You won’t be seeing my daughter on American Idol any time soon.
Make that, ever.
My 7-year-old possesses a litany of incredible talents; however, singing is not one of them.
I know. I know. How dare I make such a stinging comment about my own flesh and blood.
Calm down. It’s called reality.
And it doesn’t mean that I don’t allow her to exercise her vocal chords. Nor does it mean that I cringe whenever she feels the urge to make like Miley Cyrus or the kids on Curious George. Rather, I am simply not a parent who is disillusioned by her child’s abilities.
Whereas I proudly sit front and center at all of the private concerts my daughter headlines in our home, I know that she likely won’t be going from YouTube to world tour in my lifetime.
Penny the Mouse’s parents can relate.
In Kevin Henkes’s latest beginning-reader, Penny and Her Song, Mama and Papa Mouse walk the fine line between encouraging their offspring’s passion for singing and keeping the peace in a household that also includes twin babies.
The sweet story starts with pretty Penny Mouse parading home from school in her pink shoes, pink dress, pink polka-dot shirt and pink flowered headband.
She’s just cute as a button, until she opens her little mouse mouth.
Penny created an original song which she wants to perform for her parents, only Mama and Papa Mouse aren’t ready for their daughter to unleash her solo.
“Listen, Mama,” said Penny. “It’s my very own song.”
Penny started to sing,
“One is nice–”
“Your song is beautiful, said Mama, “but you will wake up the babies.”
Instead of belting out her song, young Penny shuffles off to her room to perfect her tune in front of a mirror. She then practices in front of an audience of glass animals, though they can’t provide her with the feedback she’s craving, so the persistent rodent approaches her parents yet again.
Unfortunately, Penny has poor timing. Dinner is ready, and Penny’s parents have a strict rule: No singing at the table.
Strike two.
Fortunately, Penny’s patience pays off and she finally gains the attention from her parents that she has been pining for all day.
Not only do Ma and Pa Mouse listen to their daughter’s ditty, they dance to it, learn the lyrics, and eventually join in for rounds two, three and four.
Clearly, author Kevin Henkes has experience dealing with young children who fancy being the center of attention and enjoy parental validation. However, I don’t know very many youngsters who respond as well as Penny does when told they have to practice being patient. Being told “Not now,” by mom or dad typically sends young kids into a tizzy.
If you are looking to establish boundaries with your child, but are met with petulance and pouting, then Penny and Her Song may come in very handy.
The book shows kids that exercising patience won’t kill them and that eventually they will have their chance to shine. The short story also illustrates the power of good parenting. Penny’s mom and dad delivered on their promise to watch their daughter’s performance regardless of its lack of rhyme, rhythm and flow. What’s more, they even joined in the fun by dressing up in costumes and busting a move while Penny sang her little heart out.
If you are looking for a super summer read that offers a gentle life lesson kids of all ages can learn from, consider purchasing Penny and Her Song. The book is available on HarperCollins’ website and at discount retailers nationwide.
Related Articles:
Summer Reading Series: Secret Agent Splat!
Summer Reading Series: Amelia Bedelia’s First Vote
Fancy Nancy and the Fabulous Fashion Boutique