding poverty, gratitude, and service to others while discovering the real meaning of the holiday spirit.
In The Nick of Time is a story that is beautiful and filled with messages that all children need to hear about poverty, gratitude, and service to others. We believe Santa would be so proud.
I know I am.
But most of all, I am proud that I took action to remedy the lack of diversity for my own son Nick, who is now 11.
There is true power in picture books and still so many stories to share. All families need these books. Books with Black characters are not just for Black children.
They are for all children because these stories reflect the world we live in and reinforce that we all have important roles to play in real life. It is true that there are more diverse books than ever, but still nowhere near enough.
If you want to do something really cool this holiday season, write your own story and include characters that are not traditionally represented. I also strongly encourage you to expand your own library for kids you know and buy books with diverse characters to donate to schools, daycares, churches, and community centers.
Now that’s a cool holiday story.
Check out the companion story to this blog post on the Multicultural Children’s Book Day blog that talks about my thoughts (and frustrations) on the subject of Where are all the Diverse Holiday Picture Books!?
In honor of National Picture Book Month, any book in the Make A Way Media catalog will enjoy a special discount AND free shipping by using SAVE25 at checkout!
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Perfect for anyone who is looking to add to their bookshelf, or wanting to gift one to a special home, classroom, or organization, with some extra incentives. Go HERE to view the full line-up of amazing diverse picture books, workbooks, and coloring books from author Deedee Cummings.
The post Calling Out the Lack of Diverse Holiday Picture Books (And What I Did About It) appeared first on Make A Way Media.
November 3, 2020
The Decline of Empathy Thanks to a Piece of Fabric
Unbelievably, the simple act of wearing a mask has become political and another example of how empathy is on shaky ground amongst fellow human beings.
How did that happen?
Since when did protecting our country’s most vulnerable: the old, the young, and the immunocompromised become an infringement of personal rights? The fact that the mask debate has turned into a political weapon is sad and appalling.
We need to do better.
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There is nothing more empathetic than wearing a mask when you think you don’t need to. You are not wearing the face-covering for yourself; you are wearing it for everyone else.
You wear it out of compassion for our brothers and sisters on the planet.
You wear it out of respect for the hard-working professionals in the medical field who are dealing with a literal war zone of sick and dying patients.
You wear it so when we all can get together and hug each other freely, none of us will be missing.
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It puzzles me how something as straightforward as a piece of fabric has turned into an argument over “infringement of rights.”
If everyone could find a way to tour a hospital wing and witness for themselves the heartbreak, I know they would gladly cover their mouth and nose without so much as a peep of protest.
If people could see the patients, the doctors, the nurses, the aides, and all of the who families are waiting for their loved ones (whom they can’t even see) emerge from these COVID units, it would go a long way towards increasing the level of empathy towards this issue.
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For me, all it took to convince me to wear a mask regularly was hearing one story about how a hospital in New York had to bring in refrigerated trucks because the hospital morgue was filling up faster than the hospital could accommodate.
I do not live in New York, but I wanted to do everything I could in my part of the world to be sure I did not contribute to this pandemic.
This is what I would call empathy in action. Empathy in action is when we see a need, and we immediately move to the take steps needed to help address the problem and keep everyone else in your life safe.
Empathy is looking past your inconveniences and doing what’s right for people who may not even know.
Empathy can be as simple…as loving…as a rectangle piece of cloth on your face.
Be loving. Mask up.
In honor of National Picture Book Month, any book in the Make A Way Media catalog will enjoy a special discount AND free shipping by using SAVE25 at checkout!
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Perfect for anyone who is looking to add to their bookshelf, or wanting to gift one to a special home, classroom, or organization, with some extra incentives. Go HERE to view the full line-up of amazing diverse picture books, workbooks, and coloring books from author Deedee Cummings.
The post The Decline of Empathy Thanks to a Piece of Fabric appeared first on Make A Way Media.
October 27, 2020
Diversity in Books for Kids: Then and Now
As a therapist, attorney, author, and CEO of Make A Way Media, my life has gotten exponentially busier, but my love of books and advocating for children’s literacy has never waned. In fact, my career path has made me even more passionate about passing down the lessons I’ve learned over the years. My work with families and kids in foster care and made me even more determined to encourage kids to share their own stories.
