Dazzled by the limelight

From a young age, children are naturally (and inadvertently) driven by ego and the unrestrained pursuit of all that interests them. They love to dance and sing and perform shows for any willing spectators! It's heartwarming and fun seeing kids filled with confidence and their uninhibited expression of themselves - we certainly don't want to dampen their enthusiasm . While it's a natural human desire to want to receive validation and praise, our role is to guide our children do this in a way that isn't detrimental to others.

The Gecko and the Echo, is another fantastic book in Rachel Bright and Jim Field's The Lion Inside series which follows a flamboyant gecko's journey of discovery from a self-assured singing reptile who thinks he has what it takes to be famous, to a kind gecko who is considerate of his neighbours and prioritises relationships ahead of fame.

Goldy the Gecko has always dreamed of being a star! From morning until night, Goldy sings loudly, incessantly and out of tune. Its all about The Goldy Show much to the annoyance of everyone else. Her island neighbours, are long suffering until one day Goldy lets out an enormous burp. That is the final straw. Goldy is banished and in her deflated state heads off to the Red River Canyon to seek a new, more appreciative audience. Goldy begins singing from a rock overlooking the canyon, only to hear "someone" singing in response. She is perturbed by the awful dissonant sound of the singing she hears. It's only when a wise butterfly informs Goldy that the sounds she's hearing is in fact an echo of her own singing, does Goldy feel remorseful for the suffering she has inflicted on her friends and family at home. On her return, Goldy changes her tune - she hums for the sleeping babies, she waltzes to the back of the queue and is considerate of others. She realised that friendship is more important than fame. If we allow others to have their turn to shine in the sun, the world is a brighter and happier place for everyone.

Title: The Gecko and the Echo

Author: Rachel Bright

Illustrator: Jim Field

What's to LOVE about this book:

• The vibrant illustrations are striking and larger than life. The tropical colours are fluorescent and bright - most fitting for the extravagant antics of Gold the gecko.

• Its meaningful but humorous and fun at the same time.

• Many children can relate to Goldy and her desire to be the star of the show!

• The use of animals to portray an important message.

• Find me a kid who doesn't giggle at burps and farts!

Favourite quote:

"Greatness - it's not WHAT you do, But HOW you are doing it... that matters too".

Messages:

• When we treat the world with love, love will come echoing back to us.

• Being self assured and confident are qualities to be celebrated, as long as they are not to the detriment of other people.

• Being mindful of others on this journey called life, is crucial to our successes.

• Our star shines brighter when we let others shine too.

If this book tickles your fancy, here is a link to buy it:

Hardcover: https://amzn.to/4iOl5cT

Paperback: https://amzn.to/3G4yHlG