Rosie Sprout's Time To Shine

Picture book
Rosie wants to be the best at something. According to her
classmates, Violet is the best at everything that matters: running,
singing, telling stories, and looking fancy on picture day. As far as
Rosie is concerned, that's getting really aggravating.
The class decorates pots (Violet's is the sparkliest) and plants
peas. Rosie's and Violet's are the first to sprout. One morning,
close to the plants with no other kids present and the teacher writing
on the board, Rosie sabotages Violet's plant. She gets away with it
but feels guilty...especially when she learns that Violet will be
absent with chicken pox.
Fortunately there is a way to make amends. Rosie is willing to
put in the work it requires. In the end she has gained a valuable
insight into the true meaning of being the best.
Any child who feels constantly outshone in school, scouts,
Little League, or even family will relate to the sprightly heroine of
Allison Wortche's Rosie Sprout's Time to Shine. Rosie is very tempted
to find a way to beat Violet--whatever it takes--and, indeed, succumbs
to temptation. In the end, however, her better nature wins out. What
a wonderful way for a parent or teacher to ease into this topic which
unfortunately is becoming all too relevant in our winner take all
society where pressure to be the best extends to kids barely out of
diapers! Think Toddlers in Tiaras.
On a personal note: spring cleaning is going...well, for me that's an
improvement...that I haven't just given up like I've done every other
year. I would say that's due to friendly persuasion on the part of my
BFF Rose. Would that be positive peer pressure?
A great big shout out goes out to the custodians who keep our RSU 26
schools spiffy. I find keeping up with four people and a cat
challenging. I can't imagine having to clean up after a few hundred.
But they do an awesome job of it.
Julia Emily Hathaway

Sent from my iPod