Written by Nina Laden, You Are a Beautiful Beginning is a wonderful picture book with an optimistic outlook on what tomorrow will bring for ourselves and the world. Filled with messages about self-empowerment and working together, this inspiring book deserves a spot on every classroom shelf.
Why I love Your Are A Beautiful Beginning for the classroom.
You Are A Beautiful Beginning combines its inspiring message with bright, whimsical illustrations by Kelsey Garrity-Riley. With direct but gentle reminders about courage, listening to others, teamwork and friendship, it’s hard to imagine a book that so easily sets the tone for your classroom community.
In these challenging times, there is one page that stands out for me above the rest. Laden writes “It’s not being afraid of the darkness, It’s looking for places that glow.” You Are A Beautiful Beginning is filled with these magical phrases. They are so simple on the surface but strengthen our self-reflection and prompt deep and meaningful discussion with your students.
Linden has an effortless way of reminding readers of their own amazing potential. In my own classroom, the concept of “yet” has transformed the way my students and I approach adversity. We’re constantly reminding each other that just because we haven’t accomplished something “yet” doesn’t mean that we won’t. It exerts our belief that we are capable of difficult things and approach the challenges around us with an optimistic eye. You Are A Beautiful Beginning echos this outlook from every lyrical page. We’re reminded that there is beauty in the journey and something beautiful about where we are right now.
“It’s not being afraid of the darkness, It’s looking for places that glow.”
Nina Laden – You Are A Beautiful Beginning
Discussion Questions for the classroom:
- What is your favorite message from You Are A Beautiful Beginning?
- Can you think of a time when you thought you were at an ending, but it was just the start of something beautiful?
- Laden writes, “It’s not hogging the sunshine. It is helping others to grow”. How can you help your classmates grow this year?
- Is there something about yourself that you’ve had to learn to love? How did you learn to love it?
- What does the author mean by finding places that glow in the darkness? Where are you finding “glowing places” in your own life right now?
- Why do you think the author, Nina Laden, wrote this story?
- *What important messages would you add to this book if you could? What would the illustrations look like?
* Teacher note: This would be a great project for display. Have students write and design their own pages with inspirational or important messages. Put them together in a classroom book, and/or display on a bulletin board.
Themes:
- Beginnings
- Self-Discovery
- Community
- Friendship
- Optimism
- The Journey
The Final Word:
You Are A Beautiful Beginning book is a quick read that will make a huge impact in your classroom. It’s a perfect read as you embark on a new year, a new journey, or just as you navigate the challenges of the world around you. Its optimistic outlook, lyrical yet important messages, and uplifting illustrations will make it a favorite for years to come. I fully believe this classroom culture-defining book deserves a spot on every bookshelf.
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