[ Here You Are, a children's book by Mayke Beckman Briggs. Photo by Shel]
Scoble had a moving post today about how this was the first 9/11 he remembered, probably because he has a son due to be born tomorrow. Until I read it, I had forgotten the sorrowful anniversary. I had had a particularly tough day.
By coincidence, the very next thing I did was to open up a recently received Here You Are children's book my talented and passionate friend Mayke Beckmann Briggs had self-published. Mayke, a mother of five kids is both the author and illustrator and both the illustrations and text are works f authentic beauty.
I had read Here You Are in draft form a couple years ago when her confidence was being eroded by a gaggle of self-important consultants who want her to change her magical book nto something that was more commercially acceptable, something that might have a cute pink bunny in it or whatever.
I urged her to ignore that advice, that the story she had written was unique and special. That is what she did. To the best of my recollection, the story and art she showed me then is what the book is now.
Here you are, asks a question that every child and most adults ponder--often without finding a suitable answer--"Where am I." Mayke gives a true and touching answer.
Yes, I want you to buy her book. Buy one for each of the kids in your life, I don't care what age they are. The book will work. Buy and extra for yourself as well. I'll stake whatever reputation chits I have with you that you will not regret your decision. You need paypal to buy online right now. But if you email me, I'll send you mailing information so you can buy by check.
Why is this day particularly appropriate to post this? because today is a good day to salute the beauty of life and of what is in a child's heart.
