I signed his copy of ‘The Tale of Despereaux’ and he said, “My teacher said fifth grade is the year of asking questions.”
“Really?” I said.
“Yeah,” he said. He took out a notebook. “Every day we’re supposed to ask someone different a good question and listen really good and then write down the answer when they’re done talking.”
“Oh,” I said, “I get it. I’m someone different. Okay, what’s your question?”
“My question is how do you get all that hope into your stories?”
“That’s not a good question,” I said. “That’s a great question. Let me think. Um. I guess that writing the story is an act of hope, and so even when I don’t feel hopeful, writing the story can lead me to hope. Does that make sense?”
“Yeah,” he said. He looked me in the eye. “It’s kind of a long answer. But I can write it all out. Thanks.”
He picked up his copy of Despereaux, and walked away—writing in his notebook.
This was years ago.
Why did I wake up this morning and think of this child?
Maybe because this is a time to start asking good questions, a time to write down the answers, a time to listen to each other really well.
I’m going to get myself a little spiral bound notebook.
I’m going to listen and hope.
-Kate DiCamillo – American author
That’s a brilliant post. Amber ❤🙏
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she is a brilliant author – thanks )
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Asking and listening lead to faith and hope. I need to listen more too. Happy Seeking Day.
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we all do, and my pleasure
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A wonderful story and sentiment to share! We could all do with a bit more listening.
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absolutely, and this is one of my favorite children’s books and authors
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This is simply MARVELLOUS and very inspiring. Thanks for sharing – and to let you know that I re-started carrying a little notebook in my rucksack. I gave it up when I didn’t carry a handbag any longer on me. A friend of mine here in Switzerland carries her little notebook and a pencil with her at all times. She observes, wonders, takes questions or puts questions in herself…. she’s much younger than me but (so goes the tale) ‘adopted’ me as her ‘other mother’ some 20yrs ago when we shared a bedroom at a hotel during a choral week and she told me everything about herself, her worries and her many, many questions. Until she told me that when we met the first time after our arrival in CH, I had completely forgotten the impact I had on her then – and now I took HER as the inspiring person and took up the little notebook.
Neat, ain’t it? 😉
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So cool, that connection!
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I now also would like to read this book – I like the drawing on the front cover too!
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You would love it!
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A glorious story Beth…
Lets hope our future generations
Keep asking important questions
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I hope so too
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A beautiful story.
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It is
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😍🥰
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Thanks for sharing. It’s beautiful.
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My pleasure
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it’s a wonderful exchange of ideas 🙂 you know what, Beth, I must start reading some children’s books again; it’s been too long; this is a timely reminder: this book, of course, and the one with Fern in it, Charlotte’s Web 🙂
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They are wonders and I’ve always been drawn to them
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Love this. Thanks for sharing, Beth.
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It was my pleasure
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Amazing share!
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Simple but powerful
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What an inspirational story. Thank you for sharing.
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My pleasure
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I haven’t heard of this author. This is powerful and inspiring. Loved waking up to it 🙂
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Fantastic approach, indeed. Thanks, Beth.
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I was thinking… I just read this very thing and was wracking my brain (then remembered it was on FB)… A worthy share!
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Wow. That was fantastic, Beth. What a great post.
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I love this story! The best part? “It’s kind of a long story!” From the mouth of babes!
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Yes! So funny
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This was lovely.
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❤️
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I used to carry a little notebook everywhere. I still have one in my truck. Now, when I’m out and have a moment to capture, I dictate into my phone. That stuff will find my journal in the mornings or the evenings. Yes, it bolsters hope.
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Wonderful plan
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Another great post! Listen and hope. Now there is a concept…
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A good one i think
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Love it!
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❤️
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Nice
Sent from my iPhone
>
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❤️
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Love this. And the book, too.
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me too!
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One of the best children’s authors on the planet.
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I so agree, Pete
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Love this Beth.
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She’s such an amazing writer and person
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On my reading list now.
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she’s children’s author, but her stories and messages are ageless. i think you’ll enjoy it
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Yes! I so get this. Writing/creating something that takes you where you want to be (emotionally, imaginitively, ect…). (And what a great question the child asked!)
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yes, to all of this –
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How gorgeous! How will we ever learn anything if we don’t ask questions and listen.
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that’s exactly right, Norah
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I read this on Kate’s FB page. Thank you for posting her wonderful words of hope and listening. She is the best author!! Have you read her new Stella book? And there’s a new one about Stella’s brother Frank coming out this summer. Happy Thanksgiving, Beth!
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I agree and I haven’t but plan to. Happy thanksgiving to you too!
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❤️
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What a beautiful story Beth! I learned 2 things from your post. Hope – well what said and a new way to make my kids start thinking, asking questions and listening. Thank you for sharing the story.
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both important –
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I love this! Very cool! ❤
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thanks –
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OH MY GOD! This is the best! The best! And I just saw it now 🙂 ha! Probably meant to be that I saw it now … you know right before New Year’s 🙂 the funny thing is my daughter finished reading this book last month and she loved it! This was after reading Flora & Ulysses 🙂
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excellent
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