To let their voices be heard.
I am also adamant about making sure the next generation has books to read where they can see themselves in the pages of what they read. To be able to see and know what in possibly in life. This belief is what inspired me to write my own stories because I know that the words I share could be inspiration and influence for a child…any child…who may be struggling to feel seen and heard.
All eleven of my diverse picture books, poetry books, and workbooks teach coping skills, reinforce the universal message of love, encourage mindfulness, and facilitate inclusion for all. Looking back now, it is so obviously me that I loved literature and pulled my own lessons and values from the stories…but access to books with diverse characters or authors was sorely lacking.
Diversity in Books for Kids: Then (Books I loved as a child)
Berenstain Bears (young child)
Nancy Drew- the whole series (throughout childhood)
Encyclopedia Brown- the whole series (throughout childhood)
Judy Blume (adolescent)
Diversity in Books for Kids: Now (Books my 11-year-old has Grown up With)
New Kid by Jerry Craft
Ghost series by Jason Reynolds
Crown by Derrick Barnes
Happy by Pharrell Williams
That being said, all of my children have enjoyed Harry Potter, but I could not get into them for some reason, which is so odd because I realize that one of the reasons I love creating kid’s books so much is because children still believe in the power of anything. They believe that ANYTHING can happen.
Adults, however, will click to point out that you can’t catch a ride on the wings of a butterfly or tunnel your way to Australia. I think Harry Potter is an example of anything is a possible book and I wonder if I had found them as a child as opposed to as an adult would I love them the way my own kids have.
In honor of National Book Month in October This is the Earth along with any book in the Make A Way Media catalog, will enjoy a special discount AND free shipping by using SAVE25 at checkout!
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Perfect for anyone who is looking to add to their bookshelf, or wanting to gift one to a special home, classroom, or organization, with some extra incentives. Go HERE to view the full line-up of amazing diverse picture books, workbooks, and coloring books from author Deedee Cummings.
The post Diversity in Books for Kids: Then and Now appeared first on Make A Way Media.
October 20, 2020
Finding Peace on a Personal Level
October 10 was World Mental Health Day, and as much as I appreciated the global recognition of ending the stigma of mental health issues, mental health is something that needs attention 24/7 and 365 days a year.
As a family therapist, one of the many reoccurring issues I see is the lack of peace on a personal level. We can talk peace all we want, but if a person is all torn up inside and functioning on a continuous level of turmoil, it is virtually impossible to achieve peace on the outside.
With that in mind, I want you to think about your own peace of mind. How can you personally can feel more at peace?
A lot of us attempt to achieve peace by doing external things- which are all important too. This can include volunteering to work in the kitchen of a shelter, holding babies at an orphanage, or even marching at a social justice rally. These are all great, but how often do we think about our own internal peace? To be a peace agent, we need to find peace on a personal level first.
Finding Peace on a Personal Level
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Truth be told, the vast majority of us are not at peace. We are not at rest and our souls are stirred much of the time. There is just too much going on right now. So, today, I want you to focus on you. Focus on internal peace. Make a list of all the things you can do that will help bring you internal peace. Here are some of mine:
Walk alone at least ten minutes a day.
Take at least one hot bath a week with a warning to all in the house to leave you alone.
Read something inspiring.
Write something inspiring.
Work on forgiving your mistakes. We all make them.
If you can’t do this alone find a good therapist to talk to.
Repair a relationship that is broken. Just say I am sorry and start over.
Recognize that every comment, sentence, and/ or challenge that enters your life do not require a response. Let it go.
Write down ten doable goals and complete one of them this week.
Breathe. Focus on your breathing. Loosen your body. Unclench your fists. Practice this every day. Takes mere minutes.
And laugh. Call a friend or a relative who always makes you feel good. Tell them you only have a few minutes to talk if you are that busy. Tell them you are calling because they were on your mind and you need a laugh today.
This is just a start- but you gotta write it down or you will forget to do this. Just like we forget to call our friends or send that birthday card. We mean well, but before we know it, days have turned into weeks…and then into months. Write.It.Down.
And then act on it.
Creating a daily practice that honors a need for inner peace will leave those who work on this new habit feeling more rested, more centered, and just better.
