Posted by CBethM on October 15, 2024 in Author Posts |
One of the most important choices I make as a writer is how to approach and develop a topic or story idea. Most often, I find there are many directions I could go and it may take multipledrafts to determine the best fit. Whether I’m writing fiction or nonfiction I’m always looking for the hook – that universal emotion or experience that connects with the reader. But before I can connect with the reader, I have to connect with myself.
A few years ago I began writing a picture book on a topic dear to my heart, but something about it just wasn’t working. The information was all there, but the emotional element was missing. If I wasn’t connecting with the text, then surely a child reader wouldn’t connect with it either. My topic was tikkun olam, a Jewish concept commonly translated as “repair the world” or “make right.” While there are many different interpretations of its exact definition, they share the belief that we each have a responsibility to make the world a better place.But the idea of repairing the world sounds like an impossibly lofty goal, especially for a child.
Sometimes, inspiration pops up when I least expect it, and often from a surprising source. (Confession, this is how I justify social media “procrasti-scrolling!”) I came across a video interview with John Mayer, sharing his thoughts on songwriting:
“When I try to write a big song, I can’t. A song to fill the entire galaxy. But if I write a song about something the size of a glass of water, I notice later it’s got the universe in it. So I’d rather have the universe in a glass of water than try to make the glass of water fit in the universe.”
I realized that in writing a book about repairing the entire world, I’d been trying to fill a galaxy. Instead, I needed to zoom in and make it personal. As individuals, we can’t change the world on our own; but we can take small actions that together, make a difference. I’d found my glass of water and it did, indeed, contain the universe.
ONE SMALL SPARK: A TIKKUN OLAM STORY focuses on a single moment in time, when we see something that needs repair or someone who needs help. Because in that moment, we make a choice about the kind of person we want to be and the kind of world we want to live in. Children don’t have control in many areas of their lives, but they do have agency over how they respond to situations, like when a friend or classmate is in need. By zooming in from the galaxy to a glass of water, I’d found a way to make a connection that’s both emotional and empowering.
“A spark that lights your heart
becomes an idea,
and then,
action.”
While the concept of tikkun olam is presented through a Jewish lens, the values modeled aren’t unique to Judaism. Many faiths and cultures share these teachings and traditions of compassion, charity, social justice and community service. We find many ways to divide ourselves. But despite our differences, practicing tikkun olam highlights our shared humanity – another important point of connection.
“We’re all on one team,
each a string.
Like a rope made of strands,
holding hands.
Woven.
Connected.
Stronger.”
I hope ONE SMALL SPARK: A TIKKUN OLAM STORY inspires conversations both at home and in the classroom. Brainstorming ways to address problems in the community or environment requires problem-solving, teamwork and even leadership skills. But here I am, back in the galaxy.
On the “glass of water” level, thinking about how to help others requires stepping into their shoes, which builds compassion and empathy. Ultimately, each of us has the power to make a choice about the kind of person we want to be.
“Imagine everyone
gathering sparks,
opening their hearts,
and repairing our world
together.
And then, the world will be different.”
Ruth Spiro is the author of more than 30 children’s books, with over one million copies in print worldwide. Her bestselling Baby Loves Science board books are the groundbreaking originals that introduce big ideas to the littlest listeners in an age-appropriate and engaging style.
In addition to these board books, Ruth is the author of picture books including Made by Maxine, Maxine and the Greatest Garden Ever, and Love Grows. The enthusiastic response to the Baby Loves Science books inspired a new picture book series perfect for early elementary readers, How to Explain Science to a Grown-Up. Her new picture book, One Small Spark: A Tikkun Olam Story received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus.
Ruth lives in suburban Chicago, Illinois. Find more information at www.RuthSpiro.com.
English (US) · 