What Can We Learn From The Classic Children's Book, Miss Rumphius?

When I first read the wonderful children's book, Miss Rumphius, by Barbara Clooney, back in the 1980's, I was enthralled with the story of the librarian, Alice Rumphius, who lives an exciting life: seeing the world, living by the sea and figuring out her way to make the world more beautiful. I loved discovering the beautiful lupine flowers she ultimately planted and spread throughout her seaside town. I even tried, though unsuccessfully, to grow them in my less hospitable Washington, DC garden.

I enthusiastically shared the story with my nursery school classes and eventually with my own children. Alice's third goal in life, to make the world more beautiful, became a mantra for our family. I remember my children using it as a screening device when choosing a famous person for their fifth-grade "traveling biography" project... did the person make the world a more beautiful place... physically or metaphorically?

I was thrilled recently when a copy of the book arrived in the mail for my granddaughter, Alma; a gift from my dear friend writer, Amy Dickinson. Alma wanted to read it immediately and, after doing so, wasted no time in acting out the story. She pretended to help her dolls choose books from her library, pretended to ride a camel, and finally to plant imaginary lupine seeds all around her apartment.

While I was excited to see her embrace the lovely adventures of the "lupine lady," I was even more pleased with the discussion of the stages of life that the book so effectively chronicles. Alma's questions about Alice when she was a little girl helping her artist grandfather, when she grew up and traveled the world, and finally, when she is elderly and bedridden - were often answered by looking at the the beautifully illustrated timeline of her life.

While understanding time and its passage, remains a sophisticated concept for young children, this charming tale lays out a foundation of the various stages of life in a concrete and beautiful way.

At this time of year, when we reflect on last year and look ahead to our goals for the new year, the book Miss Rumphius is an inspiring delight!