Holiday Harmony: Spreading Joy Through Song for the Elderly

The Lil' Leaders Podcast

Welcome back! In this week's episode, we are thrilled to have Alyssa with us. Currently in 5th grade, Alyssa shares her gift of time with her junior girl scout troup during the holiday season. The joy the elderly felt made this is a worthwhile experience she hopes to participate in again this year. This young leader demonstrates empathy and enthusiasm. Enjoy listening to Alyssa's experience in this week's interview.

Picture Book Recommendations:

a. Title: JUST HELP!: How To Build A Better World

Author: Sonia Sotomayor Illustrator: Angela Dominguez

Every night when Sonia goes to bed, Mami asks her the same question: How did you help today? And since Sonia wants to help her community, just like her Mami does, she always makes sure she has a good answer to Mami's question. In a story inspired by her own family's desire to help others, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor takes young readers on a journey through a neighborhood where kids and adults, activists and bus drivers, friends and strangers all help one another to build a better world for themselves and their community. With art by award-winning illustrator Angela Dominguez, this book shows how we can all help make the world a better place each and every day.

b. Title: What Is Given From The Heart

Author: Patricia C. McKissack Illustrator: April Harrison

"Misery loves company,"" Mama says to James Otis. It's been a rough couple of months for them, but Mama says as long as they have their health and strength, they're blessed. One Sunday before Valentine's Day, Reverend Dennis makes an announcement during the service-- the Temples have lost everything in a fire, and the church is collecting anything that might be useful to them. James thinks hard about what he can add to the Temple's ""love box,"" but what does he have worth giving? This powerful tale of compassion reminds us all that what is given from the heart, reaches the heart.

c. Title: Maddi's Fridge

Author: Lois Brandt Illustrator: Vin Vogel

Best friends Sofia and Maddi live in the same neighborhood and attend the same school, but when Sofia looks for a snack in Maddi's fridge one day, she is shocked to discover that her friend Maddi spends many of her days hungry. Maddi makes Sofia promise not to tell, but it's hard for Sofia to enjoy all the good food on her own family's table when she knows Maddi's family has none. It turns out, sometimes the kindest thing to do is to break a promise. This book about food insecurity provides a model for empathetic and compassionate friendship with a person in need, and includes six effective ways for children to help fight hunger at the back.

d. Title: A Good Thing Happened Today

Author: Michelle Figueroa Illustrator: Ramona Kaulitzki

A good thing happened today. Hooray! Did you hear? Good things are happening every day, and everywhere! A rhythmic collection of happiness and hope inspired by real-life good news, this book reminds us that there are positive things happening every day and we can all be a part of it.

Questions For Discussion:

-What are some examples of ways you could give your time to others?

-Which ones have you tried?

-How did this experience make you feel?

-How did this experience make others feel?

-Would you do this again? Try something new?

Thank you for joining us today!

Keep Reading and Keep Leading,

Tina Shepardson