Monkey See, Monkey Do!

Many people ask me why I write for children and not for adults. I used to say it was because I never grew up. But over the years, I've changed my mind. I write for children because they represent hope. And we need to give them the tools to survive in the adult world without losing faith that they can build a better world.

When I write, I visualize everything through their eyes. I try to think like they think, how they would react under certain circumstances, what they would say and how they would say it. I simply try to see the world from their perspective. In each work, the basic question is whether the work will help children or young people live better and be good people. And for the skeptics, children's literature can compete with technology. You just have to encourage reading habits. Video games and the Internet have their uses. Video games can develop the mind and reflexes. With the Internet, you can communicate with the world. With children's literature, you can travel with that developing mind. And there are children's ebooks and tablets for those who can carry their entire library in their hands.

How can you instill a love of reading in your children? It's actually easy. You just have to set an example yourself.

It was because of my mom's EXAMPLE that I love to read so much. She was always reading. As soon as she got home from work, besides her other "Mom Duties," she would open a book. And she would take us to the public library to get our own library cards and choose our own books.

It was because of my dad's EXAMPLE that I love words so much, because he read the newspapers and did crossword puzzles every morning. He always changed the meanings and pronunciations of words as a joke to make us laugh.

It was because of my teachers' EXAMPLE that I like to learn new things through books, because they required us to read and discuss several books a year. They didn't care about the number of pages in a book, but rather the content of its words.

It was because of my paternal grandfather's EXAMPLE that I appreciate reading so much, because he couldn't even read or write his name. But he liked to look at pictures and make up stories about them.

Have you heard the expression Monkey see, monkey do? If your children see that you enjoy books and reading, they will follow your example.

So I suggest that you

• Read in front of your children

• Read with them if they are very young

• Ask them to read to you

• Talk about books with them

• Give them books for their birthdays or parties

• Visit a bookstore together and let them choose a book

• Visit a library together and let them explore the historical volumes

  
  

And that is why I write. I truly believe my stories have the power to brighten little lives and help to foster a love for reading. Who knows, maybe I'll inspire the next generation of dreamers and explorers.

PVA

21 July 2025