With each of my books, my dear husband Gary–with whom I have lived and loved for so long–has put his heart into the works. On my website, you will see what Gary has written for my first two books. Now, he has written for the recently published children’s book, The Little Mountain Goat Who Was Afraid of High Places. Here are his words:

“Goats are called “kids”—and we call our children “kids.” So, this is a book about “kids”–for kids, so is fully relatable.

The Little Mountain Goat Who Was Afraid of High Places will bring out many feelings as children read it, or hear the story read to them. Obviously, there are many books out there for kids to read that emote warm fuzzy feelings, books about cats and dogs and ducks and rabbits and chipmunks and horses and this list is endless.  I think of Baloo the bear in Jungle Book who sings ‘Look for the bare necessities, the simple bare necessities. Forget about your worries and your strife . . . Baloo says, “The bare necessities of life are ever present, all around for us to see.’

In The Little Mountain Goat Who Was Afraid of High Places, Sib cannot simply forget his worries about climbing and let go his hope for friends such as his twin brother enjoys. Yet, through the loving patience and teachings of mama and papa goat Sib eventually overcomes his worries and his strife.”

As I read Gary’s words, I realize afresh that it is within the family setting that we all learn much about what is important in order to do well in life. Sib, almost from his earliest days, learned “there is a God and I have everything I need to do that which I am supposed to do in this life.” For sure it is the loving support and training of parents that actually portrays what the Creator is all about.      

I remember a time, much earlier in life, when I had a major struggle with anxiety as an adult. I believe it was when my husband Gary sang the Baloo song, acting with some Baloo body movements that I turned a corner.

 From them on, my anxiety began loosening. I was getting well. The picture Gary formed for me, along with the “Bare Necessities” song, helped move me into a much better place.

Grownups need help, too. As adults, it is often a spouse who makes all the difference as to whether we live or die . . . and/or whether we succeed in life. My Gary has certainly done all of that for me.

While finishing my children’s book, I asked several friends to read it. Two of them used similar words to say the book had helped them see more clearly how to deal with something difficult in their lives.

Stories hold power! And, certainly songs! How many of us can still think back and recall the messages of The Jungle Book and Baloo’s song . . . created in 1967 for Walt Disney’s The Jungle Book,

Perhaps The Little Mountain Goat Who Was Afraid of High Places is apt to make a difference in the lives of children whose parents read the story to them.

Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith  www.healing-with-Joy.com

Lyrics from The Jungle Book
Composed by Terry Gilkyson
Performed by Phil Harris and Bruce Reitherman