To be a peace agent, we need to find Peace on a Personal Level first. Peace from within is one of the greatest gifts we can bring to the world. People will see love and light through you which will impact everyone around you. I would love to hear all about what you do for you.
Final Note:
The relapse and overdose rate has increased by 30% since March 2020. Mental health issues related to our lockdown and the pandemic are especially hard for people with depression. NAMI, The National Alliance on Mental Health has a 24-hour helpline: 800-950-6264.
In honor of National Book Month in October This is the Earth along with any book in the Make A Way Media catalog, will enjoy a special discount AND free shipping by using SAVE25 at checkout!
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Perfect for anyone who is looking to add to their bookshelf, or wanting to gift one to a special home, classroom, or organization, with some extra incentives. Go HERE to view the full line-up of amazing diverse picture books, workbooks, and coloring books from author Deedee Cummings.
The post Finding Peace on a Personal Level appeared first on Make A Way Media.
October 17, 2020
Hannah Drake’s Virtual Appearance at Louisville Book Festival!
Only seven more sleeps until the much-anticipated Louisville Book Festival!
After being deeply moved by an article in The Atlantic that discussed the lack of availability to children’s books in high-poverty urban neighborhoods, Louisville, KY mom and businesswoman became aware that her own community was sorely lacking in reading resources for kids. Not being the kind of person to sit on the sidelines and do nothing, Deedee Cummings took action to banish the “book desert” in her hometown and in the process became the founder and CEO of the Louisville Book Festival.
Read Deedee’s article about Banishing Book Deserts in the Louisville Community HERE.
The Louisville Book Festival is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization with a mission of celebrating and promoting the benefits of reading, writing, and literacy. The online event will be held on October 23rd and 24th on Zoom. It will include presentations from nationally known authors and illustrators who will be sharing their secrets to writing and publishing books.
As a therapist, attorney, author, and CEO of Make A Way Media, Deedee Cummings is passionate about passing down the lessons she has garnered through her work with families and kids in foster care. All eleven of Cummings’ diverse picture books, poetry books, and workbooks teach coping skills, reinforce the universal message of love, encourage mindfulness, and facilitate inclusion for all. Bringing her love of books and reading to an underserved population through an inclusive book festival was a natural next step.
When faced with the possibility of canceling the in-person festival due to COVID-19 concerns, Deedee chose to pivot and offer the full festival via Zoom, including a powerful message and keynote speech from #1 New York Times Best-Selling Author, Tomi Adeyemi. Read more about how amazing this young author is here.
Another notable author making a virtual presentation at Louisville Book Festival is author Hannah Drake.
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Selected in the inaugural class of Hadley Creatives, Hannah Drake offers a powerful, inspirational message. Hannah has served as a presenter at Ideas Festival as a presenter and as a panelist with CNN chief national correspondent, John King.
In April 2017 & 2018, Hannah had the honor of curating an evening of performance artists for the Festival of Faiths featuring dance, poetry, and music. In November 2017, Hannah’s poem, Spaces, was selected by the National Academy of Medicine to be featured in a national art exhibit that speaks to visualizing health equity. Hannah was honored to be selected as 2017 Hadley Creatives, a partnership between the Community Foundation of Louisville and Creative Capital to help local artists build their professional practice.
“Beautiful, Hannah. Best wishes on your own process of becoming—the journey never ends. #IAmBecoming” – Former First Lady, Michelle Obama
Hannah’s presentation is sure to be powerful and inspiring! Go HERE to view the Louisville Book Festival schedule.
Hannah Drake facts:
-Has shared a stage with Angela Davis, Nikky Finney, and Iylana Vanzant
-Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, KMAC, 1619 Flux, and the Tom Joyner Morning Show
-Her Formation poem was shared over 20,000 times and was featured in the award-winning 2018 Youth Violence Prevention commercial
-She was selected by the Muhammad Ali Center to be a daughter of greatness
-Some of her works include: Dear America, I Am Still Rooting For You, Dear White Women, It’s Not You, It’s Me. I’m Breaking Up With You, Views from the Back Pew, and Fragile Destiny
-Here’s a quote from her: “As an artist, you have an obligation to your audience, to tell the truth. Even when it is difficult. Your job as an artist is to leave the world a little better, a little richer, a little freer simply because you were in it and you were fearless enough to allow your art to speak.”
