The Magic In You

I loved this book! The Magic In You celebrates individuality, acceptance of one’s actions and also embracing the ability to affect those around us in a positive way – if we chose to do so. The author, Sally H. Taylor is also the illustrator and every single page is filled with nature in a way that will appeal to children.

In the beginning readers are introduced to the concept of reproduction through seeds and seasonal changes in all their beauty. Then, we see that one of those seeds has settled in a crack beside a black-top road. Others in the area shunned the silly flower as it grew, thinking it was somehow different and therefore less-then they are. The little flower grew up sad, but put forth stunning effort and brought the world a lovely flower to brighten the days. But the little flower was too attractive and attracted a hungry goat who tore a petal from her body. Sad and hurt she sagged under the emotional weight. Suddenly a car swiftly passed and ran over her leaf, crushing it beyond repair. The poor flower was feeling very sorry for herself and then she learned to view her experiences differently. She learned from them and became a better flower-person because of these experiences – and once she realized this, she became grateful for the things she’s encountered in the past.

This book brings many life lessons to youth on subjects that are often difficult to broach and equally difficult to find a way to communicate deep emotional life issues with children. Teachers, parents and caregivers will need this book. It should be a resource on every shelf.

The book was printed in the US and published by Outskirts Press. Sadly, even after browsing the publisher’s website, I could not find any information on eco-printing or socially responsible publishing options that the publisher has chosen to employ during the production of this book; such as using vegetable inks, recycled content, carbon offset efforts or support of a charitable organization. However, I could not find it in my heart to dock this book even one-half a star – it really is that good.

The Magic In You