I was recently asked to read our new Prince Nila picture book to some enthusiastic youngsters at Times Junior in the new Jewel shopping centre at Changi Airport.
There were thousands of people milling around and it was hard to concentrate but gradually the kids fell into STORY entrancement!
After this we noisily made storm noises, threw everything overboard from our sinking ship, including Prince Nila’s crown and all the children did very creative pictures. One very small child came up to me and waited patiently to tell me something. She whispered to me, “I can do the splits!”
I was honoured that she had shared this and told her how great this was and how I wished I could too!
Then we all did more messy painting and I autographed many books and was getting ready to pack up when I heard the same little girl calling, “Aunty Vicky!”
I went over to her and there she was, ignoring all the parents and children milling around and doing the splits!
I love the fact that she knew she could share this great feat with us and waited patiently for me to finish. This small child had hugged her special secret to herself but was DETERMINED to show me her newly mastered skill! It was my favourite moment of the afternoon!
This is one child who will never lose focus about what is important to HER! I love the single-minded focus and determination of small children! They can teach us a thing or two about sticking to the most important thing!
