There is too much hate in the world. Hate and anger and divisiveness. But then you read a book like Grandfather Gandhi, written by Bethany Hegedus and Arun Gandhi, and illustrated by Evan Turk, and you are reminded that beauty still exists in the world. Not only does beauty exist, but people try to harness it, hold on to it, and infuse the world around them with peace and goodness.
In Grandfather Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi is viewed through the unique lens of one of the book’s authors: his grandson, Arun. The story describes Gandhi as a loving and honored man, one who guides those in his village with a gentle hand and wise words. Arun and his family come to live in Gandhi’s service village, and though Arun adores his grandfather, he feels burdened by carrying the Gandhi name. How can he live up to his grandfather’s legacy? One day on the soccer field, a disagreement with another child sparks Arun’s anger, causing him to seek out his grandfather for advice. Their resulting conversation is tender, enlightening, and one that will resonate deeply with both children and the adults who read to them.
Grandfather Gandhi is a phenomenal book – the most special of stories – and such a fitting way to kick off All The Wonders’ #booksforbetter campaign. The message conveyed within the pages of this beautiful story is profound- yet it is delivered with such a masterful hand that it in no way feels forced or moralistic. To the contrary, it feels as gentle and wise as the man it is honoring. Grandfather Gandhi fittingly shines a light on peace, on how to channel your anger into light. In today’s seemingly broken world, this is the precise book that every child, everywhere, needs to be read. We all need to be reminded – or to learn for the first time – that anger can be used to make a change, and a positive change at that. We all need to be reminded to shine a light for our children.
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Read Grandfather Gandhi at your next story time. I have no doubt its message will lead you and your little ones on a journey to create a world where compassion and goodness are the virtues steering our hearts and guiding our days. Our children deserve nothing less. Thank you, Bethany and Arun, for such a beautiful and significant story.
Want the book? Get it here! Grandfather Gandhi, by Arun Gandhi and Bethany Hegedus. *This is an affiliate link.
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