To learn more about the Louisville Book Festival, visit https://www.louisvillebookfestival.com/
In honor of National Book Month in October This is the Earth along with any book in the Make A Way Media catalog, will enjoy a special discount AND free shipping by using SAVE25 at checkout!
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Perfect for anyone who is looking to add to their bookshelf, or wanting to gift one to a special home, classroom, or organization, with some extra incentives. Go HERE to view the full line-up of amazing diverse picture books, workbooks, and coloring books from author Deedee Cummings.
The post Hannah Drake’s Virtual Appearance at Louisville Book Festival! appeared first on Make A Way Media.
October 14, 2020
Tomi Adeyemi’s Virtual Appearance at Louisville Book Festival!
Tomi Adeyemi, yes THE Tomi Adeyemi, will be at the Louisville Book Festival this year as our keynote speaker!
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In case you haven’t heard, Louisville Book Festival is coming October 23rd and 24th via Zoom! If you would like to learn from some of the best and brightest authors on the market, you will not want to miss the First Annual Louisville Book Festival.
First, here’s a little of the backstory: the Louisville Book Festival (LBF) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization with a mission of celebrating and promoting the benefits of reading, writing, and literacy. The online event will be held on October 23rd and 24th on Zoom. It will include presentations from nationally known authors and illustrators who will be sharing their secrets to writing and publishing books.
I (Deedee Cummings) am the founder and creator of LBF and originally I planned to make the vibrant literacy-focused event an offline celebration.
But then, as we all know, 2020 threw everyone a mega curveball. When faced with the possibility of canceling the in-person festival due to COVID-19 concerns, I decided to do what a determined businesswoman would do. I made the strategic decision to pivot and offer the full festival via Zoom.
What am I most excited about as October 23rd and 24th gets closer?
Oh my! There are so many wonderful things occurring on these two days that it’s hard to choose. But I would be lying if I said I wasn’t over-the-moon excited that this event will include a powerful message and keynote presentation from #1 New York Times Best-Selling Author, Tomi Adeyemi!
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Tomi Adeyemi made a huge splash in the literary stage with her #1 NYT and Hugo award-winning fantasies, Children of Blood and Bone and Children of Virtue and Vengeance. You don’t want to miss this.
We are PUMPED to have her at our very first event. Save the date for our virtual festival on October 23-24 
October 13, 2020
The In The Nick of Time iReads Book Tour has BEGUN!
October is half over already…where does the time go?!
To say life as been busy lately is putting it mildly. My first-ever virtual book celebration, Louisville Book Festival, is coming together beautifully and I continue to be blown away by the level of talent and thought leaders who will be joining us via Zoom on October 23rd and 24th.
When I have a moment to spare, I put on my Children’s Book Author hat, shift gears, and work passionately to spread the news of my books and how important is it to support local authors, women-owned businesses, and brick-n-mortar stores during this upcoming holiday season.
October also has something NEW and BIG for Make A Way Media. I am very excited to share the news of a HUGE campaign that I am doing with iRead Book Tours!
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As you can see from the graphic above, this tour will be filled with unique and exclusive stories, interviews, and giveaways. Every “stop” on this tour is a little different!
The Books Included in the Tour:
In The Nick of Time : A Timely Tale about a Little Brown Boy who Saves Christmas.
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Nick Saint never really put a lot of thought into his name until one snowy day in December when he accidentally receives a letter meant for Saint Nick. Realizing there is not much time left until Christmas, Nick opens the letter. The unexpected message inside ultimately leads him on a journey of understanding poverty, gratitude, and service to others while discovering the real meaning of the holiday spirit.
A little under a year ago, on November 1, 2019, to be exact, I released my eleventh book…which also happens to be one of my most popular books to date. In The Nick of Time is a diverse children’s picture book I penned to fill a glaring gap. I had spent years searching the online world for picture books about brown children who are the heroes in their Christmas story, especially the one about helping Santa save Christmas. So I wrote my own.
In The Nick of Time is about a little brown boy who saves Christmas, but this one sweet story has an additional layer of “special.” I truly wanted a book that featured a positive character that looked like my son, Nick. As a black mom, I know the importance of sharing books with my son that include characters he can admire, but also directly relate to.
