I had the honour of being one of the speakers at TEDx Ottawa in December. I delivered a presentation called Our future depends on children’s books in which I share insights and passion cultivated from Just One More Book, a community founded by my wife, Andrea Ross, to promote children’s literature and a love of reading.
In the presentation I explored three primary qualities we obtain from children’s books — context, character and cargo — and the role these qualities play in our development as children and adults. I called out some amazing books that showcase the impact 32 pages of carefully chosen words, creatively crafted stories and incredible illustrations, and I made the case for introducing children (and adults) to a rich library; not just the books that make you laugh but the books that teach you about people, places and events in a way that prepares us for the evolving world.
Most importantly, I explain that reading a children’s book is not a race or competition. Reading a book with someone and taking the time to enjoy and understand the book with them says they are important enough to spend time with. And each time we equip a child or an adult with a children’s book experience — not just the book, but the whole experience – we equip the world with a new thinker, leader or doer… perhaps all. That makes the future a good place to be.
