““The universe is made of stories, not of atoms.”
-Muriel Rukeyser (Poet and Activist)-
Storytelling is one of the oldest, ancient forms of narration to ever exist in the literary world. Way before formal writing and education were introduced to humans, storytelling was very much present there. It existed in the form of knowledge, traditions, morals, and lessons that were later passed on to generations.
No matter which corner of the world one may be in, stories have always been a part of their lives. These very stories have played a significant role in not only shaping cultures and traditions but also personalities as well.
When it comes to choosing books for children, especially, the right form of narration deeply matters. For them, storytelling isn’t just about entertainment; but it is a tool that facilitates the emotional, psychological, and developmental growth of children. This is why Calvin Dudley’s My Promise to Emily is a must-have, as it has a hidden lesson that plays a major role in shaping and defining a person’s personality, no matter what age.
A LESSON HIDDEN IN PROMISES
My Promise to Emily by Calvin Dudley is a story that revolves around a chance encounter between Calvin himself and a young teenage girl, Emily, who met during Calvin’s day fishing trip. During this trip, Calvin came to know about how much weight mere words hold in the eyes of people, specifically children. It was Emily’s reaction to Calvin not fulfilling his promise to give the first big catch to her that made him realize how deeply a promise can have an impact on a child’s mind.
Children are like sponges, soaking up everything they see, hear, and feel. This is how their nature and personalities are shaped and defined. When important things about life are taught to kids through the right type of storytelling, it tends to stay with them for a long time, even for a lifetime. For example, in schools, we were taught the alphabet in the form of a song. The song, the beat, the tone, everything is still fresh in the minds of children to date.
THE LASTING INFLUENCE OF STORIES ON CHILDREN
When one thinks about it, storytelling is more than just a bedtime ritual or tradition for children. It is an extremely powerful tool that plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s personality. Through compelling and engaging storytelling, children learn to understand how the world works, build values, and develop social and emotional skills that stick with them for the rest of their lives.
Storytelling can mold a child’s nature and personality in various ways, such as:
- Help Develop Moral Understanding.
- Builds Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
- Improve Imagination and Creativity
- Enhances Communication Skills
- Promotes Self-Confidence
- Establish a Sense of Identity
- Fosters Critical Thinking
- Boosts Problem-Solving Abilities
MEANINGFUL NARRATIVES AND THEIR IMPACT
With how the world has changed in today's time, children are constantly absorbing everything happening around them. They are like blank pages, ready to be filled. Storytelling has become more than just a time-pass hobby; rather, it has become something so powerful that it has the ability to shape a child’s mind and personality. It is a way they can define themselves and who they are, and what they will become.
My Promise to Emily by Calvin is a story that acts as a reminder for the audience that even amid the simplest moments, there can be so much for a person, especially for a child, to learn. It is important as a parent to choose meaningful, well-told stories for children because when they do choose them, they are not only nurturing their imagination but also planting the seeds of empathy, wisdom, and strength that will be the guiding light for them throughout their lives.
“My Promise to Emily is now available on Amazon."