Buy the Book:
Amazon
Make a Way Media
Add to Goodreads
This Is The Earth: A recent Purple Dragonfly Award First Place winner, Cummings uses bold and bright illustrations in This is the Earth to share a message of peace, love, respect, compassion, inclusion.
Published in early 2019, the book’s message bears repeating: peace is meant for all of us and it is everyone’s responsibility to care for each other like the united family that we really are. This exceptional and timely book shares the reality that we are all sharing this world that we call home instead of acting as though each continent, each, country, and each neighborhood is like a completely different planet. Within the pages of This is the Earth, readers will discover thought and conversation-invoking concepts on issues and struggles that has our world at odds with each other. Kids and adults will love the lyrical message and thoughtful artwork that reinforces the fact that every human being is our neighbor on Planet Earth; a place also known as Home.
Buy the Book:
Amazon
Make a Way Media
Add to Goodreads
Take a moment to visit the iRead Books site to see the linked tour itinerary and enter to win one of our many giveaways.
The post The In The Nick of Time iReads Book Tour has BEGUN! appeared first on Make A Way Media.
October 1, 2020
100 Simple Ways to Be Kind
Now more than ever, the human race needs to really work on…and really be mindful of… what is needed to practice KINDNESS.
Kindness is not a new or novel word. But at a time when our planet seems to be in constant turmoil, I feel all of us need to go the extra mile in remembering the meaning and importance of this word while also being more mindful about what we can do to be KIND.
Every person we encounter in our daily routine is likely struggling with something. We are all fighting quiet battles and some of us deal with it better than others. These days, no one is exempt from the worry, heartache, and uncertainty of 2020. If this isn’t enough of a reason to be more patient and empathetic, think about how acts of kindness affect the youngest generation.
As adults, we have an obligation to be role models to all kids. What better way to set an example than to teach kindness to kids through our own actions and choices.
Now more than ever, we need to come together as a nation of beautifully diverse people.
Here are some simple ways to spread the habit of KINDNESS:
100 Simple Ways to Be Kind
Buy books about kindness and peace and gift them to others.
Talk in a warm tone.
Paint rocks with cool messages and place them where they will be found by neighbors and strangers.
Thank others for sharing their feelings with you.
Listen with the sole purpose of listening, not to respond.
Read more books about the lives of others to develop your own level of empathy.
Read books with stories about the lives of others to children.
Tell someone, “I wish there were more people like you in this world”.
Bring a cup of coffee or hot cocoa along for someone else.
Make sure to acknowledge someone’s kindness to you.
Let someone sleep in.
Listen and pay attention to what people are passionate about.
Bring drinks to a party.
Call someone and listen to them. No advice. No judgment. Just plan to listen.
Tell someone you “hear” them (even when you don’t agree).
Pass out hugs with permission.
Write a letter or a postcard and drop it in the mail just to say thanks.
Offer to babysit.
Visit a friend who has been ill.
Call and visit people during the six months to three years after they’ve lost a loved one.
Tell little kids they look “smart.”
Smile and make eye contact with others.
Pass out little pieces of wrapped chocolate.
Pay for the order behind you in the drive-through line.
Ask someone how they are doing and then stop to listen to their reply.
Look people in the eye and smile.
Bake a cake, muffins, cookies, or brownies and give them away.
Offer a bottle of water to others- especially if they are working outside.
Say I love you because… (and give a genuine unique reason).
Tell people how wonderful they are and that you are happy they are in your life.
Say that you are sorry when it is warranted.
Help out with a chore or errand.
Say that you are going to the grocery store and ask someone if they need anything.
Ask someone who is struggling, “How can I help?”
Show up.
Go to the Farmer’s Market and support local farmers.
Invite someone to the Farmer’s Market who you know does not get out much.
Say, “I’m glad I got to spend this time with you.”
Hold the door.
Send a greeting card.
Pick up trash even when it is not yours and throw it away.
Give compliments freely.
Say please and thank you.
Put your phone away for long periods of time while with others.
Sit with someone on their porch.
Invite someone to play Uno.
Hold someone’s hand.
Sit with someone while they cry.
Say, “I don’t know what to say, but I will sit here with you.”
Offer to go to therapy with someone who needs it.
Answer the phone when someone calls.
