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Friendship…something human beings cannot live without.

Today’s story recommendation is about friends who learn the importance of voicing their feelings about each other.

HOOT AND HOLLER

Written by Alan Brown

Illustrated by Rimantas Rolia

Holler, a big owl, and Hoot, a little owl, played together every night in the woods.  They were both shy, and neither friend spoke of how he felt about the other.  A storm separated the two owls and each worried that he would never find his best friend.  A wise old owl advised Holler to call out loudly for Hoot.  Although Holler was very shy and had never been able to raise his voice, he found the courage to call very loudly…and Hoot heard him!  They found each other and were overjoyed and were finally able to express their feelings of love.

How difficult it is to express one’s feelings sometimes!  We can help our children by being good role models…don’t wait for a special occasion to tell your child that you love him.  Children need to know they are loved every day of their lives.   And, although the verbal confirmation of your love is important, you need to show your child as well…with Positive Parental Participation!

Yesterday’s Quotable Timeless Tuesday’s post was all about friendship…but I saved one for today because it fit so perfectly with the story of Hoot and Holler and not telling our friends how we feel about them.

“Do not save your loving speeches,

For your friends till they are dead.

Do not write them on their tombstones,

Speak them rather now instead.” – Anna Cummins

In the same way, please don’t save your praise and loving words for your children…speak them every day.  The tragic events in Japan give voice to our awareness that each day is precious and tomorrow is not guaranteed.

For more gentle parenting tips and 99 other picture book recommendations, please visit my website where you can pick up a copy of SHOW ME HOW! at half-price AND enter to win a FREE Crafty Easter Basket filled with craft supplies for your preschooler.

Please stop by tomorrow for Healthy Habit Thursdays.