Put a love note in someone’s lunch box.
Tell people you are happy to hear from them.
Give someone your recipe.
Cheer for others.
Speak up for others to validate their experiences.
Send a care package to a stranger serving in the military.
Keep your word.
Wave thanks to fellow drivers when they are kind.
Pray for someone.
Give a new mom her own gift.
Invite someone over for ice cream.
Take someone to lunch and pay.
Make a conscious decision to use a kind voice.
Make a conscious decision not to argue.
Only make positive comments on social media posts.
Do not argue on social media. Not many minds are changed there.
Make positive social media posts that might make someone more likely to absorb your message.
Plan to have and exercise more patience.
Let people through while in traffic.
Do not be offended or react when someone else is not kind in traffic. We do not know what they are going through.
Clean out your closet and cabinets and donate things you no longer use or need.
Model being nice in front of your children. Actions speak louder than words.
Say, “I hear you” even if you don’t agree.
Offer someone your seat.
Laugh at someone’s joke.
Hold the door for someone.
Respect someone’s wishes.
Write compliments on sticky notes and leave them around the house or the office.
Frame a photo memory and give it to the people in the picture.
Grow and give away tomatoes.
Volunteer to help out at a party.
Tell people their idea sounds really cool.
Give someone in need a couple of dollars to grab a burger. Don’t worry about what they will do with it. Not your problem.
Don’t judge or assume. Acknowledge that you really don’t know.
Work extra hard on being less judgmental. Acknowledge that you do not have it all figured out.
Participate in neighborhood activities.
Teach your children how to meet people and make new friends.
Say, “I appreciate you!” to essential workers.
Leave a bigger tip than what is recommended.
Talk with someone else about the physical beauty of this world, our home.
Give someone a candle that smells really good and a box of matches.
Ask someone if they want to go for a short walk and then just listen as they walk and talk.
Thank others for their time.
Go to an event and plan to be the warm quiet sunshine.
Make dinner for your neighbor.
Bring doughnuts.
Forgive someone.
Just do YOU. Embedding yourself in other people’s business is an unkind gesture-especially if your help or advice is unsolicited.
Support, don’t judge.
Providing ways for kids to see and read about kindness, hope, and peace is a great way to teach them gentler ways of being. Plus its a win/win, they learn through reading which is always a bonus.
My book This is The Earth is one of those vibrant books that is fun and beauty wrapped up in an important message about how we are all ONE.
I would be honored for you to check out the book This is the Earth and use it to spread a little kindness in your corner of the world.
[image error] Excerpt from This is the Earth by Deedee Cummings
In honor of National Book Month in October This is the Earth along with any book in the Make A Way Media catalog, will enjoy a special discount AND free shipping by using SAVE25 at checkout!
Perfect for anyone who is looking to add to their bookshelf, or wanting to gift one to a special home, classroom, or organization, with some extra incentives. Go HERE to view the full line-up of amazing diverse picture books, workbooks, and coloring books from author Deedee Cummings.
Kindness and peace are such an important part of the daily language for our kids. How to practice the Kindness Habit is an exceptional piece of wisdom we can pass on to the next generation.
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ONE MORE THING
Happiness is something everyone is craving right now and what better way to put a smile on our faces than to think about the upcoming holiday season.
As the shopping season begins to ramp up, I asked that gift-givers remember two things:
Books are the gift that kids can open again and again…
…books are the perfect way for kids to see what is possible in life.
THAT is why I wrote my diverse Christmas picture book, In The Nick of Time–to show little brown boys everywhere that it IS possible to help Santa save Christmas just by being KIND.
Here’s a sneak peek:
I was lucky enough to share my story of why I created this picture book with USA Today as well!
If you want to get a jump start on holiday shopping, go here to quickly and easily purchase your copy of In The Nick of Time for that special reader in your life. Nick is also available for purchase on Amazon.
The post 100 Simple Ways to Be Kind appeared first on Make A Way Media.
September 29, 2020
Raising Resilient Girls: Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess
A couple of years ago, I wrote a beautiful book called Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess.
This diverse picture book was inspired by the life of my daughter Kayla Pecchioni. It is not her real-life story, but it sure was fun watching her grow up. I am so proud of her and how she weathered storms throughout her young life. She has strength and resilience that makes me incredibly proud. Some of her fire came from me, but just as much was firmly embedded in her DNA when she was born.
After graduation, Kayla picked a challenging profession to pursue, but she is flourishing as a triple-threat performer. She can act, dance, and sing. And I mean like, really sing. I have no idea where she got that talent from because it did not come from me! Her chosen career path is a tough one for anyone, but it has come with its own set of challenges as a Black female. Steep competition for roles is made all the more difficult simply because of the color of her skin. Talent and drive, sometimes, are not enough.
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Her attitude, courage, and brilliance as a young woman was a big part of my inspiration for writing Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess.
After I published this book, I submitted it for a review to Kirkus Reviews with high hopes and much excitement. When the review came back, it wasn’t bad, but since it was my first review from them, I took the feedback hard.
One part of their critique mentioned that I “insinuated” that being a mother is the highest calling a woman could achieve. In this particular story, I not only intended to insinuate this, but I was also flat-out stating this as my truth.
After I received this criticism from Kirkus, it threw me off my game. But it also made me realize how this book was possibly being perceived. It made me ask myself if the finished product was clearly conveying a story filled with the powerful message of love, modeling, and the lengths mothers are willing to go to for the well-being of their child.
The answer was kind of. I could see it clearly, but I could also see that others may not be able to see my intended message. That realization, along with the fact that Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess was a bit long for a picture book, gave me the renewed determination to rework and release this heartfelt children’s picture book in 2021.
And I could not be more excited!
Little Brown Girls as Princesses
Another criticism from Kirkus was that the princess’s role in the book needed to be explored a little more.
How many princess books are there? A lot. But there are not that many about little brown girls as princesses. So, why again, does this need to be “explored” more just because the main princess in the story is BIPOC?
It seems there are a lot of books about white children who just get to declare themselves princesses. Like the Kayla character in my book, little girls all over the world play dress-up, pretend to be in a tower overlooking their kingdom, and sometimes they have chores and other family obligations they are less than thrilled about. Princesses are princesses…no more in-depth exploration is needed.
We must make room for stories about Black and Brown children. My family story is a unique perspective, and Kayla’s is made all the more energizing because of her determination and her drive in a field that will pick you to pieces.
Raising Resilient Girls
I raised my real-life Kayla to have the pride and the nobility of royalty. I raised her to know that she was special and that she needed to use her gifts, not only to achieve her dreams but to encourage others. The inspired version of her will be fun to watch because, in addition to all, I have mentioned she specializes in musical theater, which is very popular among kids and families right now.
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A princess is a queen in training. A queen is the reigning female of her family- regarded as the most outstanding in a particular sphere or group- is what the dictionary says. How better does a young girl figure out her place in the world than by watching her mother proudly proclaim hers? Girls become strong by witnessing the challenges of their mothers. It is life training in real-time and was the case for my daughter and me.
Moms who work outside the home tend to feel guilty about the hours they dedicate to their professional careers and goals. I know for sure that my Kayla learned to follow her dreams by watching me chase mine. She is truly my butterfly.
It has been fun to watch her dreams come to life. It has been fun to watch her fly.
With a happy heart, I am moving on releasing the new and updated version of this young princess’s journey because I know it will be a fun ride filled with pride for you and your loved ones too.
Please share it with girls of all backgrounds who need to be encouraged to follow their heart- even when it is not the popular decision.
About Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess
Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess is a heartwarming story about family, role models, dreams, and discovering a determination for growth. The first in a five-part series, this diverse picture book shines the spotlight on a little brown girl who loves musical theater and never lets anything get in the way of her dreams. Everyone else has an idea of who she should be, but in the end, she discovers that she is the one who gets to decide.
The story also reveals the very special family dynamic that Kayla shares with her mom-a a hardworking woman who struggles with the guilt of not being as available for her young daughter as she would like. But as the story progresses, Kayla and her mom realize the impact of valuing the time they have together as well as the importance of seeing each other acknowledge (and pursue) their individual dreams. {ages 5 and up}
“Daughters learn their place in the world by watching their mothers claim theirs.” ~author Deedee Cummings
Books One and Two in the Kayla series will be released in the Spring of 2021.
The post Raising Resilient Girls: Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess appeared first on Make A Way Media.
